Ah… Scotland. The wild and ancient land where stags roam free, purple heather carpets the mountains, and salmon-rich rivers wind down glens towards castle-crowned rugged coastlines.
If you’re planning a bucket-list trip to the far north and looking for a Scottish stay with serious wow factor, booking booking yourself into a castle hotel is a must (please don’t forget to pack a waterproof jacket!).
From grand Highland estates and turreted luxury hotels to quirky castles complete with resident ghosts, Scotland is packed with incredible places where you can bed down like a laird.
Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime five-star treat, a walking holiday in Scotland, or a family-friendly adventure, these unique and unusual castle hotels are guaranteed to make your Scottish trip one for the memory book – and Insta feed!
From the epic west coast to the stunningly wild Highlands and beyond, here are ten of our favourite castle hotels in Scotland. Open a bottle of something special, pour yourself a wee dram, and read on….
Best Luxury Castle Hotels
Inverlochy Castle Hotel, Torlundy, Fort William
Type of castle: This luxurious five-star 19th century castle in the Highlands is the hotel of choice for royals and celebrities alike. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle is one of the most luxurious castle stays in Scotland. Think Michelin-starred dining, loch views, and opulent interiors.... Planning on scaling the UK's highest mountain while you're there? Here's everything you need to know before climbing Ben Nevis.
Highlight: 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'.
Price: From £550+/night
Book it: Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Glenapp Castle, Girvan, Ayrshire
Type of castle: One of the finest places to stay in the whole of Scotland, this luxury, award-winning five-star turreted castle looks like something out of a fairytale. Tucked away within a whopping 36 acres of gardens and woodland, Glenapp Castle and its surrounding estate are steeped in British history — fun fact: Winston Churchill stayed here in 1944 while discussing the D-Day landings with Lord Inchcape! New for summer 2025 is Azalea - a stunning new indoor garden restaurant situated in the Walled Gardens that will be serving up seasonal produce crafted from the hotel's kitchen garden.
Highlight: Set sail from the castle’s private boat for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sea safari to Ailsa Craig.
Price: From £495/night
Book it: Glenapp Castle
Best Castle Hotels for a Quirky Escape
Kilmartin Castle, Kilmartin, Argyll
Type of castle: Named the 4th Best Place to Visit in the World by The New York Times in 2023, this 16th-century castle turned private self-catering retreat, has been lovingly restored by a creative couple with a flair for the dramatic. Situated in wild and unspoiled Argyll on the stunning West coast of Scotland, it's an authentic yet funky space with space for up to 10 guests to rule the roost. Expect stone spiral staircases, walk-in rain showers, handcrafted copper baths, and a medieval-meets-modern aesthetic.
Highlight: Guests are encouraged to make use of the castle's organic kitchen garden, orchard and fruit bushes.
Price: From £300/night
Book it: Kilmartin Castle
Barcaldine Castle, Oban, Argyll
Type of castle: One of the finest bed and breakfast castles in Scotland, the 17th-century Barcaldine Castle - aka the 'Black Castle' combines luxury with history in a stunning setting on the shores of Loch Creran. The six beautiful bedrooms with opulent furnishings and artwork are available to book individually or if you're planning something super special, you can opt to take the whole castle for you and your pals!
Highlight: Built in 1609 by Duncan Campbell, the castle is supposedly haunted by the ghost of his brother, Donald whose presence has reportedly been felt by folk in the Caithness Room!
Price: From £250+/night B&B
Book it: Barcaldine Castle
Best Castle Hotels for Families
Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh
Type of castle: Scotland's oldest inhabited castle, the 13th-century Dalhousie Castle is geared up for families looking for an adventure. Think family rooms, family-rates, woodland walks, fun activities, secret passages, a dungeon restaurant - and a spa for the adults to retreat to when it all gets too much!
Highlight: Book a hands-on falconry experience right in the castle grounds.
Price: From £200+/night
Book it: Dalhousie Castle
Fenton Tower, North Berwick, East Lothian
Type of castle: Looking for a private castle for a special family party? This exclusive-use 16th-century tower sleeps up to 13 and makes a brilliant base for exploring the spectacular beaches and world-class golf courses that East Lothian is famous for. Fishing, shooting, horse-riding can all be organised upon request.
Highlight: Kids will love staying in the castle made famous as 'Archie’s Castle' in the children’s show Balamory.
Price: From £1,500+/night (whole property)
Book it: Fenton Tower
Best Dog-Friendly Castle Hotels
Mingary Castle, Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan
Type of castle: Perched on a crag overlooking the sea on the Ardnamurchan peninsula - one of the UK’s last true wilderness areas — this remote 13th-century castle is an ideal basecamp for adventurous dogs and their humans! Well-behaved dogs can claim their own slice of Highland history at the multi-award-winning Mingary Castle — just be sure to clear it with the owners before your four-legged lord or lady arrives.
Highlight: Dogs are welcome in the MacDonald Suite, with wild, untamed Highland scenery right on the doorstep - perfect for adventurous pups who prefer beaches and moorland over manicured lawns.
Price: Suites at Mingary Castle start from around £325/night, including breakfast — with dogs welcome in the MacDonald Suite for an extra £25.
Book it: Mingary Castle
Knockderry House, Cove, Argyll & Bute
Type of castle: Sitting on the shores of Loch Long, Knockderry House may be more baronial pile than strict castle, but it’s still got towers, turrets, and views for days. A real hidden gem, it feels more like a secret escape than your average tourist haunt. There's five dog-friendly rooms to choose from and pups are welcome in parts of the bar and lounge.
Highlight: The 'Doggie Package' that includes a dog bowl, treats, a towel, and a list of recommended local walks.
Price: From £125/night, including breakfast - plus £10 per dog per night
Book it: Knockderry House
