The celebrity edition of The Traitors is back on screens, with a new batch of famous faces entering a Scottish castle for a game of deception, suspicion and backstabbing. Among the celebrities taking part are familiar names from television, music and entertainment, including Miranda Hart, Michael Sheen, Maya Jama and James Blunt, all hoping to outwit fellow contestants and reach the end without being banished or murdered.
As viewers settle in to watch the drama unfold, many will be dreaming of experiencing a little of the show's castle-life luxury for themselves. The popular programme is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, and the magnificent baronial residence has become a star in its own right, thanks to its brooding atmosphere and rich historical character.
Airlie Castle offers a Traitors-style retreat
While Ardross Castle does not offer overnight stays, those yearning to feel like the Lord or Lady of the estate can enjoy comparable splendour at Airlie Castle, a historic dwelling nestled within the sprawling 30,000-acre Airlie Estate in Angus. Accommodating up to 14 guests, the fortress combines period elegance with contemporary amenities, offering a majestic setting for a seasonal retreat.
Built in the 18th century to replace an earlier building, parts of the original structure remain, adding further layers of heritage and character to the residence. Today, the castle boasts an impressive collection of grand reception rooms, manicured gardens, terraces and lawns, giving guests plenty of space to soak up the picturesque surroundings and enjoy a taste of aristocratic living.
Period features and modern comforts
On the inside, visitors will discover vaulted ceilings, authentic period details and numerous communal spaces for enjoying precious moments together. The ground level features a games room with table tennis and an entertainment system, a billiards room with an open fireplace, and a spacious kitchen fitted with a four-oven Aga for genuine Scottish banquets with companions.
On the first floor, a drawing room, a formal dining room that can accommodate 14 guests, and a library filled with vintage books provide the perfect spaces for relaxation. The second and third floors house seven bedrooms, including a master bedroom complete with a four-poster bed and en-suite bathroom, an emperor bedroom, a king-size bedroom with an en-suite, and several additional rooms suitable for singles and children.
Externally, the property boasts a walled garden featuring a terrace, lawns, formal hedges and garden furniture. Recreational amenities include a tennis court, a children's play area, a croquet lawn and a football goal, with ample parking available on-site.
Nearby attractions and guest reviews
Situated near the towns of Kirriemuir and Carnoustie, visitors can enjoy crisp autumn walks, cosy coffee shops, and pubs with welcoming open fireplaces. The historic town of St Andrews, located 32 miles away, offers the ruins of its cathedral and castle, medieval streets, beaches, a harbour, and a bustling town centre filled with shops, cafes and restaurants.
For larger groups of seasonal explorers, Port An Eilean near Pitlochry can accommodate up to 25 guests. Nestled amongst rolling hills and a pristine loch, this towered property features a grand hall leading to a lounge, library and dining room with open fires, as well as elegant bedrooms offering incredible views.
For a more intimate cottage atmosphere, The Bothy in Kirriemuir offers a romantic hideaway boasting five-star reviews. Tucked away on the fringes of the Cairngorms National Park, this cottage is reached through a labyrinth of twisting country lanes surrounded by stunning scenery, ideal for those seeking to flee urban life.
If sturdy oak beams and large windows appeal to you, Glen Cruick is a traditional stone cottage renovated to an exceptionally high standard. With sufficient room to accommodate up to six guests, the cottage is enveloped by breathtaking views, just a few miles from the entrance to the Angus Glen.
Airlie Castle can be reserved through Holiday Cottages. Visitors who have already enjoyed the distinctive castle experience have shared their thoughts online.
One guest said: "We had an amazing stay at Airlie Castle. The property and its location are of outstanding beauty, perched on a hill on a river-bend, far from any traffic, surrounded by beautiful nature. The castle is well equipped, the rooms are comfy, lots of fireplaces to have a cosy time. We can only recommend this unique place and will definitely look into coming back."
Another added: "We had a lovely time. The property was amazing, and we loved our time in the castle."
One guest did raise a slight concern, observing "I'm not sure it mentions in the description that this property is not the most accessibility-friendly as there are steps either up or down to the entrance doors and the bedrooms start two floors above the kitchen"
The same visitor continued: "The house and grounds were very picturesque and probably what you'd expect from a period property. Can't fault the staff for being really welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. Good spaces for little kids and big kids to play on the lower ground floors. Good for peace and quiet."
