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Visit one of the best castle hotels in Scotland to be treated like royalty during your stay! We list the top 10 castle hotels in the Land of the Brave in this guide.
Why You Should Visit Scotland in 2023
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Think of Scotland, and your mind fills with images of lush, green rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands dotted with fluffy sheep and stoic castles rising in the distance.
There’s much more to Scotland than that and modern cities thrive outside of the highlands, but this idyllic mental image is spot on in some areas!
Scotland has a beautiful landscape of mountains, hills and glens, forests, moorlands, and craggy coasts with sandy beaches that meet the sea.
If you’re here to take in the natural beauty, noteworthy parks to see include Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is a bustling city that remembers its past with the preserved medieval Old Town juxtaposed with the neoclassical New Town in the heart of the city.
Glasgow, the most populous city in Scotland, is more focused on entertainment and nightlife than history with lots to see and do and metropolitan vibes.
Wherever you go, you’ll find delicious Scottish foods to tempt your palate with an explosion of earthy flavors that hinge on meat, root veggies, and seafood.
Double-crusted Scotch meat pies, hearty soups and stews, the love-it-or-hate-it haggis, and dishes you’ll have fun pronouncing like neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) and cullen skink (smoked haddock stew).
Castles are an ever-present reminder of Scotland’s past, towering over the cities and rural landscapes with their centuries-old stone, towers, and turrets that stand as a symbol of the country’s strength and defense.
Driving down Scotland’s winding roads (like the North Coast 500) is a wonderful way to make your way across the country. Drive past dramatic scenery, quaint villages that feel lost in time, and views of the sea crashing against the coast.
There’s always something going on in Scotland, from massive Viking parties to Enchanted Forest nights with acrobats and light shows deep in the countryside.
The only way to make a trip to this storybook destination even better? Staying in one of the best castle hotels in Scotland. We’ll show you the top choices next.
The 10 Best Castle Hotels in Scotland
We’ve scoured the web and analyzed thousands of guest reviews and hotel features to bring you list of the best Scottish castles you can stay in.
Here’s a look at the 10 best castle hotels in Scotland, ranked according to amenities and guest reviews:
- Barcaldine Castle
- Glengarry Castle Hotel
- Fonab Castle Hotel
- Glenapp Castle
- Inverlochy Castle Hotel
- Melville Castle Hotel
- Dalhousie Castle Hotel
- Stonefield Castle Hotel
- Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
- Tulloch Castle Hotel
Learn more about what each castle property has to offer and see which one will be the best fit for your trip below.
1. Barcaldine Castle
Source: Booking.com
Barcaldine Castle is a stunning historic castle located north of Oban, Scotland that offers guests an incredible experience that we’d call the royal treatment.
With exquisite views of the gardens or inner courtyard and your own patio to take in the scenery around you, this castle hotel is easily one of the best in the country.
Guests enjoy the complimentary bikes for exploring the grounds and nearby Tralee Beach (1.8 miles away). Hang out in the garden, shared lounge, or dine outdoors on the terrace.
Comfy beds are often mentioned in the reviews and visitors particularly enjoy the “castle touches” and décor inside the Great Hall and sitting room.
While you’ll feel transported in time, free WiFi and flat screen TVs remind you you’re in the present. Private parking is free and the complimentary breakfast (buffet, a la carte, or continental) is highly rated!
2. Glengarry Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
Glengarry Castle Hotel promises a stunning stay and experience for those who want to enjoy the scenic charm and history of the Scottish Highlands just 7 miles from Loch Ness.
As one of the best castle hotels in Scotland, Glengarry Castle Hotel takes guest service seriously with meticulously maintained grounds and interiors. Traditional décor sets the scene and blows cookie-cutter modern hotels out of the water.
The filling 4-course meals served in the dining hall will be one of your favorite things about your stay! A talented chef makes every meal memorable here, with vegetarian and vegan options offered upon request.
A fire blazes every night in the sitting room and dining hall – talk about cozy vibes. Lush gardens on the property and the nearby forest, lake, and river provide the perfect opportunity for a post-dinner stroll.
When you return to your room, you’ll sink into a comfortable bed for the best sleep of your life. Some rooms have four-poster beds with lake views!
3. Fonab Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
Fonab Castle Hotel is a beautiful castle offering overnight stays in the Scottish Highlands. You can choose a room with stunning river, mountain, or garden views.
This castle hotel was renovated in 2013 to add a few modern comforts and contemporary décor. But traditional and original fixtures still remain to keep the historic vibes alive at Fonab Castle.
There are 2 restaurants onsite serving up delicious, top-rated meals from breakfast to dinner. The Fonab Brasserie is perfect for grabbing a light lunch, while the Sandemans Fine Dining Restaurant is great when you want to pull out all the stops.
If the weather’s nice, take a meal outside on the terrace with incredible views of Loch Faskally and the peaks of Cairngorm Mountain rising up in the distance.
All rooms are styled differently, but each offers a private bathroom with a walk-in shower (power rain shower heads), luxury Egyptian cotton sheets that feel like heaven, and jaw-dropping scenic views.
Enjoy your complimentary robes and slippers, Thierry Mugler toiletries, and luxury amenities like an onsite wine cellar, mineral water, and fresh fruit daily.
4. Glenapp Castle
Source: Booking.com
Glenapp Castle is a delightful 5-star hotel in Ballantrae, Scotland surrounded by nearly 40 acres of lush gardens and glens. From here, you’ll have amazing views of the sea and sprawling, well-maintained grounds.
Converted to a hotel back in 1870, Glenapp Castle has the guest experience down pat with the reviews and solid bookings to prove it. Rooms here have sea or garden views that never disappoint.
Onsite, there’s an award-winning restaurant serving gourmet, 6-course meals that are thoughtfully prepared and raved about by guests. Excellent wines, champagnes, and liquors are offered as well.
Your room will have a seating area, private bathroom, and equipment for preparing coffee or tea as you look out over the sea or across the beautiful gardens.
Stay for afternoon tea, served every day, and enjoy a walk around the meticulously-maintained grounds after dinner to take in the beauty of the Scottish wilderness.
Take your breakfast in bed, enjoy tours of the area on a bike or on foot, go fishing, or play tennis to pass the time in this idyllic castle setting.
5. Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
The 19th-century Inverlochy Castle Hotel is nestled into the western Highlands and regularly rated as one of the best castle hotels in Scotland.
With décor and design that remains true to the castle’s history, every room is a little different but all are equally luxurious.
Comfortable beds, sitting areas, and views of the nearby loch, mountains, and gardens mean any room you choose will be impressive.
An award-winning restaurant is available onsite and serves contemporary dishes with British and Scottish influences. Guests are passionate about how delicious the food is!
The staff is eager to cater to your every whim and guests mention how phenomenal the service is. When you want to be treated like royalty while enjoying the finest dining, Inverlochy Castle Hotel is the place.
Activities on the grounds include tennis courts, fishing in the small loch, and skeet shooting. Tour the grounds and gardens on a nice evening to finish off your day.
6. Melville Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
Melville Castle Hotel, the former home of Mary Queen of Scots, is a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, offering 4-star amenities and excellent service to guests with beautiful gardens onsite that make every room’s view scenic.
You’re tucked away from the city’s bustling center at Melville Castle Hotel, where it feels like you’ve stepped backward in time with all the modern luxuries and comforts of today.
Comfortable beds, an onsite restaurant, and well-maintained grounds all pop up regularly in positive guest reviews. The staff is known for going above and beyond with 24-hour service.
Enjoy free breakfast daily (buffet, a la carte, or continental) to start your day and tuck into delicious meals at Melville Inn, the castle’s restaurant.
You can dine out on the terrace when it’s nice out with great views of the city and grounds. Just over 6 miles away, you can visit the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Mile.
7. Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
Dalhousie Castle Hotel sits on 11 acres of wooded, private parkland that border the River Esk about 20 minutes outside of Edinburgh. Built in the 13th century, this castle’s history is extensive and apparent in the décor and style of the hotel.
Updated with modern comforts, Dalhousie Castle Hotel offers a spa, recreational facilities for guests, an onsite gourmet restaurant, and top-notch luxury lodging with views of the gardens.
The award-winning gourmet Dungeon Restaurant is beyond memorable and you’ll walk down a medieval staircase to access it.
Try the Orangery for lighter fare and views of the river. Reserve a day to spend at the spa, getting a massage, swimming, or lounging in the sauna.
Recreational activities like skeet shooting, falconry, and archery appeal to adventurous types. Ten minutes away, you’ll find the Rosslyn and Roslin Chapel – the storied location of the Holy Grail and a wonderful trip with scenic views along the way.
8. Stonefield Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
The Scottish baronial style Stonefield Castle Hotel features original fixtures and décor from the mid-1800s and looms over the nearby Loch Fyne and fishing village of Tarbert.
Your room may have a view of the lake or sprawling 60- acre gardens that surround the hotel and provide the perfect place for a relaxing walk down the paths that wind throughout the property.
A drawing room and bar with wood paneling feels cozy, especially with a fire blazing in the fireplace. Each room (32 total) has a private bathroom, luxuriously comfortable beds, and coffee and tea facilities.
An award-winning onsite restaurant with views of Loch Fyne offers a variety of Scottish cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Guests rave about the delicious meals, wines, and champagnes served here. Breakfast is apparently the best meal of the day!
9. Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is conveniently located in southern Glasgow, but you’ll feel worlds away from the city when you’re tucked away in this baronial-style castle.
The comfiest bedroom with views of the gardens, a great onsite restaurant and bar, and easy access to Glasgow attractions and entertainment make Sherbrooke Castle Hotel a guest favorite.
You’ll enjoy a few meals at The Morrison restaurant, which serves breakfast (full Scottish or continental) and dinner. The restaurant gets excellent reviews!
A shared lounge, dining on the terrace, and well-stocked bar are other amenities to look forward to. Every room has a sitting area with a desk and private bathroom.
A conference room in the castle makes this a great place for business travel, but it’s equally suitable for family and couples’ vacations. For great views, food, and convenience to Glasgow, Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is unbeatable.
10. Tulloch Castle Hotel
Source: Booking.com
Tulloch Castle Hotel is one of the oldest castle hotels on our list, built between the 12th and 14th centuries in Dingwall among the Scottish Highlands.
The age and history make this location truly special for a stay, but the amenities are what send it over the top and make it one of the best castle hotels in Scotland.
Turrets Restaurant is on the grounds, serving up traditional Scottish dishes including the famous full Scottish breakfast.
Local produce is often used to prepare the tasty meals! Stop by the bar for a drink – it’s well-stocked with a long list of wines, liquors, and champagnes for all tastes. When it’s time to retire to your room, you’re in for a treat.
Luxurious beds and tasteful décor have guests leaving reviews highlighting the “royal quality” of the period-accurate rooms. Some have roomy balconies with incredible views.
You can even take a hotel ghost tour or bar lesson! Nearby, the North Coast 500 is a world-renowned scenic road trip route that you’ll want to drive along.
Things to Consider
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If you’re thinking about booking one of the best castle hotels in Scotland, there are a few things you should consider before you make it official:
- Staying a castle doesn’t have to be crazy expensive. While the association with royalty and luxury might make you see dollar signs, staying in the best castle hotels in Scotland doesn’t have to be expensive (though it can be – like Inverlochy Castle Hotel at $1,000+ per night). Tulloch Castle Hotel, Stonefield Castle Hotel, and Glengarry Castle Hotel are the most affordable options around $200-$250/night that made it on our list.
- Expect period décor with modern comforts. Staying in a castle hotel might conjure up images of living back in a past century, but these luxurious accommodations are serious about offering contemporary comforts to make your stay as pleasant as possible. Expect antique décor with amazingly plush mattresses and bedding, updated bathrooms, and modern TVs in your room.
- Recreation may be limited. If you love to play and stay active on your trips, you should pay close attention to the onsite activities and recreational facilities at different castle hotels since they vary widely. Some do have tennis courts, pools, hiking trails, and areas for archery or clay pigeon shooting. Others don’t offer much in the way of recreation and will require leaving the grounds to seek out entertainment.
- See what’s nearby. Depending on the castle hotel you choose to stay in, you might find yourself very close to other attractions and entertainment in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Others are more secluded up in the Highlands and might require a 20+ minute drive to get to other restaurants, shops, and attractions. Research the areas nearby to find the best castle hotel for you.
- Read the guest reviews. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best castle hotels in Scotland according to the amenities offered and guest reviews to ensure any hotel you select from the list is incredible. Still, reading through the reviews is the best way to prepare for your trip. You might find recommendations for drinks and dishes to try, specific rooms to request, hidden gems at the castle, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Discovering the best castle hotels in Scotland is much more fulfilling when you have answers to all your burning questions about these royal lodging options!
Take a look at the most frequently asked questions about staying in a Scottish castle to learn more.
What castle in Scotland is a luxurious hotel?
There are several castles in Scotland that have been converted into luxury hotels, including Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Barcaldine Castle, Glenapp Castle, and Dalhousie Castle Hotel.
Each castle hotel in Scotland offers a different experience and setting, from the Scottish Highlands to castles on the edge of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
What castle can I stay in in Scotland?
You can stay in many castles in Scotland, but the 10 best are ranked as follows:
Barcaldine Castle, Glengarry Castle Hotel, Fonab Castle Hotel, Glenapp Castle, Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Melville Castle Hotel, Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Stonefield Castle Hotel, Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, and Tulloch Castle Hotel.
What is the most romantic castle in Scotland?
Glenapp Castle is one of the most romantic castles in Scotland and ranks as one of the 10 best castle hotels in the country.
With an idyllic setting in the Highlands and luxurious amenities with comfortable, cozy rooms, couples love staying at Glenapp Castle.
How much does it cost to stay in a Scottish castle?
It may cost anywhere from under $200/night to upwards of $1,000/night to stay in a Scottish castle.
Older castles with 5-star amenities and luxury rooms are the most expensive, but several castles are priced between $200-$300/night on our list of the best castle hotels in Scotland.
How much time do you need for Edinburgh Castle?
Plan on spending at least 2-3 hours at Edinburgh Castle to have time to see the main attractions (like the Great Hall, National War Museum, and St. Margaret’s Chapel) and explore the sprawling grounds.
So, What Are the Best Castle Hotels in Scotland?
The best castle hotels in Scotland are those that manage to seamlessly combine the long-spanning history of Scotland’s past with present-day luxuries and comforts that make each stay special.
We’ve shown you the top 10 Scottish castle hotels according to guest reviews and included amenities, but only you can discover which castle hotel will be just right for your trip.
Find a castle hotel that’s located near the other attractions and sights you want to see while in Scotland, consider and research the different onsite restaurants and recreation facilities for each, and pay attention to the room costs (they vary widely).
When your next vacation involves staying like royalty in a historic Scottish castle, you know you’re off to a great start. Here’s to living like kings and queens for a few days in the kind of comfort only a castle can provide!