The Details · November 2026 · 2 min read

A Highland house party

A castle weekend asks more of a suitcase than you’d think. You’ll want to look right at dinner, stay warm on a riverbank and be comfortable by a fire at midnight, usually within the same day. The answer is fewer things, chosen well.

Start with the coat

It’s the piece everyone sees and the one you’ll wear most. Choose something long, in a good wool or a waxed cotton, in a colour that sits well against heather and stone. Camel, loden and deep navy all work. It should go over everything else you’ve packed, including what you wear to dinner.

Then the knitwear

Two jumpers are enough if they’re the right two. One fine and neat for the daytime, one thick enough to live in once the fires are lit. Scottish houses are warmer than their reputation, but the corridors aren’t.

Shoes do the real work

Bring a pair of proper boots that have been worn in, and something smart with a flat or low heel. Stone floors and gravel drives are unkind to anything else. Some houses keep wellingtons for guests, so it’s worth asking first.

Dress for dinner, a little

The first night sets the tone, and a house party is more fun when everyone makes an effort. A dark velvet, a silk shirt or a well-cut jacket will do it. Tartan is best left to those with a claim to it, unless the host has said otherwise.

And the things people forget

A swimsuit if there’s a spa, a hat that won’t blow off and a wrap for the walk between dinner and the whisky. We’d rather you asked than guessed, so every Cherocó guest receives a note on what to bring before they travel.

Planning a house party of your own? Tell us about your group.