West Wing of Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Kitchen

Check out the area

Insch, Scotland

Bennachie Centre15 min drive
Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle21 min drive
Castle Fraser26 min drive
Aberdeen (ABZ)40 min drive

The 7 of us stayed here to be in between Aberdeen and Inverness and it worked perfectly. The property is amazing…don’t m...

Kevin B.

Jul 1, 2023

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Forbes

1 Double Bed

Grand Luz

1 King Bed

Laird's

1 King Bed

Leith Gallery

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

Lumsden Nursery

2 Single Beds

Maitland

1 King Bed

6 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bathroom 7

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 8

Toilet

First floor shower room

Shower only

Gallery bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Gallery ensuite

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Jack and Jill ensuite

Bathtub or shower

Laird's ensuite

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Maitland ensuite

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

The West Wing of Lickleyhead Castle is a luxury, exclusive use accommodation venue. It is a Grade A listed historic building from the 16th century. It can accommodate up to 12 adults, 2 children and 3 dogs. Despite it's grandeur the castle feels very much like a home with the 4 working fireplaces and the overwhelming smell of woodsmoke which greets you as you climb the stone staircase. Outside, the sound of running water and abundant birdlife combine to provide an atmosphere of peace, calm and tranquility.

The space
Each of the bedrooms have been styled to reflect the period of former owner's of note. This includes our 16th century box bedroom which has proven to be a great favourite with our guests and the Victorian nursery on the very top floor. The castle grounds which are exciting to explore, extend to 11 acres, with 2 burns (streams), rope swings to discover, not to mention a ruined archway and a bird hide. We are also situated on the lower slopes of Bennachie which of course means plenty of wonderful walks from the doorstep.

Please note that the West Wing is not suitable for adult parties such as hen and stag parties. The entire castle can be booked for this purpose.

Property manager

Kathy Davies

Languages

French, Korean

Amenities

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Game room

Microwave

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Cashless transactions are available

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

Property Registration Number AS-00426-P

About the area

Insch

Located in Insch, this castle is in a rural area and in the mountains. Alford Valley Steam Railway and Haughton Country Park are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Forvie National Nature Reserve and Bennachie Centre. Travelling with kids? Consider Little Treasures and Dean's of Huntly.

Insch, Scotland

What's nearby

Bennachie Centre - 15 min drive
Haughton Country Park - 17 min drive
Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle - 21 min drive
Castle Fraser - 26 min drive
Union Square Shopping Centre - 38 min drive

Getting around

Insch Station - 14 min drive
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

Morgan McVeighs - 12 min drive
Kellockbank Country Emporium - 10 min drive
Great WALL - 16 min drive
The Alford Bistro - 16 min drive
Lil' C's - 8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is West Wing of Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle pet-friendly?

Yes, West Wing of Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at West Wing of Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at West Wing of Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is West Wing of Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle located?

Located in the mountains, this family-friendly castle is within 6 mi (10 km) of Insch Connection Museum, Insch Meadows Wildlife Area, and Insch Golf Club. Insch Library and Insch War Memorial Hospital are also within 6 miles (10 km).

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B.

1 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for kids and adults to live out their castle fantasies.

The 7 of us stayed here to be in between Aberdeen and Inverness and it worked perfectly. The property is amazing…don’t miss the rope swing for the kids. The trails were great to hike and run.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel B.

20 August 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical oasis

We stayed at Lickleyhead for a family reunion and rented the entire castle. It was like a fairytale. The castle is beautifully decorated, the grounds were wonderful to explore, and we had all the space and amenities we needed. It was absolutely lovely.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Kathy Davies

Katherine and Mark Davies bought the castle in 2019 and have spent the last 2 years comprehensively renovating the building. Mark works as a consultant for a Japanese company buiding off shore wind farms while Katherine mostly gets her hands dirty with keeping on top of the many jobs required in the upkeep of the castle with its 11 acres of grounds. They have four children, five grandchildren, two dogs and have lived in ten countries all over the world in the course of Mark's job. Eldest son James is the general manager of the castle business.

Why they chose this property

Lickleyhead Castle is truly magical. You will not regret your stay!

What makes this property unique

Up to six guests at a time can play golf for free at nearby 18 hole Insch Golf Club. Offer ends in June 2023. This is unlimited but rounds of golf must be booked in advance. The 7th guest and up only pays half price per round (£15). 50% discounts available at clubs affiliated with Insch in Aberdeenshire. Again, must be booked in advance. All guests (not just golfers) can also eat at the golf club (pub style food).