On a scorching weekend in June 2018 the world’s media descended on Meikle Wartle. This otherwise peaceful spot of rural Aberdeenshire was playing host to a Game of Thrones wedding. The temporary yet glaring media spotlight honed in on Wardhill Castle.
Sometimes the average Scottish holiday cottage just won’t do. When you’re getting all the children (and their children) together for a holiday. When you’re organising a reunion for a group of old friends. Or when you and your nearest and dearest are gathering for that special birthday or anniversary. For all these occasions, you need a selection of large holiday homes in Scotland.
Award winning, private, luxurious, sleeps 20
This is where we step in. We know where to find the best selection and value for money. We can source you the perfect quirky, historically interesting, uber-modern or just family-friendly group accommodation in Scotland. Thinking big so all of you have the space you need is our speciality. And to give you some pointers, here are ten things to think about when you’re choosing big Scottish holiday homes.
Once your guest list runs past six, you know the average holiday house just isn’t going to cut it. Even if the ad promises extra beds and convertible sofas, what about the bathrooms? The accommodation might sleep ten, but with only two showers, your dream holiday could soon turn sour.
Hugely popular, 18th century, royal visitors, sleeps 24
So, you need to find a house that’s big enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. But finding a self-catering holiday home in Scotland for a large group that ticks all your boxes (including your budget) might seem a little daunting. No worries – Scotts Castle Holidays offers an eclectic range to suit your criteria. From basic but comfortable to luxury accommodation, from stylish and elegant mansions to rugged and magnificent self-catering castles, we can find a big house with everything you need for your stay.
A fundamental part of any holiday preparation is thinking about what sort of accommodation you need. Have a chat with your group to gather ideas for a ‘must have’ list and a ‘nice to have’ list. The ‘must have’ list should include:
The ‘nice to have list’ might include:
Large holiday homes come with amazing kitchens
No two large holiday homes in Scotland come with the same configuration. When you’re looking at candidates for your holiday, check the bathroom to bedroom ratio (especially if there are teens in your party!). Find out if the beds are twin, double or bunk – if there are zip-lock beds don’t forget to let the owner know if you want them single or double.
Another thing to bear in mind is that big properties have several floors and that access may be via multiple staircases, not ideal for elderly or very young guests. Take a look at the number of reception rooms and check there’ll be enough sofas and seats at the dining table for when you’re all together. And for a touch of luxury, see if there’s a billiards or snooker room – large mansion and castle rentals in Scotland often include one.
This amazing house sleeping 24 comes with games room, cinema room and gym
The great thing about Scottish large holiday homes is that their size often includes separate accommodation. Some members in your party might be arriving later than the main group. Or you might have some guests who would prefer not to be part of the full melee 24/7. That’s why we offer a number of properties with separate estate cottages or lodges for rental.
One of the best things about our Scottish collection is that they give you the chance to enjoy some of those luxuries most of us don’t have at home. How does a holiday let with a swimming pool sound? Or what about a hot tub?
Sit in comfort and soak up hte view
If gardens and grounds are your thing, our long list of big holiday houses comes with plenty. If there’s anyone for tennis, many of our listings have private courts.
As well as treating your guests to a luxury or two, you’ll all want a wow factor. And this is where our listings come into their own. Our Scottish holiday lets offer amazing views, four-poster beds, open fires, turnpike stairs and grand pianos. If you fancy your holiday home in Scotland with a dash of history, we’ve got suits of armour, vaulted ceilings, ancient castle walls, ghost stories and more…
Vaulted ceilings and grand pianos
But don’t think it’s just about history, traditional features and antiques. Far from it – our large holiday homes in Scotland come with central heating and modern fittings in kitchens and bathrooms. And for your guests who simply cannot lose touch with the virtual world, most have WiFi.
Chances are that your Scotland holiday will include a special celebration. You might need a particularly spacious dining room (some Scottish country homes come with banqueting rooms!). Or a large area for a ceilidh (a Great Hall perhaps?). Or beautifully manicured grounds for the perfect garden party. Let us know if this is the case and we can source the right holiday let for your group. Owners may be able to help you with catering services including private chefs and additional housekeeping, and recommend local services for entertainment during the event.
Sleeps 36 in luxury
If you or your guests just can’t be without your pets on your Scottish holiday, check that you’re opting for pet friendly accommodation too. The good news is that a good number of our listings do allow dogs – and there’s more than enough room for them!
One of the biggest attractions in Scotland is its scenery and natural surroundings. This is a country offering big, wide open spaces, perfect for exploring when you’re on holiday. And this getting out and about can be as active as you like.
Glencoe
Many of our large holiday homes in Scotland are within easy reach of great hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, skiing… As the world’s home of golf, Scotland has over 550 courses spread across the country, some of them at championship standards, so you’ll never be far away from a round or two.
If a sporting holiday isn’t your thing, Scotland also offers plenty to do. Book your special occasion near one of the Whisky Trails, like The Malt Whisky Trail. With over 50 distilleries open to visitors, you’re certainly spoilt for choice on where to enjoy a wee dram or two! Or plan some visits to Scottish castles and historic homes. If you’re a city lover, choose your large holiday home near Edinburgh or Glasgow to discover the best of Scottish urban life.
A holiday is all about relaxing and that includes the preparations. So, make things as easy as possible and ask us. We’re here to help you find just the right holiday house for your party and plans. Contact us to find out how we can help you have the best break ever!
As one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations, Scotland offers a wide choice of places to stay. From budget campsites to high end hotels with just about everything in between. But what if there are lots of you going and you all want to stay in the same place? Group accommodation in Scotland is easily your best bet. Read on to discover why this option makes every bit of sense for your next holiday.
Whatever your reason for the holiday – a reunion, special occasion, family birthday or just because – being all together under the same roof will make it that much better. You could, of course, all stay at a hotel, but choosing group accommodation in Scotland will take the experience to another level.
Think of the lazy breakfasts, long lunches and evening meals, all at the same table. No rush to do anything or move on for anyone. Hours of play or just relaxing in the gardens together. Plus, the fun of deciding who gets which room or bagging the best for you because you arranged the booking.
How about…? A Victorian fishing lodge fit for 16. Take a look…
Victorian Fishing Lodge, near Fort William
There are plenty of lovely options for self-catering, but if you choose group accommodation in Scotland you open the door to some extra special venues. Think historic homes, regal estates and best of all, charming castles. Imagine you (all) being king and queen of your very own castle, complete with all the legend and magic that Scottish castles simply ooze.
Turrets, great halls, lofty towers, minstrels’ galleries… all with their very own history, that’s so often dark and dashing in Scotland. And in the lap of luxury because the best castle stays really do provide accommodation fit for kings. Think four-posters, roll-top baths, antiques galore and maybe your very own croquet ground.
How about…? A ‘Game of Thrones’ medieval castle for 14. Take a look…
Historic Medieval Castle, near Largs
Group accommodation in Scotland always comes big on space. Large houses and castles easily cater for the hoards with room left over. You will all be able to sit at the same table and settle down in front of one big roaring fire. There’ll also be space for the children to hang out and on their own.
And importantly, because even the closest families can jar sometimes, you’ll be able get away from everyone. Take your pick from cosy sitting rooms, reading nooks or private arbours in the gardens where anyone can have a bit of down time.
How about…? A luxury Baronial castle for all 36 of you. See what we mean about space? Take a look…
Luxury Baronial Castle, in Dumfries and Galloway
As well as being special, accommodation options for large groups in Scotland gives you the chance to stay at somewhere unusual. How often do you get the opportunity to lord it in a medieval castle? Enjoy your own private woodlands and loch shoreline? Sleep in a room once used by the British royal family? And best of all, you’ll be the only ones there.
How about…? A luxury round house with plenty of room for 10. Take a look…
Luxury Round House, near St Andrews
Renowned for its stunning scenery, Scotland comes at its best when you get off the beaten track and into the far-reaching countryside. Choosing a large group holiday in Scotland gives you another perspective on this beautiful country. Enjoy panoramic views over lofty mountains, ancient woodland, mysterious lochs and unspoilt coastline, from your very own holiday retreat. And all to yourself.
How about…? A loch-side mansion (complete with indoor pool) on Argyll’s secret coast with space galore for 16. Take a look…
Indoor Pool Holiday House, near Tighnabruiach
And now you know why large group breaks in Scotland are such a great idea it’s time to book! Take a long look at our selection of Scottish castles and stately homes, all suitable for groups and perfect for a holiday you’ll all remember. https://www.scottscastles.com/group-accommodation/scotland.html
With an abundance of natural resources, both surf and turf, Scotland boasts a long list of foodie treats. The autumn heralds a particularly bumper harvest making September the perfect time for short breaks in Scotland with a foodie twist.
To give you some inspiration, in this article we look at the Scottish restaurants with the world’s highest culinary accolade, a Michelin star. And to round off your short break, we suggest large holiday homes in Scotland, with room for everyone, however much they’ve eaten!
Next up in our series of road trips around Scotland, we go to one of the country’s most spectacular natural spots and discover its highest mountains. But the Deeside Tourist Route isn’t just about height – this Scottish road trip includes picturesque scenery along two lush rivers, a good dose of castles and one big granite cauldron. The 108-mile route (174km) offers plenty to do for all the family as it travels from the market town of Perth to the great city of Aberdeen.
GREAT SCOTTISH ROAD TRIPS – THE CLYDE VALLEY ROUTE
The next route in our series of great Scottish road trips follows one of the country’s most emblematic rivers, the Clyde. This is one of the shortest designated road trips in Scotland. With just 38 miles (61km) the Clyde Valley Route makes an easy day out. But while it’s short, it’s also sweet and showcases plenty of stunning countryside with rolling hills and lush woodlands accompanying you almost all the way.
The Edinburgh International Festival is ample proof that no other city does festivals quite like Edinburgh. The Scottish capital hosts no less than nine big festival events throughout the year and showcases the best of the world’s talent from literary to jazz, from art to military and from dance to stand-up comedy. You name the art form and Edinburgh has an event celebrating it.
GREAT SCOTTISH ROAD TRIPS – THE BORDERS HISTORIC ROUTE
Next up in our road trip around Scotland, we go as far south as you can to explore the stunning Borders Historic Route. Less rugged and remote than other Scottish road trips, this one is nevertheless packed to the brim with stunning scenery and offers plenty to do along the way. Join us as we travel along 89 miles (143km) of lovely Scottish countryside through the Borders.
Next in our guide to the best Scottish road trips, we head for the rugged western coast and follow Scotland’s lochs and islands between Loch Lomond and Fort William. Known as the Argyll Coastal Route, this road trip covers 129 miles (208km) – one of the longest Scottish road trips – with almost all of them hugging shorelines.
For anyone who’s a fan of arts and culture the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime. The 3-week long bonanza of theatre, performance, comedy, circus, music and dance celebrates the world’s up-and-coming artists. The event also showcases the magnificent city of Edinburgh, transforming it into one vibrant, buzzing stage during August. Read our guide to this amazing event…
