The Traitors on BBC One has returned for its third season, and viewers all across Scotland are once again hooked.
The series, presented by Claudia Winkleman, sees 25 contestants move into a Scots castle hoping to take home a massive cash prize. In the show, partipants are grouped into either ‘Traitors’ or ‘Faithful’ and must outsmart and outmanoeuvre each other in order to avoid being sent home.
The Traitors takes place at the magnificent Ardross Castle, located approximately 25 miles out of Inverness. Dating back to the 1800s, the castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is set in stunning grounds.
While watching the new episodes of The Traitors, you may have been wondering whether Ardross Castle is available to book for a fancy staycation. Unfortunately individual rooms cannot be rented out, and the only way you can stay at the castle is if you hire out the entire building for a hefty price tag.
Luckily, there are plenty of other castles around Scotland that you actually can stay in to live out your Traitors fantasy. From South Ayrshire to Aberdeenshire, these grand properties give you the opportunity to live like royalty — if only for a night.
Read on for a roundup of some of the castles around Scotland that are similar to The Traitors’ Ardross Castle you can stay in.
Glenapp Castle, South Ayrshire
Bearing a strong resemblance to Ardross Castle, Glenapp Castle is a five-star luxury castle hotel nestled in the idyllic Ayrshire countryside. The award-winning hotel has previously featured on fellow BBC series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.
Glenapp Castle is home to 17 “meticulously designed” bedroom suites of various sizes and styles. Meanwhile, the hotel is also a top spot for fine dining, having been awarded three AA Rosettes, while its newly launched Azalea venue offers a unique informal setting for private dining.
More information can be found on the Glenapp Castle website.
Thornton Castle, Aberdeenshire
Thornton Castle is a traditional family-run estate situated the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, amidst the peaceful foothills of the Highlands and the Cairngorm National Park. The fortress, parts of which date back to 1531, operates a bed and breakfast in the dramatic tower at the centre of the estate.
While The Tower is full of original features, it has been extensively improved for modern living. The main guest accommodation, found on the second floor of the L-shaped structure, features a super-king sized bed and cosy sitting room with a TV.
More information can be found on the Thornton Castle website.
Kilbryde Castle, Stirling
Home of the Campbell family since the 17th century, Kilbryde Castle is nestled on the side of a spectacular gorge. Its fabulous gardens were created later in the 1970s by Sir Colin and Lady Campbell, and continue to be among its most beautiful features.
Kilbryde Castle is home to seven double bedrooms, while nearby cottages on the estate can also be rented out. Catering is either done by the owners or caterers can be brought in, with meals served in the lovely Dining Room.
More information can be found on the Kilbryde Castle website.
Scone Palace, Perth and Kinross
This Category A-listed historic house located near the quaint village of Scone is the ancestral home of Earls of Mansfield. The present building dates back to the early 19th century, and is open to the public as luxury five-star accommodation.
Scone Palace’s “beautifully appointed” Balvaird Wing features three opulent en-suite bedrooms, while visitors can also enjoy an exclusive dining experience as well. Guests can eat a tailor-made menu either in the historic house’s Private Wing Dining Room or in its State Dining Room.
More information can be found on the Scone Palace website.
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