How Alan Carr’s Scottish Castle Could Spark a Tourism Boom

When celebrities buying extraordinary homes hit the headlines, it’s easy to see them as just a bit of fun. 

But, when Alan Carr invests in a historic Scottish castle, it does something much bigger than spark curiosity.

It puts an entire area on the map.

Alan Carr’s Castle is Capturing Attention

It’s thought that Scotland once had up to 3,000 castles, around half of which still exist today.

But, this one is set to stand out, as a famous face attempting to run a castle certainly taps into a niche market.

Carr has purchased Ayton Castle – a 19th century estate in the Scottish Borders – reportedly for more than £3.25 million. 

As shared by The Caterer, Disney+ will follow the renovation in a Hulu Original series, currently titled Castle Man.

The show is being produced by Expectation, the team behind Clarkson’s Farm, which is available on Amazon Prime Video.

Ayton Castle Up Close

The castle is impressive, showcasing classic grandeur with its striking red sandstone exterior, dramatic turrets and decorative detailing that gives it a fairytale feel.

Inside, things are just as impressive. 

The layout centres around grand reception spaces and a gallery corridor, with features like a private chapel, a traditional kitchen with butler’s pantry, and a stone staircase adding to its historic charm. 

The property offers a generous number of bedrooms, making it as functional as it is beautiful, and a prominent Great Tower rises above the rest of the building, creating that unmistakable castle silhouette.

The castle even features a 600m miniature railway running through the grounds.

Beyond the main house, the estate includes additional buildings such as stables, workshops, and a collection of cottages and lodges, some of which already provide rental opportunities.

Set within more than 160 acres, the grounds are just as much a draw as the castle itself, with formal terraced gardens and an abundance of woodland to explore.

It’s exactly the kind of property that captures imaginations and, when paired with a TV series, has the potential to draw attention to the area.

From Hidden Gem to Must-Visit Destination

The Scottish Borders – particularly areas near Berwick-upon-Tweed and coastal towns like Eyemouth – have always had plenty to offer, including coastline, charming villages and easy access to both Scotland and northern England.

Yet compared to hotspots like the Highlands, they’ve remained somewhat under the radar.

This celebrity purchase paired with a Disney+ series could change that overnight.

We’ve seen this pattern before when a location appears on screen, interest spikes and visitors follow.

In Cornwall, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s property purchases in Rock drove increased attention to the area, even sparking a noticeable rise in online searches.

Another example is locations featured in the TV series Outlander, which saw dramatic increases in visitors, with one site near Edinburgh recording a roughly 60‑fold jump in annual visitor numbers after appearing on screen.

Alan Carr purchasing an iconic castle is likely to do the same.

Where Is Ayton Castle in Scotland? (Map & Location Guide)

Alan Carr’s castle is located in the Scottish Borders, near the village of Ayton in Berwickshire, just a few miles from the England–Scotland border. The castle sits around 3 miles inland from the coastal town of Eyemouth and approximately 8 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Its exact location makes it an easy destination to reach from both Edinburgh and northern England, making it a popular filming and event location.

If you’re planning a visit or just curious about where Ayton Castle is, the map below shows its precise location, along with nearby towns and transport links.

Map showing the location of Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders

Address: Ayton Castle, Ayton, Eyemouth, Berwickshire, Scotland, TD14 5RH

Putting the Scottish Borders on the Map

When an area gains visibility like this, the benefits spread quickly across the surrounding area.

Increased tourism can lead to:

• More visitors exploring nearby towns and coastline
• Growth in local businesses, restaurants and attractions
• Greater investment in infrastructure and leisure facilities

Even nearby holiday parks and static caravans for sale in Scotland can see a boost, as visitors look for flexible, comfortable ways to stay in the area.

From Screen to Staycation: A Trend We’ve Seen Before 

This story fits perfectly alongside the wider trend of TV shows influencing tourism in the UK countryside.

From dramas to reality TV, the impact of screen and media exposure on rural destinations is undeniable. 

Now, with Carr’s Disney+ series documenting life at Ayton Castle, the Scottish Borders could be next in line for a tourism boost.

If you’re thinking about investing in a holiday home, there are plenty of static caravans for sale in South Scotland, giving you the ideal way to enjoy this increasingly popular part of the UK.

Sources

The Caterer

The Times

Forest Holidays

BBC