Scotland is the land with the most castles in the United Kingdom. We all deserve the best of everything, and Scotland offers it in these castles. From horse rides, spa baths, clay pigeon shooting, some nice food, and more. In sceneries, the views overlooking the lochs increased my yearning to spot the legendary Loch Ness monster but simultaneously gave me the most relaxed time of my life.
Here are the best castle stays in Scotland that will give you something akin to a royal experience.
Best Castle Hotels in Scotland
1) Kinross House Estate and Coach House Spa
Built: 1685
image source: pinterest.com
If Scotland has the best castles in the world, Kinross is the crème of it all. I have seen many castles, but none come close to Kinross House Estate. We are talking over 100 acres of magnificence. Lush gardens and woods create a picturesque backdrop for architectural wonder. Talking of architecture, it is the finest you will come across in a long time.
Before we get inside the hotel, take a moment to soak in the fact that the castle sits at the banks of Loch Leven. You are not getting a view like this anywhere else in the world.
The Kinross Castle Hotel is an estate of class with multiple receptions and 24 bedrooms, with the Kinross House having 14. All rooms are equipped to give you everything you need and are all en suite. Look at the chart below to get a feel of the ambiance evident in the rest of the rooms.
Much as the castle is enough to relax your mind and body, an intimate boutique day spa gets you into your royal feels. In addition, Kinross is a perfect venue for events and balls, with a dining room sufficient for 34 guests. You will also find the Grand Salon, where you can host a banquet of 100 people.
Kinross is the house to be whenever you want a taste of the grand!
2) Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Built: 1280
image source: InverlochyCastlehotel.com
A castle from the 19th century sounds like one I would love to visit, especially since castles were the tallest buildings in the world at the time. Scottish castles have a lot in common. However, the Inverlochy Castle Hotel stands out because of the setting: the estate is awe-inspiring. The castle is right between a mountain backdrop and water. Just look at the photo above and see what I am talking about.
Apart from being the most romantic spot you will see in a long while, the castle offers much more than just beautiful views. Look at these examples of a typical stay in the hotel. Plus, you need to make a booking for any as it only adds to the exclusivity we all love).
- Afternoon tea.
- Lounge meal
- A Mary Shaw table for a shared lounge experience.
- Book a table at the ‘Seasgair’ restaurant
- Gift vouchers
- Stay at the
This Scottish countryside castle offers many more for any festive season. The castle hotel is near Fort William, making it very strategic.
image source: InverlochyCastlehotel.com
During your stay, you will stay in mind-blowing rooms with great service. In addition, you can charter a yacht in partnership with the castle to make your time worthwhile. The best part is that this was the castle Queen Victoria loved most.
3) Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Built: the 13th century
image source: LateRooms.com
The Dalhousie Castle Hotel gives you an experience the royal family gets. Talk about blissful seclusion. This epic location is the oldest of Scotland’s inhabited castles, and you can feel the old soul in every corner of it. You can enjoy activities of old, including archery and falconry. I went for falconry first because I was not about to miss out on that chance.
image source: agoda.com
The castle has spa facilities, which take relaxation to another level. Interacting with the environment and the hotel service improves things. You will love them.
Apart from amazing stay opportunities, you can book the venue for meetings or events. You can have a tea afternoon and make the best out of the memorable stay.
4) Tulloch Castle Hotel
Built: the 15th century
image source: Trip.com
Tulloch is a castle from the 12th century that still stands today. However, improvements were made as far back as 250 years, and the accommodation is as regal as it used to be. For this reason, Tulloch Castle Hotel is Dingwall’s most prolific royal spot.
The hotel retains its originality by keeping most of the castle’s initial structures and features intact. For example, the castle’s ceilings and fireplaces are the original ones installed. These structures have influenced modern architecture but are still here to stay.
What’s better? The castle is pet-friendly. You can bring your furry or feathery friends. The food is out of this world, and the service is everything that spells royal.
5) Glenapp Castle
Built: 1870
image source: GreatPlainsconservation.com
The Glenapp Castle stands out in service excellence and fantasy-esque sceneries. The five-star hotel deserves the whole Milky Way because of its attention to detail to the Glenapp castle grounds, the service, the furnishings, and more. The forest and seascapes nearby only add to the breathtaking moments you will get once you set foot in this castle. The Glenapp Castle Hotel is truly inspiring.
6) Glengorm Castle
Built: 1860
image source: chambres-hotes.fr
Nothing is more beautiful than having an option to experience a space however you want to. For this reason, the Glengorm Castle is one of my favorite castle hotels in Scotland. They give you options. Glengorm Castle marries old architecture with modern interiors and designs. Once you have an exceptionally beautiful interior, you can choose how to experience it.
image source: Tripadvisor.com
You can opt for bed and breakfast accommodation in the castle and experience good food in its true definition. However, the option I enjoyed most was the self-serviced apartments. I enjoyed trying out the local recipes all by myself, and it was a good time. Furthermore, if you have friends, such a space creates an opportunity for bonding and catching up. For this one reason, Glengorm will always be the place I will always take my friends.
7) Mingary Castle
Built: around the 13th or 14th century
image source: DailyRecord.co.uk
The Mingary castle is more than 700 years old—now that is a long time ago. Plus, it has survived numerous skirmishes over the centuries. From the Vikings to some recent kings, the castle has witnessed plenty of power struggles.
While the history is great, the hotel’s food would make the power contenders sit at the same table and discuss their differences. The service is great and world-class. The staff is amazing, and the experience here will stay with you.
8) Fonab Castle Hotel
Built: 1892
image source: booking.com
The Fonab Castle Hotel has an all-rounded list of things to do, and all you have to do is choose what memory you want to make there. You can have a wedding here, dining, afternoon tea, and private dining, and you can also make reservations. There is a lot of wellness and a spa to help with that. A honeymoon in a castle is one of the things I have to do, and I know exactly where. Fonab.
9) Edinburgh Castle
Built: the 11th century
image source: Britannica.com
Edinburgh Castle has more to offer than its rich history and tradition. First, the castle was initially used as a military fortress during its service to the state. Moreover, the Scottish castle was simultaneously a prison of war and a royal residence. Truly versatile, I would say.
image source: EdinburghCastle.scot
You will experience this castle in many ways, and you can imagine what it must have been like for a prisoner and a king to be in the same castle but have a different experience. It should be good to know that you will have the best experience compared to the king at that time. The service is spectacular, and you will have the time of your life.
10) Crossbasket Castle Hotel
Built: the 16th century
image source: apartmentsapart.com
This scene is breathtaking. The Crossbasket Castle offers luxury at its best for events or visits. The amenities are at their finest, and the castle has the best rooms I have yet to see in any other castle. While the dining is contemporary, the mood is royal. You will enjoy staying at the Crossbasket Castle.
image source: thepointsguy.co.uk
One of the things I enjoyed most was the Lindsay Tower suite, the original tower in the castle that was transformed into this amazing place. This makes Crossbasket one of the best castle hotels in Scotland.
11) Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
Built: 1896
image source: tripadvisor.com
This castle looks like the perfect picture of the word castle. It is located on a hill with well-tended and beautifully landscaped grounds leading up to the castle. Scotland’s castles were built for practical reasons such as security and oversight of what was happening on the land. However, the builders of this particular castle had elegance in mind.
image source: agoda.com
The Baronial mansion has an allure that is hard to beat and is one of the things that make Sherbrooke Castle Hotel stand out at first glance.
12) Atholl Palace Hotel
Built: 1878
image source: tripadvisor.com
The Atholl Palace Hotel is classic Scottish baronial architecture at its finest. There is a lot that I love about the hotel. One of the things that stands out is the extra-large bedroom size. People downplay or are unaware of a large bedroom’s effect until they wake up in one.
The castle overlooks lush woodlands and the small town around the hills. You can have dinner or lunch or book a room in this magnificent hotel with the best surroundings you can find anywhere in the world.
13) Barcaldine Castle
Built: 1601-1609
image source: tripadvisor.com
This castle is historically known as the ‘black castle’ and is one of the few ancient castle hotels open to guests in Scotland. It has a great view of Mt. Glencoe and is set on the shores of Loch Creran. This setting gives you the chance to go out and be.
image source: UndiscoveredScotland.co.uk
Barcaldine Castle Hotel has a fine-dining restaurant where you can have a romantic dinner with your partner. It also offers more activities that are engaging, relaxing, and refreshing.
14) Glengarry Castle
Built: 1660-1665
I have so much to say about the beauty of this castle, and it was truly breathtaking. I had saved up for a long time to do a castle hotel tour, and the Glengarry Castle is one of my fondest yet. Apart from the elegant rooms with period furnishings and a beautifully tended landscape, the castle has an unbeatable setting.
image source: Anniewearsit.com
With breathtaking views, Glengarry is set right between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy. Being at the shores of Loch Oich adds to the royal nature of this castle. Your stay at Glengarry is one that you will yearn for every day.
15) Dornoch Castle Hotels
Built: 1500
image source: Trip.com
Scottish Highlands are the best place to hunt for castle hotels and enjoy the beautiful scenery. One particular castle that will catch your eye is the Dornoch Castle. The castle has a warm vibe; everything points towards having a great time. You can have candle-lit dinners against a neatly kept backdrop.
image source: DornochCastleHotel.com
Dornoch is not only a romantic getaway but an award-winning distillery. Once you taste the dram, it will be your new favorite drink. Any castle with self-catering is the best for me because I can try out different traditional Scottish cuisine with my twist.
The restaurant is newly refurbished, and you will enjoy it.
16) Invergarry Castle
Built: 1610-1640
image source: LifeandAll.org
This castle is not for you to stay in but to look at and marvel at how far the Scottish have come. Unfortunately, it is in ruins and can not be used by anyone. However, you can view the castle from Glengarry grounds, making Glengarry the place to be and enjoy the beauty of the two castles.
The Invergarry castle, built in the 1600s and about 400 years old, has a huge place in Scottish history. It is one of the oldest within Scottish borders. You can take scenic walks towards the castle. However, you are not allowed to get inside the castle building.
17) Buittle Castle
Built: the 12th century
The Buittle Castle is unlike the other castles you know or have heard of—not by how it looks or by where it is located. The castle is a humble structure with the best behind its walls. There is a lot you can do at Buittle Castle, including staying in a peaceful and relaxing environment. The interior of the building is breathtaking, and everything adds up once you get the full experience.
image source: AtlasObscura.com
The food and the antique furnishings come together to form an experience like the one you will not experience elsewhere. Most of the furniture used is original, and the castle is aging well.
Final Thoughts
You could be looking for a castle hotel for different reasons. However, even though you are looking for a mansion house, private grounds, spa bath, a wedding venue, or formal gardens where you can hold weddings, you will find all the answers in Scotland. There are many hidden treasures in Western Scotland and the Scottish mainland; you must visit that region.
Snow-capped mountains surrounding castle hotels with baronial style inspiring the architecture are very hard to come by. But, when you do, there is no looking back.
