Autumn Readers Retreat at Esk Castle
Explore the Venue
About This Retreat
Escape to Esk Castle for a three-night reading retreat in one of Scotland's most storied estates. Set within 7,000 acres of parkland between the Angus Glens and the coast, this 15th-century castle has been home to the Carnegie family for over six centuries.
Stay in either the historic Macduff Tower — with its four-poster bedrooms, log fire, and panoramic park views — or the elegant Lauderdale Apartment, featuring three spacious double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a large family kitchen.
From the moment you arrive, we want you to feel truly welcome and at ease. While the heart of our retreats lies in bringing together a community of reading enthusiasts and creating opportunities to connect, there is absolutely no pressure to participate beyond what feels right for you.
Whether you choose to join conversations and shared activities, or simply retreat to a quiet corner with your book, the experience is entirely yours to shape. We understand that sometimes the greatest luxury is uninterrupted time to read — and our venues offer ample peaceful, private spaces where you can fully immerse yourself in a story at your own pace.
To help you truly switch off, we provide full catering throughout your stay — from breakfast to dinner — along with snacks and drinks available during the day. Room service is offered at selected times and can be requested for a small fee via our website once you’ve checked in.
Speaking of our website: every aspect of your retreat can be booked and managed online. Before you arrive, you’ll be able to connect with fellow guests, explore optional activities, and reach out to our concierge team with any questions or special requests. Once checked in, the platform also gives you access to additional services, ensuring everything you need is just a few clicks away.
All guests will receive a welcome gift and have access to our mobile library carefully curated for any taste. Our on-site host will ensure you have a pleasant stay and is there to help with any queries you might have.
What's Included
- Breakfast every morning
- Unlimited tea, coffee, water, juices and soft drinks
- Unlimited snacks
- Dinner every evening
- Light lunch (sandwiches, soup, salad)
- Welcome drinks
- Goody bag
- Concierge service
- Themed nights (i.e. candlelight reading sessions)
- Optional excursions and activities
- Access to our exclusive community
Your Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Arrive at Esk Castle any time from 18:00. Your host will welcome you and guide you to your room and around the venue.
Grazing Dinner
On the first night of the retreat we traditionally serve grazing platters, finger food and other buffet-style food to accommodate the various arrival times of our guests.
Welcome Drinks
Gather in the tower for a glass of fizz and introductions.
Silent Reading
You are welcome to explore the castle and stay up reading in the public areas as long as you like. We kindly ask to keep noise to a minimum during this period.
Breakfast
Continental and cooked breakfast is served between 8am and 10am. Planning on spending the day out, leaving early? We can provide packed food - please contact our team ahead of time.
Open Reading Time
There's no activities available during this time. Enjoy a late lie in, a stroll through the vast estate or some quality reading time.
Lunch
Our light lunch options are available during this time.
Afternoon Tea
[Optional Extra] See extra section for details for afternoon tea being served today.
Open Reading Time
There's no activities available during this time. Enjoy a late lie in, a stroll through the vast estate or some quality reading time.
Dinner
Three course dinner served as including in the catering. Menu will be confirmed closer to the retreat.
Mocktails & Vibes
Tonight's theme is "mocktails and vibes" - enjoy soft lounge music and specially curated mocktails throughout the public lounge and reading areas.
Silent Reading
You are welcome to explore the castle and stay up reading in the public areas as long as you like. We kindly ask to keep noise to a minimum during this period.
Breakfast
Continental and cooked breakfast is served between 8am and 10am. Planning on spending the day out, leaving early? We can provide packed food - please contact our team ahead of time.
Open Reading Time
There's no activities available during this time. Enjoy a late lie in, a stroll through the vast estate or some quality reading time.
Lunch
Our light lunch options are available during this time.
Excursion to House of Dun
[Optional Extra] Please see extras section for details.
Dinner
Three course dinner served as including in the catering. Menu will be confirmed closer to the retreat.
Theme Night (TBC)
Tonight's theme is yet to be confirmed, but no worries, we are busy planning a fun night for everyone!
Silent Reading
You are welcome to explore the castle and stay up reading in the public areas as long as you like. We kindly ask to keep noise to a minimum during this period.
Breakfast
Continental and cooked breakfast is served between 6am and 8am. Planning on spending the day out, leaving early? We can provide packed food - please contact our team ahead of time.
Checkout
We kindly ask that all guests check out by 10am. We hope to see you again soon!
Choose Your Room
"Red" Double Room
Double Room- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £297.50
- Aug 2026 £297.50
- Sep 2026 £297.50
- Oct 2026 £297.50
- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £223.75
- Aug 2026 £223.75
- Sep 2026 £223.75
- Oct 2026 £223.75
"Light Green" Double Room
Double Room- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £297.50
- Aug 2026 £297.50
- Sep 2026 £297.50
- Oct 2026 £297.50
- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £223.75
- Aug 2026 £223.75
- Sep 2026 £223.75
- Oct 2026 £223.75
"Green" Twin Room
Twin Room- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £297.50
- Aug 2026 £297.50
- Sep 2026 £297.50
- Oct 2026 £297.50
- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £223.75
- Aug 2026 £223.75
- Sep 2026 £223.75
- Oct 2026 £223.75
4-Poster Suite
Double RoomFeatures a 4-poster double bed, separate bathroom with a shower.
- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £322.50
- Aug 2026 £322.50
- Sep 2026 £322.50
- Oct 2026 £322.50
- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £248.75
- Aug 2026 £248.75
- Sep 2026 £248.75
- Oct 2026 £248.75
"Yellow" Double Room
Double Room- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £297.50
- Aug 2026 £297.50
- Sep 2026 £297.50
- Oct 2026 £297.50
- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £223.75
- Aug 2026 £223.75
- Sep 2026 £223.75
- Oct 2026 £223.75
"Flowers" Double Room
Double Room- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £297.50
- Aug 2026 £297.50
- Sep 2026 £297.50
- Oct 2026 £297.50
- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £223.75
- Aug 2026 £223.75
- Sep 2026 £223.75
- Oct 2026 £223.75
"Yellow" Twin Room
Twin Room- Deposit due now £200.00
- Jul 2026 £297.50
- Aug 2026 £297.50
- Sep 2026 £297.50
- Oct 2026 £297.50
Catering
We are pleased to accommodate dietary requirements, including vegan and vegetarian options, and we provide dairy alternatives for tea and coffee as standard.
Breakfast is typically served between 8:00am and 10:00am and features a continental-style buffet alongside a selection of cooked items such as bacon, sausages, and eggs.
Light lunch is available from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and usually includes a daily-changing selection of wraps, sandwiches, and soups.
Dinner is served between 6:00pm and 8:00pm and is generally a three-course meal. The full menu will be confirmed approximately two to three weeks prior to the retreat, allowing you to look forward to what’s being served.
Extras
Extra Night (Early Arrival)
Join us at the retreat venue a day earlier. When booking this extra your stay starts 1st October 2026 - any time from 6pm. Please note that the extra night is self-catering (dinner and breakfast next morning not included) and a little different, as we'll be busy setting up the venue of the main event. Enjoy the venue before anyone else and get some extra reading time in!
Dining - Classic Afternoon Tea
[Day 2] Available as an additional add-on this time around, a classic afternoon tea experience served directly at our venue, Esk Castle, featuring fresh scones, sweet treats, finger sandwiches and free-flowing tea and coffee.
Excursion - House of Dun
[Day 3] Join us on an excursion to House of Dun, an extraordinary Georgian house, featuring baroque extravagance and spectacular plasterwork just a short drive away from Esk Castle. The price includes admission and transport to/from the venue. Access via guided tour only, which will be specifically provided for our group.
The Venue
Esk Castle
Perthshire
Discover the allure of Esk Castle, a magnificent 15th-century Scottish castle surrounded by breathtaking parkland and rich history. The estate has been home to the Carnegie family, now Dukes of Fife,...
Amenities
Venue Location
Esk Castle Estate, between Brechin and Montrose, Angus DD9 7XX
Quick Info
- Dates
- 02 Oct — 05 Oct 2026
- Duration
- 3 nights
- Max Guests
- 16
- Deposit
- £200
- Catering
- Full board included