With its dramatic Scottish Baronial turrets, sprawling grounds, and moody Highland atmosphere, Ardross Castle has become one of television’s most recognizable locations. Serving as the primary backdrop for both the UK and US versions of the hit reality show The Traitors, the estate has captured the imagination of viewers worldwide.
Whether you are hoping to plan a dream Highland wedding or walk the grand halls where faithfuls and traitors plot, here is everything you need to know about visiting and booking Ardross Castle.
Can You Tour or Visit Ardross Castle?
The short answer is no, you cannot visit Ardross Castle as an individual tourist or hotel guest.
Ardross Castle is a private estate available strictly for exclusive-use hire. It does not operate as a public hotel, nor does it open its doors for daily tours, walk-ins, or individual room bookings.
Fun TV Fact: Even the contestants on The Traitors don’t actually sleep in the castle’s bedrooms! While missions and roundtables take place inside Ardross, the participants are driven roughly 30 to 40 minutes away each night to stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport. The scenes showing contestants in bedrooms or bathrooms are filmed in separate production setups.
If you want to step foot inside the castle or explore its 100+ acres of formal gardens and parkland along the River Alness, you must either book the entire venue for a private event or be invited as a guest.
Can You Get Married at The Traitors Castle?
Yes, you can get married at Ardross Castle.
The estate is available for exclusive wedding hire, offering couples a completely customizable backdrop without pre-packaged templates. Rather than offering standardized packages, Ardross Castle operates on a bespoke model where you rent the specific sections of the castle and grounds required for your celebration.
What the Wedding Hire Includes
- Guest Accommodation: Exclusive wedding hire includes two nights of accommodation for up to 41 guests (typically the night before and the night of the ceremony). Additional nights can be requested subject to availability.
- Flexibility: You have total control over the layout, design, and flow of your ceremony and wedding breakfast.
- Essential Items Provided: The castle supplies tables and chairs for both the ceremony and the formal meal.
Important Booking Details
Because Ardross Castle is a private hire property rather than an all-inclusive hotel venue, couples must manage external vendors:
- Dry Hire Basis: The venue is provided “as is.” Couples must hire external caterers, bar services, flatware, tableware, glassware, and temporary kitchen setups.
- Off-Site Guest Housing: While up to 41 close family and friends can stay on-site, additional guests will need to book accommodation nearby or in Inverness.
Location, Access, and Transport
Situated in Ross-shire, just north of Inverness, Ardross Castle combines Highland isolation with practical event logistics:
| Attribute | Details |
| Location | Ross-shire, Scottish Highlands (North of Inverness) |
| Nearest Airport | Inverness Airport (approx. 30–40 minutes away) |
| Parking & Logistics | Ample on-site parking and large vehicle access |
| Helicopter Access | Designated landing space on the main lawns |
| Production Facilities | Dedicated space in the historic Stable Block |
Whether you are planning a high-profile corporate event, a film shoot, or a wedding, Ardross Castle offers a historic Highland setting with absolute privacy.
The Celebrity Traitors starts Thursday 1 October, 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Continuing Thursdays and Fridays.
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