Private Party Venue & Private Events
Winton Castle is the ultimate private party venue provided on an exclusive use basis, all yours for the duration of your celebration!
Conveniently located just outside Edinburgh in East Lothian, the castle is easily accessed from Scotland’s motorway network and Edinburgh International Airport.
The anticipation builds as guests sweep down the drive, see the immaculate castle through the trees, to be welcomed by the red carpet and a piper, flanked by the friendly Winton team.
Guests are greeted by the burning fires in the entrance hall and Octagon which lead into five awe-inspiring, interconnecting reception rooms. The layout makes it easy for guests to flow from room to room, from drinks reception, to dinner and dancing or party games.
Winton Castle is perfect for private parties, family celebrations, special birthday parties and anniversaries for up to 120 guests. Much larger parties can be hosted in a marquee on the croquet lawn or in the Walled Garden.
We’ll plan and host your private party, whether you’re looking to have a lunch, barbecue or private dinner. Our award-winning chefs serve delicious, freshly prepared Scottish cuisine using the finest local ingredients.
Tailored Private Parties in Scottish Renaissance Grandeur
From the Renaissance-inspired drawing room to the original 15th century vaulted cellar, Winton Castle has inspiring rooms to suit every celebration:
- the drawing room and King Charles room with their intricate plaster ceilings;
- the intimate cabinet room;
- the Georgian dining room and ballroom overlooking the croquet lawn;
- the stunning Octagon Hall revealing the 15th century castle walls.
A variety of entertainment can be laid on too, from bagpipers to pianists, clarsachs to ceilidhs, and jazz duos to fireworks. We can also set up wine and Champagne or whisky tastings, or outdoor activities like clay pigeon shooting, falconry or a mini highland games.
Special Birthday Parties
Winton Castle has hosted many special birthday parties, from thirtieths and fiftieths, to seventieths and ninetieths! Every birthday party is specially crafted to exceed your needs and expectations.
From classic black-tie dinners and kilt-swirling ceilidhs, to BBQs and DJ discos, our enthusiastic events team will conjure up whatever birthday party you want.
We Value our Environment – Relax in Nature
Events here make the most of our wonderful countryside and wildlife. Winton puts the environment at the heart of everything and has taken a responsible, sustainable approach for many decades. We’ve held a Gold Green Tourism Business Award (GTBS) for over 10 years and won a VIBES Award for our local sourcing, waste-cutting, recycling and biodiversity. See more on Winton’s Eco and Sustainability Awards and ethos.
Winton’s Walled Garden is a relaxed, sheltered, outdoor party venue, glorious with colour whatever the season. And the elegant, manicured Terraced Gardens offer dramatic views of the Castle and Sir David’s Loch.
Castle Tours for Parties of Over 20 Visitors
At Winton we don’t throw in references to Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie just because they are Scottish celebrities, but because the Setons who originally built Winton were their friends and associates.
Winton Castle is open throughout the year for guided tours by appointment only for parties of 20 or more visitors. We can provide refreshments with tea and home-made scones, or wine and a finger buffet, or a picnic lunch. Private tours of Winton Castle take about 1.5 hours (3 to 4 hours with tea, lunch or a picnic). Otherwise, visit us on our open day in the spring.
Funeral Wake & Reception Venue for Celebrations of Life
We can welcome your family and friends to Winton Castle to meet, share your stories, remember and celebrate the life of your departed loved one.
With our beautiful rooms adorned with Canalettos and Van Dykes and our open log fires, you can relax knowing that we will provide the perfect place to say goodbye in peace and comfort. Please be aware that we have full disabled access to all public areas.
Winton Castle Visits & Virtual Tours
You can visit Winton in person or arrange a guided, virtual, 3D-Tour over Zoom and talk through the plans for your party. Call or email us to book your tour.