Luxury Scottish Castle Rental in Royal Deeside - Exclusive Use Castle Sleeping 16

Bedrooms: 8 Sleeps: 16 Bathroom: 9 Pets welcome

Stay in a magnificent medieval castle in the heart of Aberdeenshire, once visited by royalty and Hollywood stars. Set within 11 acres of private gardens and woodland, this exclusive-use Highland retreat is perfect for holidays, intimate weddings and special celebrations. Enjoy walks from the doorstep, nearby golf, fishing, hiking and whisky distilleries, with Insch Golf Club just two miles away. Available for exclusive castle hire or individual wing rentals, only 23 miles from Aberdeen Airport. Private hot tub with views across the castle grounds.

Lickleyhead Castle, Premnay, Aberdeenshire

Dating back to the 16th century, Lickleyhead Castle is a Grade A listed fairytale castle set within a spectacular woodland estate in Royal Deeside, close to the Cairngorms National Park. Despite its grandeur, the castle feels wonderfully warm and welcoming, with five working fireplaces, ancient stone staircases and the comforting scent of woodsmoke throughout.

Lickleyhead Castle was the childhood home of actress Rose Leslie of Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey fame.

Surrounded by woodland, wildlife and the sound of rushing water, this is a place to truly switch off. Roe deer, red squirrels and countless birds are regular visitors, while the rare capercaillie can sometimes be heard in the surrounding forest.

The castle backs directly onto Bennachie, offering exceptional walking straight from the door. Nearby you’ll find golf, fishing, cycling, whisky distillery tours, skiing at Glenshee and The Lecht, beautiful sandy beaches and historic attractions including Fyvie Castle and Glen Garioch Distillery.

Whether exploring the Highlands, relaxing beside the fire, or enjoying local pubs and restaurants nearby, Lickleyhead Castle offers an unforgettable Scottish castle escape in one of the country’s most beautiful settings. Perfect for family gatherings, milestone birthdays, walking holidays, golfing weekends, whisky tours, intimate weddings and unforgettable escapes with friends.

Why stay in a hotel when you can have an entire historic Scottish castle to yourselves? Lickleyhead Castle offers exclusive use private castle rental accommodation for up to 16 guests, combining medieval character, roaring fires, woodland walks, hot tub evenings and unforgettable Highland experiences in one extraordinary setting.

Exclusive use medieval Scottish castle
Sleeps up to 16 guests
Bedrooms - 8 unique historic bedrooms
(5 king size bed, 1 Queen bed, 1 Double bed, 3 single beds)
Private hot tub & woodland estate
9 Bathrooms with bath
Private Chapel in castle
May be used as a wedding venue for up to 30 guests
Games room, three usable fireplaces, a grand piano, a pool table, a library
Private hot tub with views across the castle grounds
Oven
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Microwave
Coffee machine
Smart TV
Free WiFi
Wood fires and full central heating
Travel cot and high chair on request
Large garden
Ample parking for 15 cars
Dog friendly, pets very welcome
Short breaks welcome

Aberdeen airport - 23 miles
Aberdeen station 30 mins
Inverurie railway station 10 miles
Perfect for celebrations & group escapes
The village of Auchleven nearby has a primary school, pub and village hall.
Insch supermarket - Co-op, restaurant and cafes - 2 miles
There are takeaway places in nearby Insch.
Rainbow is a Chinese takeaway which is better than average.
Indian restaurant called Cafe Mint based out of the Commercial pub.
There are takeaway places in Inverurie
Spice of Life- Delicious Indian restaurant in Inverurie
High Street Fish Bar Inverurie- Best fish and chips you are likely to ever eat.
Lots of golf courses in the area
Insch Golf Club - 4km
E-bike rental
Mountain biking
Fishing
Great walking and cycling from the doorstep
Superb birdwatching
Skiing
Golf
Castles, historic houses, gardens
Distilleries - on the Deeside and Speysdie Whisky trail
Wildlife all around
Unique Castle Experiences - mini Highland games, falconry, roleplay game inspired by The Traitors

Accommodation:

Lickleyhead Castle can accommodate up to 16 adults and 3 dogs

Lickleyhead Castle comfortably sleeps up to 16 guests and welcomes up to 3 dogs, making it ideal for family gatherings, celebrations and unforgettable group escapes.

Beautifully furnished throughout, the castle blends historic character with modern comfort. Each of the eight bedrooms has been individually designed to reflect a different period in the castle’s history, from the enchanting Victorian nursery to the atmospheric 16th-century box bedroom. Highlights include the magnificent Laird’s Room with its hand-carved Queen Anne four-poster bed and the much-loved Forbes Room with its traditional box bed.

Downstairs, the large farmhouse kitchen is fully equipped for everything from relaxed breakfasts to celebratory feasts. Guests can gather in two striking living spaces: an intimate panelled sitting room with wood burner, and the grand hall with its enormous open fire — the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the Highlands.

The castle also features a games room with pool table, table tennis, darts board, board games and children’s toys, along with a private chapel, multiple bathrooms and charming historic rooms to discover throughout the property.

Outside, the 11-acre grounds are filled with woodland paths, streams, rope swings, wildlife and beautiful views towards Bennachie. A large patio with outdoor seating and BBQ makes the most of long Highland evenings.

Guests enjoy walking directly from the castle door, while golf, skiing, fishing, whisky distilleries and sandy Aberdeenshire beaches are all within easy reach. Catering and special experiences, including falconry demonstrations, can sometimes be arranged directly with the owners.

Whether for a special celebration, walking holiday or magical Highland escape, Lickleyhead Castle offers a truly unforgettable stay in one of Scotland’s most unique historic homes.

Location & Practical Information

Lickleyhead Castle enjoys a peaceful setting in the heart of Aberdeenshire, just 35 miles from Aberdeen Airport, making it easily accessible while still feeling wonderfully secluded. The nearby village of Auchleven has a local pub and village hall, while the town of Insch, only two miles away, offers supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and everyday essentials.

The castle is available to rent throughout the year for holidays, short breaks, celebrations and special occasions. Flexible changeover days are available, with check-in from 4pm and departure by 10am.

Your stay includes heating, electricity, towels, bed linen and complimentary toiletries, along with tea, coffee and fresh milk on arrival. The fully equipped kitchen includes a coffee machine with pods provided.

On arrival, your host James will personally welcome you with a guided tour of the castle, sharing stories of the fascinating characters, families and history woven through its centuries-old halls.

With eight unique bedrooms, nine bathrooms, beautiful reception rooms and extensive private grounds, Lickleyhead Castle offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Scottish castle living in complete comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lickleyhead Castle located?

Lickleyhead Castle is located in Aberdeenshire, close to Insch and Auchleven, with easy access to Royal Deeside, Bennachie and the Cairngorms.

How many guests can Lickleyhead Castle accommodate?

Lickleyhead Castle can accommodate up to 16 adults across eight bedrooms.

Is Lickleyhead Castle pet friendly?

Yes, Lickleyhead Castle welcomes up to 3 dogs.

Can I rent the whole castle exclusively?

Yes, guests can rent the entire castle for exclusive use. Individual wings may also be available for smaller stays.

Is Lickleyhead Castle suitable for weddings or celebrations?

Yes, the castle is available for intimate weddings, private parties and special celebrations for up to 30 guests.

What facilities are included?

The castle includes eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a large kitchen, dishwasher, oven, multiple sitting rooms, five working fireplaces, a games room, chapel, WiFi, towels, bed linen and toiletries.

Are there walks from the castle?

Yes, there are walks directly from the castle grounds. The property sits on the lower slopes of Bennachie, with woodland trails and scenic routes nearby.

What can guests do nearby?

Guests can enjoy walking, hiking, golf, fishing, cycling, whisky distillery tours, skiing in winter, historic castles, sandy beaches, local pubs and restaurants.

How far is Lickleyhead Castle from Aberdeen Airport?

Aberdeen Airport is approximately 35 miles from Lickleyhead Castle.

Are shops and pubs nearby?

Yes. Auchleven has a local pub, and Insch, around two miles away, has supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and everyday essentials.

Is heating and electricity included?

Yes, heating and electricity are included in the rental.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 4pm and departure is by 10am. Changeover days may be flexible.

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Lickleyhead Castle, Premnay, Insch AB52 6PN. Scotland.

At a glance:
Exclusive use medieval Scottish castle
Sleeps up to 16 guests
Private hot tub & woodland estate
Eight unique historic bedrooms
Five working fireplaces
Dog friendly
Ideal for celebrations & group stays
Walking directly onto Bennachie
Skiing, golf & whisky trails nearby
Just 35 miles from Aberdeen Airport