36 of the best Castle Hotels in Scotland

Have you always dreamt of staying in a castle hotel in Scotland overlooking a loch or glen? Living like the Laird and Lady of a wild Scottish landscape. Many of Scotland’s grandest castles have been converted into luxury hotels. Scottish castles you can stay in range from the Scottish Baronial in red brick looking stern and forbidding to fairytale ones with turrets and winding staircases.

There are over 3000 castles in Scotland, some you can stay in, some are haunted ruins and others are repositories of Scottish history like Edinburgh Castle that you can visit and see how royalty lived back in the day. The best Scottish castle hotels to stay in range from the ultimate in 5-star luxury in a beautiful castle to historic buildings dating back hundreds of years.

Many of the Scottish castles you can stay in are found in stunning landscapes from the Highlands to the Isles of Scotland and of course in the centre of incredible Scottish cities. Here are just a few of these romantic Scottish Castles you can stay in.

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FAQS about Scottish Castles

What is the oldest castle hotel in Scotland?

Castle Sween is thought to be the oldest castle on the Scottish mainland that can be dated with any certainty. Architectural details show it was built in the 1100s and occupied for about 500 years. The castle sits on a low ridge looking over Loch Sween and out to Jura. The castle is currently closed while it undergoes some restoration on the ruined masonry work.

What is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland?

Traquair is Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited House. Visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens Traquair dates back to 1107 and has been lived in by the Stuart family since 1491. There are 3 luxury bedrooms and the Castle boasts its own brewery.

What is the most romantic hotel in Scotland?

Queen Victoria also stayed at Inverlochy castle in 1873, spending a week sketching and painting. She wrote in her diaries ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’.

The following list of 36 of Scotlands Castle hotels includes those you can find on hotel aggregator sites such as booking dot com as well as private rentals where you can rent the entire castle or simply a suite of rooms for the night.

Castle Hotels in Scotland – 36 best castle stays in Scotland

Aldourie Castle Estate, Inverness

The history of Aldourie Castle Estate is truly spectacular. First recorded as a laird’s house – a mansion – in 1626, Aldourie Castle is a classic example of Scottish Baronial architecture and an authentic historic Castle, having achieved that status in the 19th. Now it is one of the most beautifully presented private castle rentals in Scotland and the perfect place to spend a weekend in Inverness.

Aldourie Castle Estate is situated on Strath Dores, between the southern shores of famous Loch Ness and the steep sides of the Glen leading onto Drumashie Moor. 

The castle contains 15 bedrooms and comes complete with private staff. There are 4 beautiful acres of gardens where you can look for the local wildlife and take part in activities such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, and watching falconry displays. There are also water sports and boat tours.

Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry

The Atholl Palace Hotel is simply magnificent, overlooking the picturesque town of Pitlochry in the Highlands. There are stunning mountain and river views and beautiful gardens to wander.

Built in 1871, the palace is Scottish baronial architecture with gorgeous modern rooms with all the mod cons including wifi. There are log fireplaces and a Whiskey lounge. The sporting and leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, hot tub and a sauna and steam room. There is also a fully-equipped gym, 9-hole pitch and putt course, tennis courts, snooker and a children’s playground.

The hotel sits on 48 acres of garden and forestry. There are also sweeping lawns and walkways with seating areas throughout. The property features its very own Japanese gardens with a meandering river, a waterfall with a viewing platform and a picturesque duck pond.

Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Ayrshire

Glenapp Castle in Ballantrae offers luxurious accommodation in 36 acres of gardens and woodland. Dating back to 1870, the castle and surrounding estate have a rich history. The Glenapp Estate was already well established under the ownership of the Earl of Orkney when the industrialist, James Hunter (later to become the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire), acquired it and commissioned in 1870 the celebrated Edinburgh architect, David Bryce, to design a suitably magnificent home for him.

The Castle is built in Scottish Baronial style: combining elements of the Gothic and Renaissance design to create the grandeur and fairytale appearance we see now. The castle’s mellow sandstone battlements, topped by soaring turrets and towers, have earned Glenapp a rightful place as one of the most romantic luxury castles in Scotland.

Each room at Glenapp Castle has an en suite bathroom with a bath, shower, hairdryer, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries the rooms have views of the sea or gardens. The restaurant offers gourmet 6-course dining, and indulgent afternoon tea is also served.  

Barcaldine Castle, Glencoe

Located in Glencoe the stunning Scottish Barcaldine Castle hotel has breathtaking views of the Glencoe mountains and Loch Creran.  Argyll’s only ancient castle was built in 1609 by “Black” Duncan Campbell and restored in 1897 by Sir Duncan Campbell 3rd Baronet of Barcaldine.

Often referred to as the Black Castle Barcaldine it is said to be haunted by the ghost of Donald Campbell, the Laird of Barcaldine, who was brutally murdered inside the castle in the 1600s, during the Massacre of Glencoe. He was killed by Stewart of Appin, his sworn enemy, who escaped shortly after in order to avoid punishment.

The castle fell into complete despair by the end of the 19th century when it became the main house of the Barcaldine family and was then restored between 1897 and 1911 by Sir Duncan Campbell before it became the bed and breakfast guesthouse that it is today.

There are six different guestrooms to choose from, each of which is unique and comes with the luxury facilities that you’d expect from such a grand castle, including king-size beds with top-quality linen, bathrobes, slippers, high-end toiletries, HDTV and high-speed WiFi access.

Breakfast is served each morning, and although there are no onsite options for lunch or dinner, there is a wealth of dining opportunities available just a short walk or drive away from the castle, guaranteed to satisfy all foodie cravings.

Barony Castle, Peebles

Set on 25 acres of mature grounds, the Barony Castle Hotel is a striking manor house built in 1536, with magnificent views of the Tweed Valley, offering a wide range of facilities for corporate and private groups alike. Barony Castle was originally known as Darnhall and stands on spacious grounds west of Eddleston village in Tweeddale. The earliest known building on the site was a fortified dwelling dating to the early 15th century.

During the Second World War, it became part of the headquarters of the 1st Polish Armoured Division 1940-41 before becoming the Polish Army Staff College, training officers for the Polish Army, Armoured Division, Paratroop Brigade and Commando Units. In 1983 the Hotel was gutted by fire, losing many original features; following the fire, the building was refurbished and remains a hotel.

The beautiful grounds at Barony Castle feature The Great Polish Map of Scotland, an outdoor concrete scale model of Scotland.  

It stands in 25 acres of formal gardens and woodlands and offers a quiet & peaceful location.  The elegant rooms have all the amenities you need including satellite TV and Wifi. There are scenic views of the Eddleston Hills and you can relax in the indoor swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool or enjoy a treatment in the spa rooms.

Buittle Castle, Dumfries and Galloway

850 years old, Buittle Castle is a private home now open to guests for tours and tea, weddings, craft fairs, bed and breakfast, and more. You can book the entire castle or one of two rooms for BnB within the castle.

The history of Buittle Castle begins with the Lords of Galloway, particularly in the 12th and 13th Centuries, but the history of the site as a strategic outpost extends back to the Roman period and beyond when the site was a crossing point of the Urr Water. Even before this, evidence has been found of several Iron Age round houses which were once on the site. 

The castle’s history dates back to the 12th century, with the current building dated around 1500. Guests can stay in the Lady Maxwell Room, a ground-floor room with its own private courtyard.

Cornhill Castle, Biggar near Edinburgh

Cornhill Castle is set in 10 acres of rolling Scottish countryside, overlooking the River Clyde.  All rooms are beautifully decorated and many offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

 There is an on-site restaurant and you can relax and enjoy the vast gardens and decking area. You can delight in the Grand Ballroom with a large dance floor and blingy chandeliers with the doors opening onto the stunning gardens. Oh and you can land your helicopter there as well.

If you are planning to enjoy some of the best bars and restaurants in Edinburgh and want a luxury stay then this is the castle for you.

Crossbasket Castle Hotel, High Blantyre

Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre was built in the early 16th century as a tower house, although a Victorian mansion house has since been added. On the roof are a parapet walk and a garret. At the southeast corner of the parapet is a square cap house presumably at the head of the original stairway.

Crossbasket is a stunning 17th-century castle transformed into one of Scotland’s most luxurious hotel and event venues. There are nine breathtaking en-suite bedrooms, each decorated in a period style and named in honour of a historical custodian of this magnificent castle.  

Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Bonnyrigg

One of the best castle hotels in Scotland is the Dalhousie Castle Hotel.13th-century Dalhousie Castle is located just 8 miles from Edinburgh. You can choose from one of the many “Themed Bedrooms”, each dedicated to a famous figure from Scottish history. Dinner is enjoyed in the candle-lit, stone-vaulted Dungeon Restaurant.

The Ramsays of Dalhousie have played a fascinating role in the long and tangled history of their beloved Scotland – and they managed to keep possession of Dalhousie longer than any other family held onto a Scottish castle. Dalhousie was built in the 13th century – the era of Genghis Khan, Marco Polo, and the Magna Carta – but only the thick foundation walls and vaults remain of the original building. The main parts of the majestic residence you see today were built around 1450, using red stone quarried from just across the South Esk River.

Sir William Ramsay of Dalhousie defeated the English at Nisbet Moor in 1355; in 1400 a later Sir Alexander Ramsay withstood a six-month siege at Dalhousie laid by King Henry IV of England. Sadly, Sir Alexander met his end two years later at Homildon Hill, a battle immortalised in Shakespeare’s Henry IV (part 1).“Ten thousand bold Scots, two and twenty knights, balk’d in their own blood…”

The castle is a superb venue for spa breaks, with its own private facilities, and can also offer on-site falconry.   Set within acres of wooded parkland, this fascinating 13th-century fortress is on the banks of the River Esk.  

Dalmunzie Castle, Glenshee, Perthshire

Dalmunzie Castle is located in Glenshee and it is a formidable Laird’s mansion with turrets in the Scottish Baronial style. It stands within a 6500-acre estate dating back to 1510.

 The hotel has a golf course on the estate and the Castle itself has 20 bedrooms each individually decorated.  Each bedroom is named after a family/clan, which has been an important part of Dalmunzie’s history over the last 500 years.

The standing stone and burial cairn near the Glenshee parish church date from the Bronze age when people were first settling the area, and the fermtoun of Cuthil (Gaelic for clearing in the forest) is of ancient origin and indicates a time when the glen was still heavily wooded. Legends and history abound in the area including the death of Diarmid and his tomb, the battle of the caterans, tales of Cam Ruadh, the mighty MacCombie Mor and the finding of the Dalmunzie sword.

Dornoch Castle Hotel, Sutherland

Dating back to the 1400s, Dornoch Castle is an inspiring venue opposite a 13th-century cathedral. There is a walled garden and views of Dornoch Firth. The award-winning Garden Restaurant has original 15th-century stone walls and wooden floors. It offers traditional Scottish dishes using local produce including local seafood, Aberdeen Angus beef and Highland venison.

The Castle is almost certainly on the site of the original Bishop’s Palace of St. Gilbert, who founded the Cathedral in the early 13th Century. In 1557, the Palace was given to the Earl of Sutherland by his brother-in-law, Bishop Robert Stewart. It is obvious to historians that the building was erected before that date and may well be from the late 15th Century.

Further alterations were made around 1880, including the heightening of the southwest block, and the addition of a three-storey east tower. Following the restoration, the castle became a hunting lodge for visiting sportsmen. In 1947 it became a hotel. The Dornoch Castle Hotel has 24 rooms, including suites, and garden rooms, which were built in the 1970s. In addition, there are several personalized rooms and a restaurant.

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire

Experience a very special stay in one of Scotland’s most iconic castles. Perched on the Ayrshire cliffs, Culzean Castle is set in a sprawling country park with woodland walks, rich wildlife, sandy beaches, formal gardens and adventure playparks to explore.  This is a private stay castle meaning you get to book the entire castle.

Once the holiday home of President Eisenhower, you can now ‘live like a laird’ as your hosts cater for your every need in the six bedrooms, private dining room and spectacular drawing room located on the top floor of the castle. Rooms can be accessed via a 1920s elevator, and they have unrivalled views of the coast and across the sea towards the mountains of Arran.

The castle is surrounded by conifer and beech trees and parkland created around the sandy coastline. The estate features a swan pond, ice house, glasshouses and formal gardens. Inside, you can admire fine paintings and the oval-shaped staircase in the main hall.

Faside Estate, Musselburgh

The 14th-century Faside castle provides luxury bed and breakfast accommodation on an estate, just 8 miles outside Edinburgh. Guests stay at the top of the tower in a barrel-vaulted bedroom with a 7 feet wide ‘emperor’ bed. The roof-top walkway provides panoramic views over the Firth of Forth, with the hills of Fife behind.

Faside Castle is perhaps best known for its association with the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. This was the last battle between Scotland and England as separate nations and the Duke of Somerset commanded the English from a position beside the castle.

An account of the battle was given by the Duke’s ordnance (Mr W. Patten) and was published in 1958 in “The Expedicion into Scotlande”. This book also includes sketches showing the progress of the battle, with the final sketch showing Faside Castle in flames.

Fonab Castle Hotel – Pitlochry, Perthshire,

Fonab Castle nestled deep in the Scottish highlands and refurbished in 2013 boasts 26 luxurious, individually designed bedrooms, decorated to blend contemporary style with traditional features. The hotel offers a choice of two restaurants and a cellar with a fine selection of wines, whiskies and gins.

Each individually designed room has been decorated sympathetically to blend a contemporary style with the original room features. The elegant en suite bathroom has a spacious walk-in shower, bathrobes, slippers, and Thierry Mugler toiletries. Some rooms offer views of Loch Faskally or of the Highlands’ landscape.

Fonab Castle Hotel has 2 on-site restaurants; the Fonab Brasserie offers lighter meals and the Sandemans Fine Dining Restaurant for a sophisticated dining experience. On warmer days, diners may enjoy an al fresco dinner on the loch terrace. The cellars boast a great selection of wines, whiskies and gins.

Glengorm Castle – Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides

Dating from 1860, Glengorm Castle was built in a Scots Baronial style for the highly controversial James Forsyth of Quinish. Forsyth decided to build his baronial home in Sorne so he cleared the township. He thought that the air in the area was an odd colour, naming it “Glen Gorm” (meaning Blue Glen), but it turned out that the blue smog was caused by the burning of the houses at Sorne.

The castle overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, the Outer Hebrides and islands of Rùm and Canna can be viewed from the castle, as well as Coll on most days. It is currently managed by the Nelson family who operates the property as bed and breakfast accommodation with 7 beautiful rooms.

Glenapp Castle – Ballantrae, Ayrshire, Scotland

Glenapp Castle offers luxurious accommodations in 36 acres of gardens and woodland. Dating back to 1870 and owned by James Hunter (later to become the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire), who commissioned the celebrated Edinburgh architect, David Bryce, to design a suitably magnificent home for him.

Bryce was a leading proponent of what came to be known as the Scottish Baronial style: combining elements of the Gothic and Renaissance design to create the grandeur and fairytale appearance we recognise today. The castle’s mellow sandstone battlements, topped by soaring turrets and towers, have earned Glenapp a rightful place as one of the most romantic luxury castles in Scotland.

Rooms have breathtaking views of the sea or gardens and stunning period furnishings and interiors and the restaurant offer gourmet 6-course dining, and indulgent afternoon tea is also served. An extensive list of wines and champagne is offered.

Glengarry Castle Hotel – Invergarry, Inverness-shire

Glengarry Castle is a stunning Victorian building on the shores of Loch Oich, this imposing Victorian Castle has 60 acres of grounds and the rooms have spectacular views of the gardens. Within the grounds, you can see the ruin of the clan seat of the MacDonnells of Glengary, Invergarry Castle.

Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here after the Battle of Culloden.  The hotel is located between the Ben Nevis and Loch Ness trails and the Isle of Skye or the city of Inverness is an hour’s drive from the hotel.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel – Fort William

Inverlochy Castle Hotel is a Victorian building from 1863 and you can find it at the foot of snow-capped Ben Nevis mountain. Inverlochy was a favourite of the Queen Mother and Queen Victoria also stayed at the castle for a week, painting and sketching.

She wrote in her diaries ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’. This award-winning castle hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant from Michel Roux Jr. and individually designed rooms some with stunning mountain views. The area surrounding Inverlochy Castle is rich in landscape and history, the falls at Glen Nevis, the monument at Glenfinnan and the mountains of Glencoe. You can hike the incredible castle grounds, take some archery lessons, go horseback riding or whitewater rafting.

The house and estate were sold in 1944 to a Canadian entrepreneur, Joseph Hobbs, the owner of the nearby Ben Nevis distillery. Upon inheriting the estate, Hobbs’ son converted the house into a hotel, which opened for the first guests in 1969.

Inverness Palace Hotel

It may not be a Castle but it’s definitely a Palace the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa is opposite Inverness Castle on the banks of the River Ness. The Palace Hotel was built on the site of Ness House, a mansion that was destroyed in 1870. The building was designed by Ross & Macbeth and opened in 1890. It is a Baronial-style three-storey building, with two conical-roofed towers, connected by an arch. The hotel has a Scots Baronial entrance very similar to the entrance of Fyvie Castle.

The construction of the railway made Inverness a popular tourist destination and the Palace was one of the first tourist hotels in the town. It was built to accommodate the increased number of visitors to the area after the opening of the railway. During World War I it was used by the Navy as a billet for its senior naval officers.

The accommodation is located in either Victorian properties or garden cottages. Some rooms overlook the castle and river. Guests have free use of the Palace Leisure Club & Spa’s indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. The Brasserie offers informal lunch and evening meals, whilst restaurant Eight on the River offers evening dining and a hot and cold breakfast buffet. You can enjoy Afternoon Tea in the refurbished River View Lounge.

The Palace is just a 3-minute walk from riverside restaurants and bars and a 12-minute walk to the train station. The world-famous Loch Ness is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Kincraig Castle Hotel – Invergordon

The four-star rated Kincraig Castle Hotel is just 20 minutes from Inverness. Kincraig Castle stands majestically at the top of the hill within 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, surrounded by farmland and woodland with spectacular views towards the Cromarty Firth and the mystical Black Isle beyond.

It was built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden (1746) as a secure base for King George II’s army. Since the 17th century, Kincraig Castle has been home to generations of the Mackenzie Clan and it’s now an award-winning 4-star country house hotel which is synonymous with comfortable family retreats, romantic breaks and exceptional dining experiences. 

Knock Old Castle – Perthshire

Set in the Perthshire countryside amongst the rolling hills of the Strathearn Valley, the 14th-century Knock Old Castle is a 19th-century Baronial home and a luxurious hotel and spa. A private rental for a group or family of 8 this incredible castle can be all yours.

Beautifully restored and renovated by the current owner this is a truly unique, whimsical, fairytale castle.  From the quirky doors and interior, where no straight lines will be found, to the sauna in the tower, and the painted ceiling in the keep, to the stunning views over the sea from the glass-domed lookout, and not forgetting the sheep grazing on the wildflower roof. Old Knock Castle will be sure to exceed every expectation.

This holiday property is ideally located to explore the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute. Ferries run to Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula, giving access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Kilmartin Castle 

A licensed luxury bed & breakfast and available for exclusive use the 500-year-old Kilmartin Castle has been beautifully restored and refurbished after 200 years of neglect. The Castle has stood at the top of Argyll’s ancient Kilmartin Glen, surrounded by standing stones, hill forts, and burial cairns for almost 500 years.

Kilmartin Castle is an imaginatively restored 16th-century Scottish castle situated in wild and unspoiled Argyll on the breathtaking West coast of Scotland. Twenty-nine miles from Oban and six miles from the Crinan Canal, also known as Britain’s most beautiful shortcut.

Choose one of four unique bedrooms, designed with carefully curated antique furnishings, modern pieces, and original artworks throughout. Of course, all of the rooms have gorgeous en-suite bathrooms with walk-in rain showers, luxury linens, robes and slippers.

Mansfield Castle Hotel – Tain, Inverness-shire

Dating back to the Victorian era, today Mansfield Castle Hotel offers award-winning cuisine and 19 sumptuous bedrooms. Also features beautiful gardens and is perfect for romantic breaks, weddings and short breaks. Built in the late 1870s, this imposing Victorian building is set in 3 acres of the picturesque countryside only 5 minutes from the town centre of historic Tain.

The castle, which is surrounded by forest, stands on top of a large rock overlooking the town of Mansfeld. The Late Gothic church of the castle, as well as the ruins, moats and the remains of the battlements from the time of the old fortress, make Mansfeld castle a popular attraction. Martin Luther often visited the castle, as his parents lived in Mansfeld. His father worked in the local copper mine, while Luther himself attended the school of Mansfeld.

The Mansfield Castle Hotel offers award-winning cuisine and magnificent oak panelling throughout. It is one hour from Inverness Airport and is positioned in the heart of the Highlands. Mansfield Castle is a perfect venue for weddings, a short break or golfers.

Melville Castle – Edinburgh

Melville Castle is home to 33 recently refurbished, individually designed bedrooms and suites, the perfect base to explore the bustling city of Edinburgh. The history of Melville Castle goes back to at least 1155 when Malleville was an estate owned by an Anglo-Norman baron named Galfrid de Malleville. The castle passed through marriage to Sir John Ross of Halkhead in the late 14th century.

Re-opened as a 4-star hotel in June 2003, it closed for refurbishment in 2011 and opened again in March 2012 as a wedding venue and private use castle. Located in Edinburgh, 7 km from Arthurs Seat, Melville Castle Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a garden.

Mingary Castle – Kilchoan, Acharacle

Lovingly renovated, the 13th-century Mingary Castle stands proudly atop its own rocky outcrop above the Sound of Mull. The former seat of the Clan MacIain, it now offers just four individual suites, each with well-appointed bathrooms and four poster beds.  

The 13th-century Mingary Castle overlooks the Sound of Mull after a three-year renovation that was completed in 2016. Guests will be left in awe at the views from the battlements: expansive water to the south, with the moors and mountains behind.

Guest suites feature oak floors and modern amenities paired with authentic décor, each with its own theme. Extravagant touches like hand-carved four-poster beds, stone fireplaces, and hand-sewn crewel fabric wall coverings will make you feel like royalty.

The on-site restaurant has an intimate dining room that features locally sourced ingredients and an expertly curated six-course tasting menu by Chef Colin Nicholson and a superb full Scottish Breakfast. Although tables are very limited, non-guests can also make reservations to have a meal in this unforgettable setting.

Sitting on the coastal fringes of the 12,000 hectares Ardnamurchan Estate, Mingary is at the heart of some of the finest countryside in the UK; its mountains, moorland, and seawaters are teeming with rare and beautiful flora and fauna.

Menstrie Castle – Menstrie, near Stirling

Menstrie Castle is steeped in history and dates back to c1560, Menstrie Castle is located in the Scottish village of Menstrie at the foot of the dramatic Ochil hills and only 5 miles from the city of Stirling. William Alexander was born in Menstrie Castle.

Sir William Alexander was the first Earl of Stirling, who was born in Menstrie Castle. He was a Royal courtier and poet who went on to establish Nova Scotia, Canada.

This is a historic property but essentially a very fresh, modern, perfectly equipped holiday let. Warm and comfortable, three bedrooms, with an excellent kitchen. All of the units feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and fully-equipped kitchen.

Edinburgh is 47 km from the apartment, while Glasgow is 40 km from the property. The nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport, 38 km from Menstrie Castle Stay.

Macdonald Pittodrie House – Chapel Of Garioch, Pitcaple

One of the most historic hotels in Scotland with turrets and spiral staircases, Pittodrie House is set in 2,400 acres of land, just a 30-minute drive from Aberdeen. Pittodrie was first built in the late 15th century with substantial extensions in the 17th, 19th and 20th centuries. The house is at the centre of a rural country estate, laid out predominantly in the 19th century. The original house dates to the 15th century.

The rooms are individually decorated and adorned with family portraits. They all have an en suite bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. Tea/coffee-making facilities are also available.

The Mither Tap Restaurant serves fine Scottish food, made with locally produced ingredients. There is a long list of malt whiskies and wines; guests can relax in the Snug Bar or in the lounge.

The hotel provides activities including golf, clay pigeon shooting, pony trekking and croquet. A selection of trout, sea trout and salmon fishing is available on the Don, Dee and Deveron.

Myres Castle – Auchtermuchty, Fife

Built in 1530, Myres Castle is a truly magnificent Scottish castle only 40 minutes away from Edinburgh. The ten luxury en-suite bedrooms are all individually furnished with beautiful antiques and quirky bathrooms. An award-winning wedding venue, Myres Castle provides the most beautiful venue for luxury Scottish castle weddings. Surrounded by 44 acres of private grounds, we have a stunning Vatican-styled walled garden, scented roses, a maze, a woodland trail, Highland cows and even a small lochan.

At the property entrance there is a detached Victorian stone gatehouse, described in 2022 as containing a “bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, sitting room”. Another building was a Courtyard Cottage with “3 bedrooms, sitting room, kitchen, shower room, WC”. The grounds included a Vatican walled garden, a vegetable garden, greenhouse, maze, pond, tennis court and helicopter pad

Neidpath Castle – Peebles, Scottish Borders

 With an illustrious history dating back to the 1100s, Neidpath is an amazingly preserved Medieval stronghold and it is perfect for a romantic getaway for two. There are several options for stays at Neidpath from the Queen Mary’s Chamber the Neidpath Barmkin, Barns Tower, Barns Library and Barns Bothy.

Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Neidpath Castle in August 1563, on her return journey from an exhausting three-month tour of southwest Scotland.  Queen Mary’s Chamber is an exclusive suite within the castle. It’s without question one of the most romantic places to stay in the Scottish Borders.

Neidpath Barmkin is a gorgeous cottage close to the river with a lovely cottage garden. Barns Tower overlooks the woodlands and farmland of the Barns estate it is your very own Medieval mini tower.

Barns Library is another cottage which is part of Barns Tower’s 18th-century stable courtyard. On the outside, the cottage is a charming historic hideaway – open the door, and you’ll step into a wonderfully welcoming and surprisingly spacious two-bedroom holiday home. Barns Bothy is tailor-made for two the perfect romantic retreat.

North West Castle Hotel – Stranraer – Dumfries and Galloway

North West Castle Hotel is situated on Loch Ryan in Dumfries and Galloway. The hotel is located opposite Stranraer harbour, the main ferry port between Scotland and Ireland. The Castle was the home of Sir John Ross the famous Arctic Explorer and Scottish Rear Admiral. Ross built the house and developed its grounds in 1820 after returning from the first in a series of Arctic expeditions aiming to solve the question of the Northwest Passage.

This property is 15 minutes walk from the beach. Featuring its own curling ice rink and an indoor pool, North West Castle Hotel is located opposite Stranraer harbour, which serves as the main ferry port between Scotland and Ireland. Other benefits include a sauna, spa bath and a gym.

Stobo Castle – Peebles

Stobo Castle is a 19th-century castle, an hour outside of Edinburgh. Known as a luxury spa you can relax in an elegant bedroom, located on one of four floors in the main castle or within a lodge setting.

Rooms vary in size and shape and the personality of each is unique, but all are rich and elegant with the perfect ambience to make one feel comfortable, and often with superb views over the peaceful countryside.

The property also has a fine-dining restaurant, a brasserie, tennis courts, and outdoor hot tubs in addition to the spa.

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel – Glasgow

Sherbrooke Castle is a 4-star Baronial hotel, crafted in rich red sandstone, located in the leafy suburb of Pollokshields in Glasgow’s Southside. Built by a contractor Sherbrooke was a middle-class Victorian mansion with a Scottish baronial exterior.

The house became a hotel just before WWII and was commissioned by the Royal Navy for use as a Radar training centre for Naval Officers. It returned to a hotel in 1945 and its high square tower is one of the best-known local landmarks.

A variety of rooms are on offer, located in the cottage, garden suites and castle. The restaurant is open throughout the day for traditional Scottish cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This magnificent, baronial building offers luxury bedrooms, a bar, restaurant and conference facilities that cater for up to 200 people.

Stonefield Castle, Loch Fyne

Overlooking the gorgeous Loch Fyne, the 1837 baronial Stonefield Castle is magical in the spring, when rhododendrons and azaleas burst with colour around the property. Whether you are planning a wedding or looking for a romantic getaway, this castle hotel makes for a lovely choice, with crackling log fires in marble fireplaces, candlelight dinners, and ornate ceilings.

Located on the Kintyre Peninsula near Tarbert in western Scotland, the property is surrounded by immense natural beauty. Animal lovers can spend days trying to spot humpback whales, seals, and otters. The original house of Barmore was constructed by the MacAlister family, who held nearby Tarbert Castle as tenants of the Duke of Argyll.

They built the new house in the early 18th century, as the castle was deteriorating. The castle is a category B-listed building. The grounds of the house are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes, as an “important example of a ‘west coast’ woodland estate landscape” of national importance, with an outstanding plant collection.

Thirlestane Castle – Lauder, Berwickshire

Thirlestane Castle is set in the Border hills at Lauder. Built originally as a defensive fort in the 13th century, it was rebuilt in the 16th century as the home of the Maitland family, one of the most famous in Scotland. You can book guest suites, the entire castle or a wing if you choose.

Featuring a terrace, The Earl & Countess at Thirlestane Castle provides accommodation in Lauder with free WiFi and garden views. This apartment comes with 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, and a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave. The apartment offers a children’s playground. Guests at The Earl & Countess at Thirlestane Castle can enjoy hiking nearby or make the most of the garden.

Tulloch Castle Hotel – Dingwall, Highlands

Dating back to the 1100s, Tulloch Castle Hotel is full of period features including beautifully restored fireplaces, a 250-year-old Great Hall and wonderful ceilings. The castle has 20 en-suite bedrooms filled with character and charm.

After serving as the Vickers’ family home for several years, and as a hospital for casualties of Dunkirk in 1940.  Tulloch Castle was purchased by the local education authority in 1957 and was used as a hostel for students until 1976. After this, the castle fell into disrepair until it was renovated and converted into a hotel by a local family, the MacAulays, in 1996.

Tulloch castle is said to be haunted by a green lady and other ghosts. On 28 May 2008, it was reported that a 14-year-old boy named Connor Bond apparently took a photograph (with a digital camera) of a “hand” holding on to the stair railing with an apparition floating behind it.

Traquair Castle – Traquair

Traquair Castle was originally owned by the kings of Scotland, then later became the home of the Earls of Traquair and is still lived in by their descendants, the Maxwell Stuart family. The on-site museum documents the extensive history, including a visit from Mary Queen of Scots. It is well known as the oldest inhabited home in Scotland and is less than an hour from Edinburgh.

The Castle is not only a fascinating historic site but it can be rented for weddings and corporate events. Traquair House has four spacious double bedrooms furnished with antique furniture, canopied beds, private bathrooms and central heating, available on a “bed and breakfast” basis.

At Traquair, you can Visit the house, grounds, maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe and the world-famous Traquair House Brewery situated in one of the wings of the house and sample the ales in the brewery shop and museum.

With 36 potential castle hotels for your stay in Scotland, you will be spoiled for choice. You can live out your Scottish royalty dreams or imagine you are back in the middle ages. With so many castles to stay in Scotland, I can’t wait to hear about your personal experience.

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