With its show-stopping scenery and unique heritage, Scotland lends itself well to road trips. The 12 officially designed national tourist routes also offer an easy way to take in the best of this vast country and a quiet one too – all avoid main roads and motorways. In this post, we focus on one of the best Scottish road trips in the east: the Fife Coastal Route.

Our castles and large holiday houses are perfect for groups of families. That’s why, this Spring, we’ve put together our favourite pick of family friendly activities across the UK. There’s bound to be something here for everyone!

While Scotland might be classed as a pint-sized country, it packs a surprising lot in within its borders. It’s home to picture-postcard after picture-postcard of the world’s finest scenery, stunning towns and cities as well as a long list of historic monuments. Seeing all the best in one trip is at the very least something of a challenge. But a good way to take in the top highlights is to go on a Scottish road trip.

Whether you take the high road or the low, seeing this bonnie land from behind the wheel makes for a great holiday. We’ve put together a list of 10 compelling reasons why seeing Scotland from the road is an absolute must.

The spring equinox officially marks the arrival of spring in the astrologers calendar. And it’s followed a few days later by the clocks springing forward. Enter stage left British Summer Time. Hurrah! With the daffs in full bloom and the bluebells on their way, lambing in full swing and Easter looming, farm stays and spring breaks are on the cards.

The UK is famous for its royal castles and palaces, used by reigning monarchs and members of their family. Some date back centuries while others are more modern residences. They all attract thousands of tourists, keen to get a glimpse of what royal life is really like. This year, one of the most famous royal castles steps into the limelight when Prince Harry marries American actress Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on 19 May 2018.

But Windsor is just one of the royal castles and palaces in the UK. In this post, we take a look at the four most famous. All used by the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, as homes. They form an essential part of British history and enclose a world of fascinating facts within their four walls.

As spring threatens to burst into technicolour bloom, we’re riding the tide of joy with the addition of these four fabulous castle rentals to our portfolio for 2018. All comfortable homes away from home, they bring an stand-out contribution to the fold and are all strikingly individual. Fancy a stay in a castle with the clan this year? Let us take you on a tour of these large holiday homes in Scotland to help sow that seed a little further.

Four new castle rentals in Scotland for 2018

Pop Art Country House, Kingdom of Fife

As Netflix’s compelling drama series The Crown returned to the (small) screen in December 2017, viewers continued their journey into the lavish life of Queen Elizabeth II during her early reign.

Now, The Queen can stay in a castle whenever she likes. The rest of us most likely have to rent a castle to have any hope of getting close. And that’s where we come in.

With stunning backdrops of picturesque gardens, beautiful interiors and even a few corgis making the cut, we’ve put together our very own list of luxurious castles that will make even the most modest individuals feel like they’ve been transported to The Crown’s estates.  

Best places to stay in a castle in 2018

Castle with History, Kilmarnock

If the walls of this castle could talk, they’d be reminiscing over Oliver Cromwell’s era. With more than 350 years of history, this authentic castle is located in the beautiful Ayrshire countryside, providing stately accommodation for up to 14 royal wannabees. A vaulted entrance hall, impressive staircase and a stunning exterior represent a nod to bygone times. While the king and queen of the family staying in this castle will be dazzled by the stain glass windows in the master suite. A guided historical tour of the property can also be arranged.

From £2,025/week, sleeping up to 14.

Closeburn Castle, Dumfries

Reputed to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland, this imposing building looks like it has been plucked straight out of Windsor. Originally owned by the Kirkpatrick family way back in 1232, Closeburn Castle has managed to survive for centuries and remains within a branch of the family to this day. Inside, the elegant living area is filled with armorial and family heirlooms, while four cosy bedrooms provide a comfortable night’s sleep.

From £720/week, sleeping up to 9.  

Castle by Arbroath, Arbroath

A beautiful 16th century building, we’re sure you’ll be able to spot the distinctive pepperpot turret feature as you drive in. Set in a fairytale location and surrounded by almost 10 acres of land, this castle features gun-loops, shot-holes and even a vaulted entrance, while outside a wooden barrel hot-tub represents more modern comforts. Nearby Arbroath is the knight in shining armour when it comes to essentials, where a selection of pubs, shops and restaurants can be found.

From £1,900/week, sleeping up to 16.  

Dollarbeg Castle Apartment, near Dollar

Restored and converted into a number of impressive apartments, a section of this Scottish baronial style castle offers stylish living for two couples or a small group. Set within three acres of communal grounds, the property is also within easy reach of the stunning cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow – shop ‘til you drop!

From £490/week, sleeping 4.

Wonderful Heritage Castle, Inverurie

Forget Cromwell, the core of this castle can even remember Richard The Lionheart’s reign of England. Originally built during the 12th century with later additions, this castle has retained its authenticity while welcoming modern comforts and furnishings. Think family portraits adorning walls, marble fireplaces and even a library where locked bookcases are full of leather bound novels of centuries past.

From £10,500/week, sleeping up to 16.

Romantic Scottish Castle, Aberdeenshire

Voted one of the ten best castles in Britain by The Independent, this charming 16th century castle is located in the centre of Banffshire. Beautifully furnished with an eclectic collection of art and antiques, the property benefits from a selection of reception rooms, a chapel and a stunning great hall that is complete with a distinctive painted ceiling. An infinity pool caters for those who fancy a dip, while an external pavilion can be used to host drinks parties. Nearby, a tour of the local Banffshire Whisky Distillery is a must for those who love a tipple.

From £2,500/week, sleeping 14.

Sixteenth Century Castle, Selkirk

With its fair share of historical drama, this castle has been fully modernised to provide luxurious accommodation inside its ‘blast from the past’ walls. A network of bedrooms, entertainment rooms and snugs are joined together by original turnpike stairs, while a tipple at the bar in the living area is sure to go down a treat. Upstairs, four spacious bedrooms are split over four floors, with each featuring technologically advanced DUX beds. There will be a struggle to get up in the morning!

From £1,900/week, sleeping up to 12.

Luxury Scottish Castle, Alyth

Standing at the head of a glen, this is what you’d call a stereotypical Scottish castle. Destroyed in 1640 and rebuilt to its former glory in 1990, the property is now refurbished with immaculate style and taste. Think four poster beds, inglenook fireplaces and turnpike stairs, while relaxing in the great hall is a real treat. Don’t forget to look up, you’ll find the tale of the castle represented in the magnificent painted ceiling. How many other places have that?

From £4,500/week, sleeping 12.

Unique Luxury Castle, Duns

Not quite Richard The Lionheart territory, but being built during 1350 is some feat. David II was King of the Scots during this time, although he wouldn’t have experienced some of the modern furnishings that now adorn this castle. Toes are kept toasty by underfloor heating, while internet access and modern accessories including a coffee maker and wine cooler. When you can stay in a castle this close to Edinburgh, you’re practically at Holyrood!

From £7,000/week, sleeping 10.

You don’t have to gather a large group of friends to stay in a castle. Some of these listed here sleep as little as four guests. So why don’t you make someone’s dream come true in 2018 and give them a regal retreat.

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Unless you’re bound by school holidays and have to go away in high season it’s well worth thinking about taking a break in the quieter months. Shoulder season getaways offer a long list of advantages. Not only do you have the chance to save money on accommodation but you can enjoy fewer crowds, reasonable weather and the most glorious times of the year.

Shoulder season generally describes the spring and autumn, both seasons with lots of advantages to the UK holidaymaker. If you’re thinking of booking a self-catering break between April and June or from September to early November but aren’t quite convinced, read on.

Shoulder season self-catering savings

Holiday let owners often find the spring and autumn booking calendars a challenge to fill, particularly outside bank holiday weekends. They’re therefore keen to offer guests savings on high-season prices. Shop around and compare what’s being offered – look for a discount for late bookings, more nights’ accommodation for a lower price or 4 nights for the price of 3, for example. Expect to pay in the region of 30% less for a shoulder season booking than you would for one in high season.

Shoulder season weather

We all know that good weather in the UK is never a given, but at least in the spring and autumn you can count on it being warmer and sunnier than the winter. Snow lasts on the highest peaks in the Scottish Highlands into late May, but temperatures are usually pleasant. You can also expect less rain (at least statistically!) than the summer. (Did you know August is one of the wettest months in Scotland?) And autumn generally brings sunshine and temperatures warm enough to be out and about without all those winter layers.

Oh, and spring and autumn are non-midge season, a major plus if you’re planning to go out and about in the Scottish countryside while you’re on holiday.

Fewer crowds in shoulder season

Few families can get away during spring and autumn, automatically bringing the crowds down. Expect far fewer queues at attractions – think the Royal Mile in Edinburgh without the hoards or Glencoe without a crowded car park; imagine quieter beaches – you’ll probably have many of the best in Scotland all to yourselves; and easier reservations at the best restaurants – go mid-week and you might even get a table on the hoof!

Longer days

Shoulder season comes with extra hours. The daylight literally lasts all day and almost all night in mid-June in most of Scotland, but even in April and May, there are plenty of daylight hours. The same applies to September and October when, although the nights do start to draw in, you’re still got more than enough daylight to make the most of sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Spring flowers

Not for nothing is spring one of the best seasons of the year in UK. Most of the country is carpeted in wild flowers and bulbs. The oceans of spring flowers in the Trossachs are a national highlight and of course, you’ll be enjoying them almost on your own. The many fine city gardens – the Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh and Glasgow, for example – come into their own in the spring when cherry trees take centre stage alongside the bulbs. The same applies to the ornamental gardens in Scotland’s many stately homes and castles.

Autumn colours

Autumn when the trees show off their autumnal foliage is just as pretty as spring. Late October to mid-November is the best time to see Scottish woods and forest in their annual glory. Those in Perthshire, known as Big Tree Country, are particularly magnificent but you’ll get treated to displays of red, orange and gold wherever you travel in the autumn.

Autumn is also a good time to see the best of Scottish wildlife. Don’t miss the deer rutting, particularly among red deer stags who use their giant antlers to fight for favours among the does. The Forestry Commission runs events so you can see the autumn action as close up as possible.

Shoulder season feasts

Spring and autumn also herald some of the best foodie times of the year. Spring comes with some of the season’s best vegetables and the autumn brings several delights for meat eaters. Scottish game is in its prime as is Scottish lamb in October and many restaurants showcase them in their seasonal menus.

Shoulder season events

While July, August and Christmas are traditionally the biggest months for events, there’s also plenty going on in the spring and autumn. And again, you’ll be without the biggest crowds. Highlights in Scotland include the start of the Highland Games season in May until late September. Check the calendar for a festival of dancing, bagpipes and of course, tossing the caber. 

May is also World Whisky Month when Scotland’s ‘water of life’ takes to the stage. World Whisky Day takes places on the third Saturday in May, but the long list of events happen throughout the month giving you more than enough opportunities to enjoy a wee dram (or several).

One of the best autumn events take place in Faskally Woods in Pitlochry. The Enchanted Forest has grown into one of the area’s most popular events and gets busy at weekends. But because you’re enjoying a shoulder season break you can go mid-week and make the most of the light and sound festival without the crowds!

As you can see, booking a shoulder season break comes with a whole lot of advantages. We hope we’ve convinced you of why you too should take a holiday in the spring and/or autumn. We have? Then all you need to do now is book your accommodation! 

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Detox doesn’t have to be the buzz word of January alone. We all need a little pamper time every now and then, whether that’s going the whole hog with a spa day or simply submerging into a hot tub with a glass of our favourite tipple surrounded by our favourite people. Enter stage left this selection of large holiday homes with hot tubs. You won’t need another list.

So take a dip or dive in to the idea of a long weekend away with friends. Perhaps you’re planning a multigenerational family holiday this year or next. Maybe there’s a special birthday celebration or anniversary on the cards. You could even be planning a wedding. The added extra of a hot tub in your holiday home of choice will doubtless excite your fellow guests too.

10 large holiday homes with hot tubs

Large Country House, Paignton

For those who want to escape to the seaside in luxury, this large country house with hot tub in South Devon is ideal for groups of up to 10 guests. Think sleek granites, buttermilk tiles and sweeping windows that are complemented by warm blues, mauves and cream finishes. Five spacious bedrooms each include their own stand-out features, while the living area is blessed with a beckoning fireplace, HD TV and a large marble dining table. Of course, the indoor high-spec timber hot tub is worth a dip too, bedecked with exotic plants and a plush bar area calling you to your next tipple.

Pretty Big Cottage, Ilfracombe

Spacious, contemporary and located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Devon, this sizeable cottages will provide hours of view-gazing across the surrounding landscape. An expansive open plan kitchen, dining and living space are perfect for large group entertaining, while bi-fold doors open out onto a beautiful raised patio. Don’t forget your cozzies, the 6 seater hot tub is the perfect place to chill out and get away from the stresses of everyday life.

Well Appointed Group Retreat, Coniston

Set alongside a meandering stream and in a spectacular area of the Lake District, this really is a nature-lover’s paradise. Surrounded by almost 7 acres of unspoilt natural grounds containing woodland glades, grass openings and a large wildlife pond, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into your very own Alice in Wonderland tea party. Inside, each of the four Feather & Black designed bedrooms wears a unique designer style with pride, while a jump into the whirlpool hot tub will make evenings all the sweeter.

Cosy Holiday Home, Ilfracombe

We bet you’ll love the far reaching views from this group holiday rental in North Devon. With the hot tub set in the perfect spot to take in the panoramic countryside and ocean landscape, we’re sure you’ll need no nudge to crack open a bottle and make a splash. Inside, luxury comes in the form of a 65” OLED curved 4D TV, even a Bluetooth mirror in the bathroom, while four sinfully comfortable bedrooms mean a few extra z’s will definitely be in order.

Welcoming Group Retreat, Tenterden

For something a bit different, these three stunning holiday homes in Kent are ideal for hosting those large family celebrations. Located in a truly idyllic location at the end of a country lane, kids (big and small!) will love the enclosed garden, and of course, the bubbling hot tub that it accompanies. Inside, the open plan living and dining space has more than enough room for dad dance moves, while the table tennis and table football tables await their new short-term champions.   

Beautiful Mansion House, Ullswater

Sleeping 20, this stunning estate, comprising magnificent Waterbook (sleeps 12) and The Great Barn (8 guests) is set within 26 acres. If a spectacular Lake District holiday retreat is what you’re looking for, take a moment to soak up this place. The grounds and half a mile of lake shoreline, feature a boathouse with jetty, spa and wellness retreat centre, hot tub, yoga terrace, cinema and even a helipad.

Beautiful Country House, Torrington

Living the life of kings or queens could come all too naturally at this beautiful country house – the perfect setting for a relaxing rural getaway. Two traditional living areas, an imposing kitchen and 9 comfortable bedrooms (some featuring four poster beds) mean that this large holiday home has space for everyone to shake off stress and enjoy themselves. Outside, the views from the shared swimming pool and private hot tub are stunning. Pure bliss.

Castle-esque Mansion, near Angle

Described by the acclaimed architect Pevsner as ‘eclectic colonial style’ and a ‘castellated mansion’, this recently renovated property can easily claim the title of the biggest house in Angle, Pembrokeshire. A traditional castle exterior with classy interior furnishings will certainly add some wow factor for you and your guests gathering for a special weekend away. As large holiday homes with hot tubs go, this one is pretty special. Aside from your swimmers for the hot tub, pack your black tie and posh frocks to celebrate in style around the large dining table after entering the party down the grand and ornate cast iron staircase. Kids meanwhile can fight for the title of ‘King of the Castle’ in the expansive garden.

Shorefront Holiday Home, Skelmorlie

Ever considered a nunnery for your large family holiday? Now you can! Tranquility and serenity abound. This shorefront holiday home is just a short walk to the Ayrshire coast. The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute are nearby, while inland there are walking paths, pretty gardens and magnificent castles. Don’t forget the binoculars for this one, the stunning coastal views from the hot tub are incredible, while a spot of pool in the games room is sure to keep all ages entertained.

Wonderful Family Retreat, Westward Ho!

Positioned on a hillside overlooking the popular beach resort of Westward Ho!, this large group holiday home offers stylish accommodation that will ensure a memorable stay for 8 guests. Think floor to ceiling windows, exposed wooden beams and a Juliet style balcony. Outside is the real pull here, where an enclosed patio includes a barbeque area, stylish bar and a hot tub, while an outdoor shower is perfect for cleaning off excess sand after a day at the beach.

Hot tubs are such a sought after feature of holiday rental properties nowadays, it’s an option on our search page to make it even easier to find one. Search more than 40 large holiday cottages with hot tubs right now.

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