Friday, September 22, 2023

Where To Stay In A Castle In Scotland

Ardoe House Hotel & Spa

Stirling, Scotland: Stirling Castle – Rick Steves Europe Travel Guide – Travel Bite

7.7120

Wonderful stay at a beautiful place. Breakfast was so delicious. Room was very spacious and decor is superb. Very comfortable bed. Staff very courteous and friendly.

This Victorian mansion with pool, spa and gym is set in quiet countryside 5 miles from Aberdeen. It has 2 bars, 1 restaurants and is 3 miles from the Castle Trail.

The 4-star Ardoe House Hotel & Spawas built in the 19th century and features original staircases, fireplaces and wooden panelling. Free parking is available on site.

There is a beauty salon and treatment rooms at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa. Near the pool you will find a hot tub, sauna and steam room.

Blair’s restaurant serves fine cuisine made with fresh, local produce. Food and drink is also available in the bars, and the cosy Drawing Room with its grand fireplace.

The Best Scottish Castle Hotels

An expert guide to the top castle hotels in Scotland, including the best for loch and mountain views, rich history, dog-friendly services, spas and fine dining, in locations including Loch Lomond, Loch Fyne, the Isle of Mull and Trossachs National Park.

9Telegraph expert rating

8Telegraph expert rating

8Telegraph expert rating

8Telegraph expert rating

9Telegraph expert rating

8Telegraph expert rating

Eisenhower Hotel At Culzean Castle Ayrshire

Perched on the Ayrshire cliffs in southwest Scotland, the imposing Culzean Castle of the Clan Kennedy is a late-18th century masterpiece by architect Robert Adams, and was a favorite of Dwight D. Eisenhower. In honor of the late president, the Eisenhower Hotel at Culzean makes the six presidential rooms open to the public. The upper floor was given to Eisenhower to use as his holiday home in appreciation for his role during WWII.

Rooms can be accessed via a 1920s elevator, and they have unrivaled views of the coast and across the sea towards the mountains of Arran.

The castle is surrounded by conifer and beech trees and a parkland created around the sandy coastline. Don’t be surprised if you hear the music of a piper coming from the cliffs below the castle on dark, stormy nights, supposedly played by the ghost of the chief of Clan Kennedy.

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. The on-site Fo’c’sle Restaurant serves dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

Kids can enjoy the Adventure Cove and Wild Woodland play areas.

Address: Maybole KA19 8LE, United Kingdom

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Scottish Castles You Can Visit

If you are enjoying your castle setting, whilst on your holiday, be sure to visit one or two of the many magnificent castles open to the public, that scatter the countryside. The National Trust for Scotland owns nearly 130 historic properties in Scotland, and a number of these are fantastic castles and grounds for you to visit. Historic Scotland also owns a large number of historic sites of interest in Scotland, and a number of these are magnificent castles and romantic and dramatic castle ruins available for you to visit.

Should your visit to Scotland take you to Aberdeenshire, be sure to investigate the renowned Castle Trail. The Visit Scotland tourist information website can provide you with the details of the route that takes in 17 of the most fantastic castles in the region, some NTS, some Historic Scotland and some privately owned. The Castle Trail reaches from Spynie Palace in Elgin across to Duff House in Banff in the north, down to Dunnottar Castle on the coast at Stonehaven, on the east coast, and across to Braemar Castle in the Cairngorms National Park taking in all the fabulous castles in between.

Dunnottar Castle is a medieval fortress in Aberdeenshire

Castles For Smaller Parties Castle Apartments

Castle Venlaw, Peebles Scotland

Should your group comprise of a smaller number of guests, we have a number of castle apartments that may suit you, where you can enjoy the magnificence of holidaying in a castle but without the expense of a bigger home! All our castle apartments have their own private entrances so you will not be disturbed by the owners or other residents during your holiday, and are fully functional self catered venues. We can offer castle apartments traditionally furnished with the antiques and finery expected of the period setting, and we can offer apartments refurbished to a sleek modern and luxurious standard.

This imposing castle has two apartments

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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 color 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 36 guest rooms at Stonefield Castle come with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and coffee makers, and feature stunning views of the gardens and loch.

The on-site restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine. The hotel has a game room and can arrange for horse riding and fly-fishing.

Address: A83, Tarbert PA29 6YJ, United Kingdom

Inverlochy Castle Hotel Fort William Uk

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 Castles heritage with casual sophistication and homely comfort for the 21st traveller.

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How To Stay In A Castle In Scotland

There are lots of different types of castle accommodation in Scotland to fit all budgets and needs:

Scottish castle hotels – many of Scotland’s grandest castles have been converted into luxury hotels. With classical, Baronial or medieval interiors, castle hotels in Scotland offer a taste of the past with modern and luxurious facilities.

Private rooms and B& B in a castle – whether you choose a castle B& B or a private apartment, book a room in a castle to feel like one of the family and explore behind the scenes of some of Scotland’s grandest homes.

Self-catering and group accommodation in a castle – looking for lots of space indoors and out? Castles and stately homes are perfect large get-togethers. With grand dining halls, ballrooms and catering facilities, castles are the perfect place to host your celebration.

Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa Pitlochry

10 of the Best Places to Visit Aberdeenshire, Scotland | Lots of Castles!

The red sandstone estate of Fonab Castle Hotel shines on the banks of Loch Faskaly. Built in 1892 and owned by the Sandeman family , this 34-room hotel is known for its destination spa and isolated serenity.

The property has an upscale restaurant and offers patio dining in warm weather, a fitness center, and a spa with a range of treatments. Guest rooms are restored with modern furnishings and some of them have balconies with loch views, fireplaces, and sitting rooms.

Guests can spend their days going on guided salmon fishing trips white water rafting along Rivers Garry, Tummel, and Tay and go on full- or half-day sightseeing tours to explore the Scottish countryside.

Address: Foss Road, Pitlochry PH16 5ND, United Kingdom

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The Carnegie Club At Skibo Castle

A stay at this 16th-century castle in the eastern Scottish Highlands, formerly the private home of industrialist Andrew Carnegie, today embodies the castle good lifecomplete with kilted bagpipers, highly textured suites with period furnishings, and more champagne and fine food than any one person can finish. You also have free rein over 8,000 forested acres, where you can try falconry, salmon fishing, and horseback riding. This is arguably the most coveted castle experience in Scotland, and has the price tag to prove it.

All In The Picturesque British Isles

All across Ireland and Great Britain, opulent estates are easier to access than you might think. With acres of manicured gardens, historic architecture paired with updated furnishings, and aristocratic activities, these castles have been carefully restored to receive discerning guests looking for an over-the-top getaway, or provide a private setting for weddings, family gatherings, or corporate retreats. Whether you are looking for a more traditional hotel experience and want to book a single room, or are planning to indulge all of your live-like-royalty dreams for a weekend and rent an entire castle, these 18 luxurious estates in the U.K. and Ireland are some of the most charming options.

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North West Castle Hotel

Ideally located in the centre of Stranraer, the North West Castle Hotel has been family owned and operated for over fifty years. The castle in which the hotel was built was formerly the home of Sir John Ross, a famous arctic explorer who discovered the North West passage, hence the hotels name. The original castle, which was built in 1820 on the shores of Loch Ryan, not only offers seventy-two modern ensuite bedrooms but also has a fine dining experience in the Regency dining room, spa facilities and even its own indoor curling rink, which hosts international curling events throughout the year. You can even give this winter sport a try yourself!

Dalhousie Castle Hotel And Spa

Dalhousie Castle, Scotland. ..

There are over 700 years of history in the walls of this Scottish Castle hotel and has hosted numerous prestigious guests including Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott. An award-winning restaurant, the luxurious Aqueous spa, archery and falconry promise to make your stay a unique and memorable experience. Not to mention that Dalhousie Castle Hotel was named Scotlandâs Castle Hotel of the Year for 2016 another reason why itâs a perfect pick for your Scottish vacation.

Check prices for Dalhousie Castle and Spa on hotels.com here

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Sleep In A Scottish Castle

Have you ever wanted to experience what life would be like as a royal? Or find out how a prince or princess may have lived in their castle? Or be surrounded by fine art, paintings, and fascinating history? Well in Scotland, not only can you visit amazing castles, you can also take your pick of special castle accommodation.

Head off on a romantic break with your other half and stay in a spectacular castle with incredible views of the surrounding landscape, complete with the peace and quiet of the castle all to yourself. If youd rather appreciate the fine details of a castles exterior, you could always camp in the scenic castle grounds.

Picture yourself taking delight in a delicious meal served on fine porcelain, feeling the warmth from a roaring fire as you sit in a cosy armchair with a good book, and visualise yourself strolling around majestic sculpted gardens.

Bring your dreams to life and explore one of Scotlands fairytale castles. Culzean Castle & Country Park features a dramatic clifftop setting, striking surroundings and architecture, and you can stay at The Eisenhower a luxury 6-bedroom hotel located on the upper floors of the castle.

If this sounds like a unique experience for you, then treat yourself, or a loved one, to your happily ever after in Scotland.

A Note On Travel Insurance In Scotland

Please, do NOT travel without travel insurance! Iâve had to rely on mine twice before . While the cost may seem annoying and better spent elsewhere, trust me when I say youâll be sorry if you donât have it. For just a couple bucks a day, you can save yourself a whole lot of stress and money. I like to recommend SafetyWing for travel medical insurance. With prices starting at $37 for 4 weeks, they are one of the most affordable options Iâve found. Learn more about the importance of travel insurance here.

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Book Your Castle Accommodation In Scotland Now

There are hundreds of more castles to stay at in Scotland we have just listed some of the best ones in this post.

These magical castles are fairytale icons in a country whose national animal is a Unicorn. And we love the Scots for providing us with an opportunity to walk the castle grounds and protect ourselves against rival clans.

Itâs time to live your castle fantasy. Choose your favorite castle hotel with activities and amenities fit for a King or Queen. From luxury spa facilities, authentic dining in the castleâs dungeons, and quirky tales of ghouls, to traditional royal pursuits like horse riding, playing golf, and much more.

Scotlands Castle Hotels Top 5 Pick

A Night in a Scottish Castle!

For a short guide, here are my top five picks on the best castles you can stay at in Scotland. These top five cover the different types of castles to cater to everyoneâs travel style, budget needs, and vacation types.

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Best Luxury Castles & Stately Homes In Scotland To Stay In

From medieval fortresses to country mansions and movie-like residences, theres no better place than Scotlands countryside, for a romantic or active break. Rub shoulders with celebrities and walk in the footsteps of some Scottish icons as you eat, sleep and play in some of the finest, most historic castles and stately homes in the land.

Castle Hotels In Edinburgh & Fife

When spending some time in Scotlands capital city, why not immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the country with a stay in a genuine castle? Our selection of castle accommodation in and around Edinburgh includes luxury castle hotels and unique B& Bs, some of which date back to the 13th century.

Edinburgh is a fantastic destination for lovers of history. Must visit sites include imposing Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Scott Monument, Edinburgh vaults and for dog lovers, the statue of Greyfriars Bobby. Dan Brown fans will love the fact that the enigmatic Rosslyn Chapel is within a few miles of Dalhousie Castle.

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Visiting Scotland: Although the highlight of your trip may be staying in a castle, you’ll want to also explore some of the country’s top attractions. Many people head straight for cities to see some of the most famous sites but much of the charm can be found in Scotland’s small towns and villages. If you’re planning a summer vacation, you may also be interested in our list of the best beaches in Scotland.

Big Castles For Big Groups

An unforgettable stay at Glenapp Castle

We have a fantastic range of castles suitable for groups of from 10 to 44 guests. These include tower houses, fortresses, and medieval keeps, and here some of the more traditional castle features come into their own. Choose a stone clad castellated keep for your holiday, with stone turnpike stairs leading you into vaulted ceilings and flagstone floored kitchen. Where the bedrooms are furnished with four posters, panelled walls and oak beamed ceilings, you will feel like you have stepped back in time! Alternatively, if you desire the traditional features, with a more modern luxurious feel, stay in a fortified peel tower, completely refurbished to cater for the needs of today within the confines of a 16th century castle.

Restored Fortified Castle near St Andrews

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Welcome To Inverlochy Castle Hotel A Beautiful 19th Century Scottish Castle Near Fort William In The Highlands Of Scotland

Being in Scotland’s finest Country Hotel, you will enjoy the holiday of a lifetime, where every detail for your comfort and enjoyment has been carefully considered and one which you are sure never to forget.

The area surrounding Inverlochy Castle is rich in landscape and history, to name but a few of these breath-taking places – the falls at Glen Nevis, the monument at Glenfinnan and the mountains of Glencoe. During a trip to Balmoral in 1873, 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’. Nestling in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle sits amidst some of Scotland’s finest scenery.

Eisenhower Hotel At Culzean Castle

History:

Culzean Castle was created by the 9th Earl of Cassillis by rebuilding a 16th century fortified tower house originally called Coif Castle. In the 17th century it became known as Cullean Castle, and eventually became Culzean Castle during the rebuild in the 18th century. After Thomas died, his brother David decided to significantly upgrade his brothers vision for the castle and employed a popular architect to design and imposing and stylish stately home. It took fifteen years, but the efforts were worthwhile because Culzean Castle is stunning, both inside and out.

In 1945 the Kennedy family gave Culzean Castle to the National Trust for Scotland, on one condition… which was that the top floor was to be offered to General Dwight Eisenhower in gratitude for his role in WWII. Eisenhower stayed at Culzean Castle four times, and the floor that was gifted to him has now been turned into the Eisenhower Hotel. As well as being open to individual guests and families, the hotel is available for corporate events, anniversaries, weddings and more.

Location:

The spectacular Culzean Castle sits high on the cliffs of the southwest coast of Scotland, looking across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran. Glasgow is around fifty miles north of the castle, and Galloway Forest Park under thirty miles south-east.

Amenities:

Activities Nearby:

Learn more at Culzean Castle visit aboutscotland.com/culzean/

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