If you’re planning a visit to Scotland soon, chances are that the idea of staying in a Scottish castle has crossed your mind. While many of us have been moved by the breathtaking landscapes portrayed in the epic film Braveheart, others wish to get away from it all and experience a romantic trip.
The challenge is choosing the right castle hotel to stay in. To make it easier for you, we suggest considering the following variables:
Location
How far is the castle from Edinburgh or Glasgow? Chances are that you will be traveling from one of these cities so a shorter trip may be more accessible. In addition, you should know that some castles are located in the Scottish Highlands (picture a rugged northwest), while others are found in the Scottish Lowlands. Some would argue that the Highlands represent a more idyllic Scotland, but there is no doubt that the Lowlands also captivate their visitors.
If you’re staying in Edinburgh and are fascinated by castles, we suggest checking our page listing hotels with an Edinburgh castle view.
Category & Budget
Some of the castle hotels listed below are all about pure luxury, while others tend to be in a more raw state. As such, pricing will change according to what you choose.
View
One of the most critical features of any hotel, at least to us, is a perfect view. With that in mind, we have only listed hotels that welcome their guests with memorable vistas, some more impressive than others.
Castle Hotels in the Scottish Highlands
Cromlix
5-Star Hotel | Kinbuck
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The first castle on our list takes us to the remote hamlet of Kinbuck, only moments away from the small town of Dunblane. It ranks number one on our list because this is a genuinely luxurious castle hotel within easy reach from the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh (45 minutes from the first, just over an hour from the second). The Cromlix was subject to an extensive renovation after being acquired by the Scottish tennis player Andy Murray and has quickly become one of the best castle hotels in Scotland (Andy has been spotted exchanging some balls at the hotel’s tennis court). Considering that there are only ten rooms, five suites, and a one-bedroom lodge available, guests should expect to be pampered by an attentive staff, always willing to go the extra mile. A good example is the atmosphere experienced at the on-site Chez Roux restaurant, where patrons are invited to watch the chefs preparing mouthwatering delicacies in the open kitchen. Last but not least, most rooms offer soothing views of the surrounding countryside.
Address: near Dunblane, Kinbuck, FK15 9JT, United Kingdom
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
5-Star Hotel | Fort William
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Secluded in the Scottish Highlands in the idyllic Fort William area, the Inverlochy Castle Hotel is the epitome of an unforgettable romantic stay in a Scottish castle. Also accessible by train from Glasgow and Edinburgh (4:45 hours from the first, 6 hours from the latter), the upscale hotel is the ideal base to explore Scotland’s most beautiful countryside landscapes, which include the Steall Falls, the Nevis Range Mountain Resort, and the Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. The scenery is of such beauty that Queen Victoria shared in her diary that she’d never seen a lovelier or more romantic spot than Inverlochy. The Inverlochy Castle Hotel also proves that the best things in life often come in small packages: it has only 17 rooms and suites, with all displaying magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and lake. The outstanding experience continues at the table, where the delicacies from an award-winning chef and team are equally mouthwatering and surprising; in fact, some of f the used ingredients are sourced locally and cannot be found anywhere else. As if we’d need any more convincing, the on-site activities are sure to entertain all kinds of guests, ranging from golf, rafting, hunting, shooting, driving challenges, walking & photography tours, among others.
Address: Torlundy, Fort William, PH33 6SN, United Kingdom
Fonab Castle Hotel
5-Star Hotel | Pitlochry
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A bit further north, next to Pitlochry and overlooking the River Tummel, lies the Fonab Castle Hotel, yet another example of a beautiful Scottish castle that has been adapted to welcome visitors. Getting to this property is a breeze; from Edinburgh, a direct train departing from Waverley station takes travelers to the Pitlochry station in 2:30 hours; for those departing from Glasgow, the train journey begins at Glasgow Queen Street station and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Upon arriving at this Tummel Valley gem, guests will immediately be rewarded with breathtaking views of Loch Faskfally, Craigower Hill, and the Ben Vrackie mountain peak, not to mention the surrounding woodland. Many of the Fonab Castle Hotel rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance the surrounding vistas; however, we would highlight one accommodation in particular: the Castle Penthouse suite, which features a beautiful wooden ceiling, and luxury amenities such as a fireplace, Egyptian cotton bedding, and a Large Emperor Dickens Bed. On top of this, hosting the fine dining restaurant Sandemans and a world-class spa certainly elevates this property to one of the best castle hotels in Scotland.
Address: Foss Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5ND, United Kingdom
Barcaldine Castle
4-Star Hotel | Oban
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Nicknamed the “Black Castle,” the Barcaldine Castle is another fine example of Scottish hospitality meeting historic buildings in the enchanting Highlands. Dating back to the 17th century, this Scottish castle is perhaps better described as a bed and breakfast, comprising only six elegant guest rooms, each different from the other. The castle windows are the perfect frame for exceptional views, including the land-locked Lochan Dubh, the beautiful Loch Creran, the Appin Hills across the lake, and the lush Glencoe peaks further away. Fortunate guests staying at this charming property are invited to enjoy a full Scottish Breakfast, which, among other treats, includes Scotch Porridge Oats topped with whisky. As lovely as the castle is, we suggest seeking advice from the warm-hearted staff about the surrounding attractions of the Argyll and Orban regions, both packed with pleasant surprises.
Address: Barcaldine Castle Benderloch, Oban, PA37 1SA, United Kingdom
Glengorm Castle
4-Star Hotel | Tobermory
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Some of the finest castle hotels in Scotland require some effort to get to; that is precisely the case for the family-run Glengorm Castle, located on the remote Isle of Mul, which can only be reached after embarking on the Oban ferry. The navigation route alone is stunning, passing by postcard-perfect sights such as the Lismore Lighthouse and the iconic Duart Castle. In the end, it is unanimous among guests that the long journey pays off. The Glengorm Castle is ideal for larger groups, as its quarters are more like serviced apartments than hotel rooms; for example, the Tower Rooms can accommodate up to four guests and deliver striking views of the Atlantic ocean. In short, visiting this castle is like disconnecting from the rest of the world and allowing yourself a break from the daily stresses. Life runs at a different pace in the Hebrides archipelago, and a visit to nearby places like the Glengorm Coffee Shop, the Standing Stone Glengorm, or the charming town of Tobermory will prove that idea.
Address: Glengorm Castle, Tobermory, Tobermory, PA75 6QE, United Kingdom
Mingary Castle
Luxury Hotel | Kilchoan
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The sea-facing castle hotel is encountered in West Scotland, just outside Kilchoan, within the Ardnamurchan Estates. A possible route to this castle is through Fort William, which involves passing through the Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in several Harry Potter films. When planning a trip to Mingary Castle, travelers must make two reservations: accommodation and dining. If all the charming hotel suites allow for a luxurious experience, what happens at the table is pure art and is reflected in four distinct moments: breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, and a tasting menu served at dinner. All creations are the brainchild of the resident chef, who sources the freshest ingredients locally and daily. This lovely hotel is contained behind the 12th-century castle walls, and because it’s planted by the coast, glorious ocean views and the impacting melody of crashing waves are ever-present.
Address: Kilchoan, Acharacle, Kilchoan, PH36 4LH, United Kingdom
Glengarry Castle Hotel
3-Star Hotel Hotel | Kilchoan
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Don’t let the three-star official hotel classification dissuade you from staying at this lovely Scottish castle. Conveniently positioned in Invergarry, between Ben Nevis and the world-famous Loch Ness, with absolutely no monsters involved, the Glengarry Castle Hotel accounts for a perfect couples' stay in the Highlands. All 26 rooms are comfortable, with some boasting romantic lake views. Speaking of vistas, we suggest enjoying a glass of wine (or whisky, for that matter) while reading a book in the hotel’s cozy library. One of Scotland’s most fascinating ruins lies at the property's extensive grounds, the Invergarry Castle. Apart from visiting that landmark, investing quality time touring the lake on a rowing boat, or taking some trails around Lock Oich are only a few examples of pleasant activities guests are invited to experience.
Address: Glengarry Castle Hotel, Invergarry, PH35 4HW, United Kingdom
CASTLE HOTELS IN THE SCOTTISH LOWLANDS
Glenapp Castle
5-Star Hotel | Ballantrae
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Is the image of an old, traditional castle with rich interiors and sea views that match your idea of a fairytale stay at a luxury castle hotel in Scotland or the entire United Kingdom, for that matter? If so, you’ll be happy to learn that a one and a half hour’s drive southwest separate such a place from Glasgow. We are pleased to introduce you to the five-star Glenapp Castle, a stunning property in Ayrshire rooted in 36 acres of an estate where Nature dominates the scenery. We can almost hear you ask what the best way to admire the gorgeous landscape is: our pick would be to take one of the second-floor Grand Sea View suites, as these offer the most generous views. Also, it needs to be said that the hotel’s romantic restaurant is a must, so booking a table there, preferably the one by the window with a lovely sea view should be on top of your list. Should you like to upgrade your stay, we suggest taking a four-night Hebridian sea safari, an unrivaled opportunity to explore Scotland’s beautiful shore and scenic coastal castles.
Address: Ayrshire, Ballantrae, KA26 0NZ, United Kingdom
Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland
5-Star Hotel | St. Andrews
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Just half an hour from Dundee, an hour from the picturesque town of Perth, and one and a half hours from Edinburgh lies the Fairmont St Andrews, one of the finest hotels in Scotland. More like a modern-day castle than a castle in the strict sense of the word, the five-star Fairmont St Andrews is beautifully positioned by St Andrews bay, delivering awe-inspiring ocean vistas from many of its rooms, luxurious suites, and common grounds. Perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy these glorious views is while golfing at The Castle Course, among Europe’s most scenic golf courses. When foggy conditions are absent, it is possible to admire St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle in the distance. Taking the Fife Coastal Path from the hotel to St Andrews will be a memorable outdoor experience for those keen on stretching their legs while contemplating majestic ocean views.
Address: Kingask, St Andrews, KY16 8PN, United Kingdom
Cornhill Castle
4-Star Hotel | Biggar
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Only a brief one-hour drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh will take guests to Cornhill Castle, an upscale castle hotel in the Scottish Lowlands. Those staying here should expect well-appointed, generously-sized rooms and suites with fabulous views overlooking the River Clyde and the countryside. We would choose the opulent Dunrobin Suite, which features high ceilings and panoramic vistas. Alternatively, the hotel has seven luxury lodges with private hot tubs, which makes the ultimate retreat for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Inside, the castle’s warm atmosphere invites you to enjoy wine glasses by the fireplace or indulge in a journey through Scottish gastronomy with locally sourced delicacies such as wild brown trout. At The Ghilli, guests are also asked to try some of Scotland’s finest whiskies and gins.
Address: Cornhill Castle, Coulter, Biggar, Biggar, ML12 6QE, United Kingdom
Sherbrooke Castle Hotel
4-Star Hotel | Glasgow
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What if you could experience staying in a real Scottish castle without traveling too far? If you find yourself in Glasgow, the Sherbrooke Castle Hotel, located in the leafy Pollokshields area, is a perfect match. A place fit for barons, erected in rich red sandstone, the Sherbrooke Castle Hotel is an exclusive property with only 18 rooms, ensuring those who stay here are never disturbed and can enjoy the beautiful surroundings in absolute tranquility. For an unforgettable occasion, we recommend booking the Tower Suite, the most special one that unveils Glasgow's views. When staying here, one should visit the fabulous Pollok Country Park, an unmissable natural sanctuary harboring the Pollok House, among Glasgow’s most elegant museums.
Address: 11 Sherbrooke Avenue, South, Glasgow, G41 4PG, United Kingdom
Dalhousie Castle Hotel
4-Star Hotel | Bonnyrigg
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Located just outside Edinburgh, the Dalhousie Castle Hotel constitutes an excellent alternative for those who do not wish to travel too far and yet live their fairytale stay in a traditional Scottish castle. From the moment of their arrival, guests are immediately transported to a bygone era, and the historical gravitas of the place kicks in, explained by the more than 700 years of existence. At the Dalhousie Castle Hotel, the art of hospitality is taken seriously, reflected a bit throughout one’s stay, either by the impeccable service or the warm treatment. Should you wish to take the most from the surroundings from the privacy of your quarters, there is no better match than picking one of the Castle Superior Bedrooms, boasting a soothing view from its lovely windows. Among the hotel’s most unique features is the Aqueous Spa; the local therapists live up to the promise of delivering a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation to all those subject to the on-site treatments. Near the hotel, the National Mining Museum Scotland justifies a visit.
Address: Cockpen Road, Bonnyrigg, EH19 3JB, United Kingdom
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Edinburgh Hotels with Castle Views