Crossbasket Castle

Crossbasket Castle’s history goes all the way back to 1440, when Alexander Lindsay took over the land and built the first version of the castle. It started as a straightforward stronghold, but the family expanded it over time. In the 1500s, they added a tall tower house on a rocky crag, and the family used it as a dower house. Things went downhill in the 1600s when Alexander blew his money on a reckless lifestyle, racking up debts so large that he eventually had to sell the estate. After that, the castle changed hands many times.

In 1709, it belonged to Thomas Peter, the Dean of the Guild of Glasgow. Later, in 1818, Charles Macintosh, inventor of waterproof fabric, bought it. Through the 1800s and early 1900s, the castle was owned by a mix of wealthy families, businessmen, land agents, and people connected to the East India Company. By the mid-twentieth century, James Little transferred the estate to the J. Little Trust, and the castle began a completely different chapter. It became a children’s home, later a further education center, and then a religious center. The building wore down heavily through the years.

Everything turned around in 2011 when Alison and Steven Timoney found the castle in rough shape. They rebuilt damaged stonework, restored old wood and fireplaces, and brought back hidden details with traditional craft. After years of careful work, the castle reopened as a warm and luxurious historic hideaway.

Today, Crossbasket Castle stands restored as a luxurious historic retreat, recognized for its excellence with an AA Inspectors’ Choice 5 Red Stars Award (2023–2024) and named Condé Nast Johansens 2026 Best Recently Renovated Hotel.

Crossbasket Castle has been brought back to life, keeping many of its 17th-century features while turning it into one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotels. Inside, you’ll find deep, soft fabrics, antique furniture, and period windows that show off its history. You can gaze out over the quiet gardens or head to one of the private lodges dotted around the estate for more privacy, still close enough to the castle’s facilities.

Alison Timoney, who, along with her husband Steven, rescued the castle from near ruin in 2011, wanted to blend its historic roots with a 1920s Art Deco vibe, giving the interiors a sense of glamour and style. She teamed up with Glasgow’s OCCA design studio and Denholm Partnership to bring her vision to life, combining the castle’s story with modern luxury. The new 40-room hotel extension follows the same design language as the castle, fitting beautifully into the South Lanarkshire landscape, with elegant suites, stunning rooms, and a show-stopping events space.

Every detail celebrates the castle’s past while feeling fresh. Velvet, brass, and textured fabrics add warmth, and the architecture respects the land and history, giving each area its own personality. For ease and accessibility, the hotel also includes an elevator, allergy-free rooms, and facilities for disabled guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy its luxury and heritage. It’s a perfect mix of old and new, letting you really feel the soul of Crossbasket Castle.

At Crossbasket Castle, dining isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Whether you’re after a relaxed breakfast, a leisurely lunch, indulgent afternoon tea, or an evening full of live music and glamour, there’s something for every mood. The distinctive dining spaces offer their own vibe, with menus developed under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.

Foveran’s

Foveran’s is a palm court-style dining space with large windows that open onto the castle gardens, creating a bright and peaceful atmosphere. The layout is designed for a relaxed pace, with flexible seating that works well for individuals, couples, or small groups. With natural light and thoughtfully prepared dishes, it provides a calm setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner within the castle.

Opening hours:
Lunch: Daily - 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Dinner: Mondays and Tuesdays - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Sunday Lunch

Sunday Lunch is served weekly in both Trocadero’s and the Palm Court at Foveran’s. The menu features traditional dishes prepared with a fine-dining approach, making it suitable for both casual and slightly more formal dining. Live music from acclaimed artists accompanies the meal, adding an engaging element to the experience. Guests can choose a two-course option at £35 (USD 46.24) per person or a three-course option at £49 (USD 64.73) per person.

Opening hours:
Sundays - 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is served daily and includes finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes, and pastries. The setting accommodates families, small groups, or individuals, providing a calm and relaxed environment. Visitors can choose from a selection of teas or add a glass of champagne for a special touch. Options include the standard Afternoon Tea at £39 (USD 51.52) or the Champagne Afternoon Tea at £55 (USD 72.66).

Crossbasket Castle offers several ceremony spaces, each with its own character. The castle holds a wedding licence, so both civil and religious ceremonies can take place on site. Florists and musicians can be brought in to shape the atmosphere, and the existing décor, paintings, and antiques add a naturally romantic setting without much effort.

For very small and intimate weddings, the 16th-century Lindsay Tower Suite is available. It spreads across four floors connected by a spiral staircase and can accommodate the couple and up to five guests. Larger parties can use the gold-leafed Baillie Room, the Stewart Room with its bay window overlooking the gardens, or the James Little Hall, depending on the group size.

Those planning a big celebration also have the option to hire the entire castle. This gives full access to spaces such as the Roosevelt Ballroom and other event areas, allowing the day to unfold in one private setting with plenty of room for up to 250 people. The team works closely with couples to arrange décor, music, and other personal touches so the ceremony feels true to their style and preferences.

At Crossbasket Castle, you can fill your days however you like. Feeling active? Head over to Playsport in East Kilbride for gym sessions or step into a full-motion racing simulator for a thrilling experience. If you want something gentler, the castle pool is a quiet spot to unwind. You can book it privately or arrange swimming lessons if you want to learn or improve while you are here. Anytime Fitness is close by, too, so staying active is easy.

If you feel like getting out and exploring, there are some lovely day trips. One takes you through Ayrshire, where your driver picks you up at the castle and brings you to places like Burns Cottage, Dumfries House, and Culzean Castle. It feels like a relaxed journey through Scotland’s history, with a stop in Ayr for a slow seaside walk.

Another option is the whisky day, which lets you visit a mix of distilleries and taste the difference between Highland and Lowland styles. The part people enjoy most is the Malt Master session, where you get to blend your own whisky.

For nature lovers, the Trossachs offer wide views, peaceful lochs, and quiet forests. Driving through this area feels calm and refreshing, and lunch at Monachyle Mhor adds a nice local touch. If you want something a little more adventurous, the ferry to the Isle of Arran takes you to beaches, peaks, small villages, and Brodick Castle, which has beautiful gardens and waterfalls.

There are plenty of easy outdoor spots nearby, too. Chatelherault Park has long woodland trails. Amazonia is a warm indoor rainforest that is fun for kids. The Falls of Clyde have waterfalls and forest walks where you might spot wildlife. The Botanic Gardens in Glasgow offer glasshouses and peaceful corners, while Strathclyde Country Park gives you water sports, wide paths, and even bits of old Roman history.

Golfers have lots of choice, from friendly local courses to big names like Gleneagles, all within reach for a day out. If you want a touch of culture, you can stop by places like the David Livingstone Centre, Bothwell Castle, or the Necropolis for quiet views over Glasgow. And if you want something in the evening, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall hosts everything from classical music to well-known touring artists.

Crossbasket Castle fills the season with easygoing festive experiences, from Christmas gatherings to lively Hogmanay celebrations. The Christmas stay includes afternoon tea, a relaxed Christmas Eve dinner, a long Christmas Day lunch in the ballroom, and a fun Boxing Day brunch. The Hogmanay package adds live music, fireworks at midnight, and a slow New Year’s Day brunch. December also brings wreath workshops, Christmas markets, afternoon teas with Santa, and a mix of themed lunches and parties, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere all season long.

Crossbasket Castle also supports a range of personal and private celebrations, whether it is a birthday, a proposal, or a gathering to remember someone. Guests can play songs through the PA system or show photos on the screen. The castle also suits work events like meetings, presentations, gala dinners, and team days. The rooms are flexible and Glasgow is close by, so getting here is easy. Food, music, decor, seating setups, and stage arrangements can all be customized to match the needs of the event.