Where Are The Best Castle Hotels In Scotland 2023?

Towering turrets, romantic spires, and fortified battlements are typically only associated with fairytales, legends, and Hollywood productions. But not in Scotland, where historic manor houses and castles have been converted into five-star resorts and upscale bed and breakfasts!

Travel to the far-off Scottish Isles or the inaccessible Scottish Highlands, and you’ll discover that the romance of long ago still exists in these remote areas of the United Kingdom.

You’ll adore how deteriorating 13th-century towers have been painstakingly restored and transformed into boutique lodging. You can spend a weekend surrounded by history and luxury in beautiful castle hotels that were once medieval fortifications that were under siege from ruthless English kings.

Not all of Scotland’s castles date back to the Middle Ages. Rich landowners and members of the merchant class started constructing opulent homes and acquiring sizable estates in the countryside during the 18th and 19th centuries.

They constructed opulent country homes in what came to be known as the “baronial style,” which was inspired by the old medieval castles but was primarily constructed for comfort as opposed to defense. Even Queen Victoria was a fan, traveling to numerous castles that are now opulent hotels.

Without a doubt, Scotland is awash in magnificent castle hotels. There are actually so many options available that picking the ideal one could be challenging. In order to assist you in making the best travel arrangements, we’ve put together a list of Scotland’s top 12 castle hotels.

Where are the best castles to stay in Scotland?

You’ll adore the fact that Scotland’s top castle hotels are frequently found in some of the region’s wildest and most inhospitable wilderness areas. If you have a romantic side to you, you’ll enjoy the out-of-the-way places and sometimes challenging journeys needed to get to these windswept places on the Scottish Isles or isolated villages in the Highlands.

The west coast of Scotland has some of the best castle hotels in Scotland if you’re looking for old castles. Western Scotland was the ideal home base for medieval warlords due to its difficult-to-reach peninsulas, rocky and broken coastline, and numerous offshore islands. Many of the Clans constructed grand towers, follies, and castles in prominent or merely remote locations; even today, getting to them requires lengthy car trips and numerous ferry crossings!

Another popular location for castle builders was the Scottish Highlands, where a large number of castle hotels can now be found near mountain peaks and by large lochs. Beautiful castles and estates can be found in Pitlochry, Loch Lomond, and Fort William, all of which are surprisingly easy to get to by car or train from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Additionally, if you don’t want to stray too far from the beaten path, you can reach two opulent castle hotels from Scotland’s two largest cities in under 30 minutes. Although urbanization has engulfed the countryside, the ancient castles have survived. Here are the coolest castle hotels in Scotland to get you excited for your upcoming trip to the UK!

The 12 BEST Scotland Castle Hotels in 2023

1. Inverlochy Castle Hotel – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

Queen Victoria is credited with saying, “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot,” during her 1873 stay at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Even though the hotel’s advertising is well over a century old, we’re sure you’ll agree with the former British Queen. You’ll be able to tell right away why this is one of the best castle hotels in Scotland when you first arrive outside the grand castle’s entrance in the serene Scottish Highlands.

By reserving one of the 17 opulent suites at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, you can emulate the British monarchy and enjoy being treated like royalty. Deep royal reds and tasteful blue tartan are some of the color schemes used in the individually designed rooms. Personal lounging areas overlook the private loch and 75,000 acres of castle grounds, and bathrooms have freestanding bathtubs and custom toiletries.

During your visit, you can take part in opulent outdoor activities like off-road Land Rover excursions, lake fishing outings, and clay pigeon shooting. After a long day of exploration, freshen up, put on your best attire, and sit down at the King of Norway-gifted furniture-filled Michael Roux Jr. restaurant!

Scottish seasonal ingredients are combined with French culinary techniques at the Michael Roux Jr. restaurant. Start with Scottish sea trout in a lemongrass sauce, then move on to duck in duck jus and finish with a clotted cream parfait.

The castle is a short distance from Fort William, and even though you could use this opulently renovated inn as a launching pad for climbing Ben Nevis or touring the Scottish Highlands, we anticipate you won’t want to!

2. Glenapp Castle – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

The Ayrshire castle Glenapp has every characteristic of a traditional Scottish manor house. This magnificent baronial residence was built in 1870. You can go salmon fishing in the rivers, play croquet on the lawns, go pheasant hunting on the property, and unwind with a Scotch in the drawing room while you’re there.

With only 17 luxurious rooms, Glenapp Castle has been transformed into a magnificent 5-star hotel. Each of the 17 rooms has been uniquely designed to honor the estate’s baronial past. Put on your plush linen bathrobes, relax in your tartan-upholstered armchair, and gaze out the high Victorian windows of your castle bedroom at the gardens.

You’ll like how the Glenapp Castle Restaurant gets most of its produce from the castle’s gardens and buys the rest from Ayrshire farmers and fishermen. You’ll enjoy a genuine baronial dining experience, with the elaborate six-course dinner menu featuring haggis, salmon, cod, John Dory, and other dishes as the highlight.

You’ll be pleased to learn that Winston Churchill, who stayed at the estate in 1944 while organizing the liberation of occupied Europe, gave Glenapp Castle his blessing. The untamed Ayrshire coastline is only a short drive from Glenapp Castle, which is situated in Ballantrae.

3. Dalhousie Castle Hotel – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

The Dalhousie Castle Hotel is one of Scotland’s top castle hotels if you’re looking for a serious history fix. In addition to living in luxury, staying here will allow you to walk in the footsteps of some of Britain’s most notorious historical figures.

The Dalhousie Castle Hotel can be found not far south of Edinburgh. Everyone from Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Victoria have visited because of its close proximity to the historic Scottish capital!

The Dalhousie Castle Hotel has a turbulent history spanning more than 800 years and is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The restored turrets and gatehouses have withstood numerous sieges and battles, usually against the advancing armies of marauding English kings, despite the fact that it is now a luxurious 5-star spa hotel.

At the castle, you can live like a medieval nobility and train in archery or falconry on the premises. Scottish fish, steak, and cheese are served at the aptly named Dungeon Restaurant at candlelit tables. You’ll be eating a fine meal while surrounded by armor and weapons from the Middle Ages!

Although many of the luxurious rooms and suites have antique four-poster beds and traditional tartan furnishings, they are far from being medieval. Here, convenience and relaxation are top priorities. A relaxing session at the Aqueous Spa, where you can pamper yourself with the hydro pool and therapeutic treatments, is another way to up the ante on your vacation.

4. The Barcaldine Castle – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

The Barcaldine Castle provides traditional bed and breakfast lodging with a seriously opulent twist. Your restored castle room offers stunning views and is situated on the banks of Loch Creran.

Due to the fact that it is one of the oldest castles on the Scottish mainland, this is one of the most distinctive castle hotels in all of Scotland. During your visit, you’ll enjoy learning about the castle’s fascinating history. The notorious “Black Duncan” Campbell founded the Barcaldine Castle back in 1609.

There are six rooms available, or you can reserve the entire castle if you’re traveling in a group for your trip to the Highlands! Grand, four-poster oak beds were installed in two of the rooms during the first renovation of the castle in 1898. Since then, there have been numerous updates, but each bedroom has maintained its traditional Scottish appearance while incorporating opulent, modern amenities.

5. Stonefield Castle Hotel – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

In the charming fishing village of Tarbert, which is situated on the shores of Loch Fyne, one of Scotland’s most distinctive castle hotels can be found. You’ll adore the Stonefield Castle Hotel’s heritage and history from the 19th century, which dates back to 1837.

There are 38 boutique rooms to choose from, all of which honor the castle’s Victorian era beginnings. There are many tartan furnishings, four-poster beds, and antique chairs and tables. The lounge areas in the remaining portions of the hotel are decorated with original wood paneling, marble fireplaces, and hunting memorabilia.

You can spend the day boating on Loch Fyne, exploring the 60 acres of woodland at Stonefield Castle, or taking in village life. Don’t forget to reserve a table at the Stonefield Castle Restaurant so you can savor locally raised meat or freshly caught fish while taking in the loch view. The restaurant uses locally sourced seasonal ingredients, and if you don’t eat meat or fish, their ambitious kitchen even has a vegan haggis on hand.

6. Sherbrooke Castle Hotel – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

The best castle hotels in Scotland aren’t always found on isolated Scottish islands or in inaccessible Highland regions. The suburbs of large cities are conveniently home to some of the best. The Sherbrooke Castle Hotel in southern Glasgow might be the ideal choice for you if you’re looking for a blend of Scottish countryside and urban convenience.

One of Glasgow’s wealthiest Victorian merchants originally had the Sherbrooke Castle Hotel constructed as a baronial mansion. Sherbrooke Castle Hotel was built in 1896; since then, much of the surrounding countryside has been consumed by Glasgow’s unrelenting growth; however, the hotel has retained acres of lovely grounds that guests are welcome to enjoy at their leisure.

The best rooms and suites at Sherbrooke Castle Hotel feature four-poster beds and expansive views of Glasgow. You’ll adore how the hotel still has its original, enduringly romantic turrets. On the outdoor terrace, you can indulge in a champagne-filled afternoon tea, but save room for a fine-dining experience at the Morrison Restaurant in the castle.

The restaurant, which bears John Morrison’s name after the wealthy man who built the castle, offers a traditional Scottish menu with a modern gourmet twist. The venison sausages are served with delicious creamed potatoes, and the haggis is covered in a rich whisky sauce.

7. Fonab Castle Hotel – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

The tranquil surroundings of Fonab Castle Hotel are the ideal setting for a restorative and rejuvenating getaway in the Scottish Highlands. The perfect, remote location to get away from it all is at this five-star spa hotel close to Pitlochry.

You can have a spa getaway at the Fonab Castle Hotel. You can head to the Woodland Spa for a quick dip in the 15-meter indoor pool after checking into your opulent room. Unwind in the spa pool, then work up a sweat in the sauna and steam room before treating yourself to a massage.

Before reserving a table at either the formal Sandemans Fine Dining restaurant or the more casual Fonab Brasserie, stop by The Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail with views of the loch. A seven-course, gourmet menu is offered at Sandemans Fine Dining, while a “Lifestyle Menu” with dishes like baba ganoush, veggie burgers, and smoked salmon is available at the brasserie.

8. Crossbasket Castle – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

Crossbasket Castle is going to be tough to beat if you’re looking for luxury in a historical setting. You’ll be happy to know that each of the nine suites at the Crossbasket Castle has been named and created in honor of former castle custodians. This magnificent 17th-century castle has seen its fair share of lords and ladies pass through its magnificent entranceway.

You’ll adore how every castle suite has its own distinctive style and taste, from the spiral staircase of the Lindsay Tower Suite to the velvet sofas of the Downie Suite. Freestanding bathtubs, vintage chandeliers, and antique beds can be found in the majority of the rooms.

The cuisine at Crossbasket Castle might just be the best part of your stay. You’ll fall in love with the inventive fusion of French and Scottish dishes that Michale Roux Jr. created for the hotel’s eclectic fine dining menu. The five-course tasting menu offers delectable dishes like rabbit and pickled rhubarb, Tweed Valley beef with wild garlic and Diane sauce, rabbit and avocado, and Albert Roux’s traditional lemon tart with raspberry sorbet.

The distance between you and Glasgow’s bustle will be sufficient. But if you want to go exploring, Crossbasket Castle is conveniently situated just 25 minutes from Glasgow’s downtown.

9. The Witchery by the Castle – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

Despite not actually being a castle, one of Scotland’s coolest castle hotels is located beneath Edinburgh Castle. It also features a variety of unusual medieval decorations. The Witchery by the Castle is actually one of the atmospheric castle hotels in Scotland and one of the more distinctive ones in Edinburgh.

After dark, mysterious red and orange lighting illuminates The Witchery by the Castle’s rather eerie exterior, while candlelight illuminates the gothic lobby and entrance. As you make your way to your boutique hotel room, you’ll pass armor sets and heraldic shields, and you can anticipate finding a lot of antiques as well as additional medieval artifacts.

The Witchery by the Castle only has nine suites available, so you’ll need to make your reservations well in advance. You’ll adore the rich, dark purples and passionate reds that characterize the decor, which are in keeping with the gothic styles of the rest of the hotel. Each one has been uniquely designed.

There are distinctive elements in every room. While the Armoury Suite has a four-poster oak bed that wouldn’t look out of place in the bedroom of a medieval Scottish king, the Library Suite has a secret bathroom concealed behind a movable bookcase.

The Secret Garden restaurant’s fine dining menu features gourmet dishes like shellfish bisque and red deer, and since The Witchery by the Castle is geared toward romance, you can impress your date with a candlelit dinner there.

10. Mingary Castle – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

Mingary Castle, one of the best castle hotels in Scotland, is remote, sequestered, and eternally romantic. The location of Mingary Castle on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula is one that is rich in history, heritage, and mystery. It is perched on a dramatic, isolated, rocky outcrop overlooking the windswept Sound of Mull.

The exterior of Mingary Castle suggests that it might fall apart during the next storm. But don’t be fooled, the castle has been keeping watch here since the 13th century. This was the location of the local Clan Maclain’s power base for many centuries until its dilapidated interior was completely renovated and repurposed as a luxury boutique hotel in 2016.

There are only four suites inside the walls of Mingary Castle, and you’ll adore how each one has a wooden four-poster bed decorated in a medieval style and outfitted with hand-sewn curtains, quilts, and coverings. Additionally, each suite has special features just waiting to be discovered!

A secret chapel that was hidden in the maze-like castle corridors for 500 years is now the bathroom of the MacDougall Suite. The hand-carved oak staircase leading to one of the castle’s upper floors, where the McCain Suite is located, must be climbed. Yes, the views are spectacular.

Despite its distance from civilization, Mingary Castle offers a fine dining experience. A full Scottish breakfast is offered in the restaurant in the mornings, and in the evenings, a gourmet, multi-course tasting menu is offered.

11. Glengarry Castle Hotel – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

Enjoy a luxurious stay at Glengarry Castle Hotel and immerse yourself in the Scottish Highlands. This is one of Scotland’s best castle hotels because of its prime location on the picturesque banks of Loch Oich, just a short drive from the fabled shores of Loch Ness.

Although Invergarry Castle’s crumbling ruins are close by, the Glengarry Castle Hotel is not a medieval fortress. Instead, it’s a conventional stately house. With four-poster beds, traditional furnishings, and patterned quilts, Glengarry Castle was designed for comfort, and this is reflected in the bedrooms.

Before retiring to Glengarry Castle Hotel for a three-course dinner, spend the day strolling around the loch or hiking in the Highlands. The restaurant at the castle serves salmon, lamb, and Angus beef. You can cap off the evening with a dram of whisky as you relax in front of the blazing fire once you’ve had your fill.

12. Glengorm Castle – Best Castle Hotels In Scotland

Located on the wild and windswept northern coast of the Isle of Mull, Glengorm Castle is a remote 19th-century residence where you can get away from the rest of Scotland. You will have unmatched views of the Sound of Mull and the Outer Hebrides from your opulent bedroom as you enjoy the sunset on Britain’s western border.

The original purpose of Glengorm Castle was to serve as a family home, and it still does so today. The castle itself only has five rooms because the owners (and their dogs) still reside in a large portion of the estate. On the Isle of Mull, the family will welcome you and make you feel at home, so you can expect to be treated with true Scottish hospitality.

With charming wooden wardrobes, incredibly comfortable king-sized beds, and deep bathtubs, your room at Glengorm Castle will feel cozy. A complimentary bottle of Scotch whisky is waiting for you in Glengorm Castle’s library, so settle in and head there. If you’re feeling chilly, you can warm up by the roaring open fire in the castle’s sizable public hall.

Fresh eggs and regional sausages will be served to you for breakfast in the morning. Glengorm Castle is a bed and breakfast, but if you’d rather self-cater, the family also owns a number of fully-equipped cottages that are dispersed throughout the vast castle grounds in isolated areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Castle Hotels In Scotland

What is the most romantic hotel in Scotland?

When Queen Victoria stayed at the Inverlochy Castle Hotel in 1873, she is credited with saying, “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot.” We’re sure you’ll agree with the former British Queen’s sentiments, even though the hotel’s marketing is more than a century old. You’ll be able to tell right away why this is one of the best castle hotels in Scotland when you first arrive outside the grand castle’s entrance and take in the serene Scottish Highlands surroundings.

What is the most historic hotel in Scotland?

The Dalhousie Castle Hotel is one of Scotland’s top hotels if you’re looking for a serious history fix. If you book a stay here, you’ll not only be living in luxury but also emulating some of Britain’s most notorious historical figures. With more than 800 years of turbulent history behind it, Dalhousie Castle Hotel is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The renovated turrets and gatehouses have withstood numerous sieges and battles despite the fact that the building is now a luxurious 5-star spa hotel, usually against the marauding armies of English kings.

What hotel in Scotland has the best spa?

The tranquil surroundings of Fonab Castle Hotel are the ideal setting for a restorative and rejuvenating getaway in the Scottish Highlands. The perfect, remote location to get away from it all is at this five-star spa hotel close to Pitlochry. You can have a spa getaway at the Fonab Castle Hotel. You can head to the Woodland Spa for a quick dip in the 15-meter indoor pool after checking into your opulent room. Unwind in the spa pool, then work up a sweat in the sauna and steam room before treating yourself to a massage.

Which castle hotel in Scotland is best for foodies?

The cuisine at Crossbasket Castle might just be the best part of your stay. You’ll fall in love with the inventive fusion of French and Scottish dishes that Michale Roux Jr. created for the hotel’s eclectic fine dining menu. The five-course tasting menu offers delectable dishes like rabbit and pickled rhubarb, Tweed Valley beef with wild garlic and Diane sauce, rabbit and avocado, and Albert Roux’s traditional lemon tart with raspberry sorbet.

What is the coolest castle hotel in Scotland?

Despite not actually being a castle, one of Scotland’s coolest castle hotels is located beneath Edinburgh Castle. It also features a variety of unusual medieval decorations. The Witchery by the Castle is actually one of the atmospheric castle hotels in Scotland and one of the more distinctive ones in Edinburgh.

Topic: Where Are The Best Castle Hotels In Scotland 2023? 12 BEST Scotland Castle Hotels

Join the “I Left My Heart in Scotland” in Our Community on Facebook. A place where members can be honest with each other, share their stories and travel photos, and try out a new way to see Scotland together.

By: Travel Pixy