GROUPS AT THIRLESTANE

LAUDER ●

ONE OF THE OLDEST AND FINEST INHABITED IN SCOTLAND

TOURS ● SPECIALIST GUIDES ● EXTENSIVE COLLECTIONS ● TEA ROOM ● BESPOKE CATERING

TAILORED ACTIVITIES ● GIFT SHOP ● WOODLAND WALKS ● ROSE GARDEN ● PICNIC AREA THE HISTORY OF THIRLESTANE Throughout its long history dating back over 400 years, Thirlestane Castle has belonged to the Maitland family, one of the most famous in Scotland. Through military service and their contribution to law and the arts, the Maitlands gained increasing influence and power. In 1586 John Maitland became Lord Chancellor of Scotland to King James VI, his elder brother had been Secretary to Mary Queen of Scots. John Maitland’s son, also John Maitland, was created 1st Earl of . “ Thank you for considering Thirlestane Castle for WHAT WE OFFER GROUPS CASTLE TOURS your next group visit. This beautiful castle has played • A friendly and flexible Our local, experienced and an important role in Scottish welcome for groups entertaining guides have a • Specialist tours wealth of knowledge about history and has also been • B espoke catering and the castle and really bring home for our family since private dining its fascinating history to the 16th century. As a • Dedicated dining space life. Please allow an hour charitable trust it is a for groups and a half to take in the challenge to maintain this • B eautiful grounds for walks ambience and learn the historic heritage site for • E xclusive use for groups on importance of one of the future generations and days the castle is closed oldest and finest castles we very much value your • Additional entertainment in Scotland. such as a jousting display support. We hope you will For larger groups or during can be arranged busy periods, we can operate enjoy a visit to Thirlestane • R efreshments for coach free flow tours. We also in the near future.” parties without entry to offer exclusive use of the SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS the castle (please pre-book) castle to groups, by prior • Special group rates We are happy to tailor arrangement, when the • P retty picnic area and tours to suit your group and castle is closed. children’s playground requirements, so let us know • Free coach and car parking So whatever the season, if you would like our guides • F ree entry and refreshments we look forward to to focus on the art, history, for coach driver and tour welcoming you. ancestry or other aspects guide of Thirlestane Castle.

Sarah & Edward Maitland-Carew Images (left) The Duke’s Bedroom, Dolls’ House in the Nurseries, Entrance Hall, (above) Portrait of the Duke of Lauderdale “ What a pleasant and interesting experience we had. I was really unprepared for what I found - especially the magnificent ceilings. The lunch was delicious and our guide was excellent. There was a personal warmth in the interactions we had with every single member of the team.”

ART & ARCHITECTURE TOURS

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS EVENTS CALENDAR • T he splendour of the Visit our website to find out State Drawing Room about the exciting events • E xquisite 17th century that take place at Thirlestane Dunsterfield gold-gilded Castle including the annual plasterwork ceilings Borders Historic Motoring •  One of the most extensive family portrait collections Extravaganza in June, which in Scotland, representing attracts over 7,000 visitors. the work of famous artists CATERING We can organise group entry for our events. such as Romney, Reynolds, A trip to Thirlestane Castle Lawrence and Lely isn’t complete without some • The room where Bonnie refreshments. Groups can either Prince Charlie stayed enjoy a drink, sandwich and ACTIVITIES • T he Duke’s Bedroom with irresistible treat in our cosy Tea Thirlestane Castle has a fine four poster bed Room or we have a dedicated • The oak-panelled Library dining space for groups in our links with several activity with its thick defensive rustic Victorian Kitchen. We providers. Your group could walls can also arrange unique private try archery or whisky tasting. •  Fascinating historic dining experiences in one of We can also arrange a toy collection our magnificent State Rooms. jousting or falconry display.

Images (left) State Dining Room, (above) State Drawing Room, The Small Library OPENING DATES ACCESS Photography AND TIMES Thirlestane has ramp

access to the ground floor. © Phil Wilkinson May to Late September The State Rooms are Tweedbank (groups welcome outside only accessible by stairs. these dates) Wheelchair accessible Sunday to Thursday toilets are located near 10.00am to 4.00pm the main entrance. If you require further information, please get in touch. RATES Our group rate is £8.00 per person (usually £9.50 PARKING for admission). This There is free coach and LOCATION BY ROAD includes a guided tour of car parking at Thirlestane Thirlestane Castle Just 35 minutes south the castle, entry to our Castle. Coaches are is very conveniently of Edinburgh and easily grounds, dedicated dining welcome to drop off located at the gateway accessible just off the space in the Victorian and pick up at the main to the Highlands and A68 at . Kitchen, woodland walks, entrance. Edinburgh. The castle Postcode for SatNav: picnic area and gift shop. is located in the pretty TD2 6RU HOW TO BOOK town of Lauder, known EXCLUSIVE TOURS We are always happy to for its stylish shops and BY RAIL Private group tours tailor your visit to suit art gallery. There are Catch the Waverley when the castle is closed your group’s requirements, other fascinating historic Line from Edinburgh to are available March to so please get in touch. properties nearby in Tweedbank or Stow. We November priced £14.50 T: +44 (0)1578 722430 this exquisite part of can assist with coach per person (minimum E: enquiries@ southern Scotland. transfers. 20 in group). thirlestanecastle.co.uk

Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland TD2 6RU T: +44 (0)1578 722430 E: [email protected] www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk FACEBOOK LIKE US twitter FOLLOW US Thirlestane Castle is owned and operated by The Thirlestane Castle Trust (Scottish Charity Number SC011491)