With the beauty of the Scotland castles architecture, you’ll be in awe seeing it right before you. Not to mention the castle’s lavish restaurants, remote spas, and luxurious accommodations make you feel like royalty. And you won’t want to leave – from rotating turrets to antique furnishings, these castles to stay in Scotland go all out when it comes to luxuries.
We have compiled this list of castles to stay in Scotland for you so you know where to stay, should you visit Scotland. We have also looked at all things to see and do, but the one thing we will say is that if it is castles and history that you are looking for then Scotland has a lot of both.
Why Castles to Stay in Scotland Are So Special?
Fancy sleeping in a wooden carved four-poster bed? Staying in a Scottish Castle Hotel is truly a one-of-a-kind holiday. We have fairy-tale castles with open log fires, bedrooms with tall ceilings and wooden beamed roofs, places of quiet beauty with woodlands, lawns and breath-taking gardens.
Castles with medieval ambience but with modern facilities. Some castle hotels are famous for their paranormal activity; perfect if you are looking for an adrenaline rush!
What is a Castle Hotel?
A Castle Hotel is a luxurious hotel with a history. They offer the best of both worlds: the comfort and service of a modern hotel and the ambience of centuries-old castles.
All around Scotland, it has converted ancient manors and castles into some of the best hospitality venues. A one-night stay at any of these castle hotels will make you feel like the kings and barons that once lived here. We’ve done that for you by gathering together the best castles to stay in Scotland.
Castle hotels are not just your ordinary hotels, they are different in many ways. The most obvious one is that they are all located in medieval castles or fortresses.
Built as fortresses to defend against invading armies, these castles now serve as luxury hotels, catering to clients who want an experience that appears to be anything but modern. Castle hotels are perfect for a weekend away or to celebrate family gatherings.
8 Reasons Why Castles are the Best Place to Stay When Visiting Scotland
- Stay in a castle to be close to the history and culture of Scotland.
- You can feel as though you are living in a historical era, as the castle hotels offer a glimpse into medieval life.
- Most castles to stay in Scotland offer luxury amenities, such as pools and spas, to make your stay even more enjoyable.
- Most castles offer exclusive use, making it the perfect place for a romantic getaway or family holiday.
- Castles provide a historic backdrop for weddings and other events
- Castle hotels will make you feel like the king and queen in opulent castle hotel suites overlooking breathtaking lochs amid mountains
- Nature lovers will be in heaven, as the castle provides plenty of opportunities to take in the natural beauty on scenic walks in the hills, biking tours, and country activities like clay pigeon shooting
- Live like royalty while exploring the castle’s regal grounds and many perks.
List of Top 10 Best Castles to Stay in Scotland
There are a number of medieval castles in Scotland so this list is an absolute must!
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Built-in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, Inverlochy Castle remained a private residence until 1969 when it was converted from a family home to a luxury country house hotel. Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting where she wrote in her diaries 'I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot'
Winner of several awards like Castle Hotel of the Year - National Winner 2019 or Luxury Hotel of the Year
Bedrooms and Suites are beautifully designed with glamorous style - silk, brocade, tweed, fine bed-linen, art, antiques, roll-top bathtubs, king-size beds. The Great Hall with its blue frescoed ceiling, chandeliers and grand piano, the elegant yellow drawing-room, log fires, stag heads and billiard room, all preserve the Castle’s heritage with casual sophistication and homely comfort for the 21st traveller.
Originally dating from the early 15th century, Crossbasket Castle is just 20 minutes away from the city centre of Glasgow. Lavishly restored in 2016, the castle has nine bedrooms decorated in period style including a Bridal Suite over four floors.
Dining at Crossbasket Castle is a culinary experience. The Albert and Micheal Roux Jr Restaurant is set in the luxuriously decorated Baillie Room, adorned by gold leaf and opulent antiques.
With a unique lochside location and stunning views near Ben Vrackie, it’s a castle from a fairy tale. The baronial style of the castle combined with contemporary design attracts many to stay here.
Beautifully restored rooms along with fine dining and spa experiences have given the castle a reputation as a luxury wedding destination.
Accommodation consists of 42 bedrooms with a choice of a castle, woodland and lodge rooms. For a memorable experience book a signature castle room, which is located in the original castle.
Easily accessible from Edinburgh but secluded from its hustle & bustle, the ancient fortress offers a picturesque setting to relax and unwind in privacy.
Located on 11 acres of stunning, private woods and valleys, this castle hotel is perfect for making memories. It holds 800 years of history and is known for its Scottish hospitality. You can soak up so much royal grandeur by taking a stroll through the UK’s oldest inhabited castle or just relax in the oak-panelled library with some whisky.
Scottish Baronial style fairytale appearance with magical towers, turrets, and crenellations
The castle won a string of awards and accolades and has been recognised as one of the finest luxury castle hotels in the United Kingdom. The castle has been a member of Relais & Châteaux since 2001.
Tulloch Castle Hotel, a 12th-century-castle set in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Tulloch Castle was the historic home of Clan Davidson.
When you stay in any of the twenty bedrooms in the castle hotel, you'll be staying in a unique setting with the best-quality decor & furnishings. Each bedroom has its own unique character and feels - to make your stay truly memorable. - and this is supplemented by tastefully designed private bathrooms, with bath and shower, television and tea and coffee making facilities.
When you stay at the Glengarry Castle Hotel, you're instantly transported to a world of history, design and luxury. This nineteenth-century Baronial mansion was built by the eminent architect David Bryce.
The hotel is famous with locals and visitors for its distinctive architecture with turrets and towers. It's not just your average hotel!.
Surrounded by sixty acres of landscaped garden, wild woodland on the banks of Loch Oich and the skeletal ruins of Invergarry Castle (where Bonnie Prince Charlie once stayed) provides a sense of belonging to Scottish heritage and adds an amazing experience for visitors
Set on the coast of Loch Creran, Barcaldine Castle is one of only a few ancient castles on Scotland's mainland that you can stay at. Surrounded by beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains in Glencoe, Barcaldine Castle offers something truly beautiful.
The interior is warm and friendly, the rooms are luxurious, with antique furniture and artwork in each room. Three of the six bedrooms have four-poster beds in them, including Breadalbane room which has the bed that formally belonged to Andrew Carnegie, the famous Scottish industrialist. The Great Hall has an open fire and is a relaxing place in which to enjoy good conversation, whilst drinking coffee or a glass of wine or whisky.
Built in the baronial architectural style and set in woodland gardens. Most of the hotel's rooms have views over Loch Fyne. Choose Loch View rooms (double/twin) for the best experience.
The castle offers thirty-eight ensuite bedrooms and provides indoor and outdoor spaces to take in the breathtaking views. There’s also a serene island stocked with wildlife for you to explore.
Dornoch Castle Hotel is set in the beautiful, historic town of Dornoch and situated directly opposite the inspiring 12th century Dornoch Cathedral.
There is something amazing about staying at a Scottish castle and Dornoch Castle has everything you could hope for. The ancient origins and its castle-like style is prominent. It has been converted into a highly successful hotel, providing all the modern amenities. A special candle-lit dinner in Garden Restaurant, overlooking the formal walled gardens, is the perfect place to be.
Can’t wait to hear what your favourite castle to stay in Scotland is when you take that much needed holiday?
