Retreat from endless browsing to a secluded 16th century castle on a Scottish shoreline for a weekend escape.
Get ready for a unique experience as Saddell Castle, a 16th-century castle nestled by the beach in Kintyre, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, opens its doors for public visits on the 20th and 21st of September 2025. This special event is part of the Landmark Trust's 60th anniversary celebration, which also manages Saddell Castle and other nearby properties.
The castle, priced at just over £20 per person, per night for groups of eight, welcomes both humans and their canine companions. During these open days, visitors can explore Saddell Castle along with five other Landmark properties at Saddell Bay, including Saddell Lodge, Saddell House, Ferryman's Cottage, Cul-na-Shee, and Shore Cottage. While pre-booking tickets is preferred, walk-ins are also welcome.
Saddell Castle, a Category A-listed building, underwent extensive repair works starting from August, which included masonry repairs to the exterior, reharling in a gauged hot lime mortar, roofing works, and the addition of bathrooms. The castle's interior features a removable flooring inside the front door, which can be used for booby-trapping purposes, adding an extra touch of adventure.
The castle's picturesque location on a promontory in Saddell Bay offers a stunning view of the Kilbrannan Sound and the Isle of Arran. The wildlife around Saddell Castle includes seals, and the tide can be observed coming in and out, along with Antony Gormley's sculpture, GRIP IV, on the nearby rocks.
Outside of these open days, Saddell Castle is primarily available for private stays rather than daily public tours. Lotte Brundle, the Digital Writer for the platform, is responsible for bringing you updates about these special occasions and more. Lotte, who joined the team in 2025 after working as a sub-editor for The Times and The Sunday Times, and covering Paul Mescal at The Fence, writes about exquisite houses, the beauty of nature, and tips for enhancing life quality.
If you're seeking a digital detox, Saddell Castle offers a perfect escape, with weak to no mobile signal. For more information about staying at Saddell Castle, visit The Landmark Trust's website. The castle's rich history, including its use by the Bishop of Argyll in 1508, and the nearby ancient ruins of a medieval abbey, full of headstones and effigies dating back to the 1300s and 1400s, make it a must-visit destination.
Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time and explore Saddell Castle. Booking in advance for these days is recommended to secure entry. We look forward to seeing you there!
Experience a blend of history and modern comfort as you explore Saddell Castle, a 16th-century gem, during the Landmark Trust's home-and-garden and travel event on the 20th and 21st of September 2025. Along with Saddell Castle, visit five other properties in Saddell Bay to get a taste of a unique lifestyle.
