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Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle

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Photo gallery for Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle

An aerial view of a large, historic building surrounded by lush greenery.
Property video
A castle with a well-maintained lawn and stone stumps.
A library with bookshelves, a leather armchair, a rug, and a framed document on the wall.
A stone-walled room with a bed, a chandelier, a mirror, and a window with curtains.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking available
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Insch, Aberdeenshire
  • Place, Insch Connection Museum
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Insch Library
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Insch Meadows Wildlife Area
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Aberdeen (ABZ)
    ‪39 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Insch

This castle places you within a 10-minute drive of Insch Connection Museum and Insch Library. Guestrooms at this castle include kitchens, fireplaces, and patios.
View more Castles in InschOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Insch Connection Museum - 7 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Insch Library - 7 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Insch Meadows Wildlife Area - 7 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Bennachie Leisure Centre - 8 min drive - 4.6 miles
  • Bennachie Centre - 20 min drive - 11.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Old Post Office Tearoom - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Morgan McVeighs - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Alford Bistro - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Howe Pantry - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Sciamed - ‬16 min drive

About this property

Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle

Lickleyhead Castle is a luxury, exclusive use group accommodation venue. We now host weddings. Contact the management to find out more. Lickleyhead is a Grade A listed historic building from the 16th century. It can accommodate up to 16 adults, 2 children and 3 dogs. Despite it's grandeur the castle feels very much like a home with 2 working fireplaces. The smell of woodsmoke 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.

Each of the bedrooms have been styled to reflect the period of former owner's of note. This includes our 17th 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.

The whole building will be yours!
Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a kitchen, a washing machine, and 6.5 bathrooms. Housekeeping is available on request.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycles
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Games
  • Hot tub
  • Playground
  • Table tennis

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 6.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Washing machine

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

No outside guests or 3rd party caterers except by prior arrangement. Fees apply in these cases. Contact us to find out more.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs and cats only
  • 4 total pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Actively encouraging weddings, experienced hosts

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: Actively encouraging weddings, experienced hosts
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Property Registration Number AS-00426-P

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30.
  • Note from host: Actively encouraging weddings, experienced hosts
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead
Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle Insch
Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle Private vacation home

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do around this castle?

This castle is located in Insch, close to Bennachie Centre, Insch Connection Museum, and Haughton Country Park. You'll also find Insch Meadows Wildlife Area and Bennachie Leisure Centre within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle?

No, there isn't parking at this castle.

Is this castle associated with a casino?

No, this castle is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this castle?

No, this castle doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What do couples enjoy most about Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic castle include a fireplace, a smart TV, and a kitchen.

Does Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this castle.

Does this castle include breakfast service?

No, this castle doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this castle allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this castle.

Does Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle have connecting rooms available?

No, this castle doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this castle?

The closest major airport to this castle is Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), which is 23.2 mi away (41 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle?

Yes, every accommodation at Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle comes with a patio.

Historic Fairytale Lickleyhead Castle Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed your stay - such a special place!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Maria M.

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

Fun with Friends at Lickleyhead

A group of friends had a shared dream of a Scottish Stay with whisky tours and Highland games. Lickleyhead Castle exceeded our expectations. James and Kathy were extremely accommodating and helpful in fulfilling our dream!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James G.

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

Best Place I’ve Ever Stayed

Truly a magical experience! And we may have had an encounter with the Green Lady! The rooms were all lovely and it was difficult to pick which one I wanted. We held a murder mystery event on the evening of my birthday through Red Herring Events and it was fantastic!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

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

Whisky and golf base camp

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Lickleyhead! We started our stay with some extras arranged with the help of James: archery, a catered banquet, and a whisky tasting. The setting for each was perfect. We mainly used the place as a base for other activities. In retrospect, it would have been better to leave more time to enjoy the castle and explore the grounds. There were 10 of us, which seemed like a good number for the space. Everything was well equipped and clean. As you would expect in a structure hundreds of years old, water pressure in the lower floor bathrooms is much better than the top floors. But this was more than offset by the character and charm of all of the bedrooms. Our main hangout area was the great hall, which had a massive fireplace. There were plenty of other places to relax; we just didn’t use them. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022