7 Castle Hotels In Scotland That You Can Stay In

From impressive ruins to ominous stone structures, the castles of Scotland offer a glimpse into a colourful past. But they’re not all relics – so why not imagine yourself laird of the manor and book a stay in one? Here’s our roundup of the best castle hotels where you can spend the night.

Glenapp Castle Hotel

Hotel

Once upon a time in a bonnie land called Scotland, there was a magical place called Glenapp Castle. This baronial-style luxury castle hotel, dating back to 1870, is renowned for its fairytale essence and incredible service. Experience the majestic landscape and wildlife of Scotland while strolling through the 36 acres (15ha) of gardens. Upon return, enjoy a delectable three-course lunch or savour the taste of miniature everything with a spot of afternoon tea. The sea views and incandescent chandeliers will not go unnoticed either.

Inverlochy Castle

Hotel, Luxury

Inverlochy Castle is a royal experience indeed: Queen Victoria stayed here for a week in the 19th century and the dining rooms are furnished with gifts from the King of Norway. Meanwhile the Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle restaurant gives it huge foodie appeal. And that’s before we talk about the location. The castle sits in an area famed for its beauty and vistas. Glenfinnan, where Charles Edward Stuart raised his father’s standard, is a short distance away, as is the Great Glen Way, the mighty Ben Nevis and impressive waterfalls.

Culzean Castle Hotel

Boutique Hotel

The lawn and gardens, with palms and a fountains, at the front of Culzean Castle in Scotland

Built in the late 1700s by architect Robert Adam on the Ayrshire coast, and now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, Culzean Castle is an absolute gem. From whispering woods and rugged sandy beaches to flashy grounds, towers of turrets and ornate accents, the 642-acre (260ha) estate is open to the public by day. To stay overnight you have to rent the whole castle, which doesn’t come cheap, but it does comes with six bedrooms on the top floor, a private dining room and round drawing room, with superb views of the Firth of Clyde, Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. President Eisenhower holidayed here back in the day, and today you can get half-board for your “clan”, including cream tea, pre-dinner drinks, a three-course dinner and full Scottish breakfast.

Glengorm Castle (Castle Sorn)

Bed and Breakfast, Lodge, Cottages

Purple flowers in the foreground, with a view of Glengorm castle hotel on the Isle of Mull in Scotland

Experience a slice of the Scottish high life with a stay at Glengorm Castle (also referred to as Castle Sorn), a stone’s throw away from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. This 19th-century rural retreat is available as a bed and breakfast, so you can live like kings and queens at the top of the tower, or close by in one of several quaint cottages. Guests are able to explore the magnificent library, enjoy the main hall and feast in the dining room.

Balfour Castle

Boutique Hotel

On the little island of Shapinsay, in Orkney, sits this most dignified castle. With trimmings such as de Gournay silk wallpaper, rolltop baths, formal gardens and indescribable vistas, Balfour Castle hotel is everything you can imagine from a Scottish castle, and then some. As a guest, you’ll arrive in some style by private chartered boat. This venue is the very definition of exclusive, offering unrivalled views, stunning wilderness and the divine light that pours in through the giant windows casting delicate dancing shadows.

Dornoch Castle

Boutique Hotel, Suite Hotel, Hotel

Head an hour out of Inverness, in the Scottish Highlands, and you’ll come to Dornoch Castle, a family-run hotel built around 1500 that’s rich in character and history. Each room is decorated in a different theme and exudes a soothing ambience while staying true to that classic castle style, with wood-panelled walls, vast stone fireplaces, heavy drapes and carved four-poster beds complete with the obligatory tartan touches. There are 24 rooms, but not all of them are in the castle proper – some are garden rooms in a 1970s extension block, so make sure you know what you’re getting before you book.

For more accommodation options, read our guide to the best hotels in Scotland. Looking for a luxury hotel? Check out our pick of the most luxurious hotels to book in Scotland, bookable with Culture Trip. Or if you’re headed to Balmoral Castle, see where you can stay nearby.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.