Even if you’re not particularly romantically inclined, there’s something about the fairytale nature of castles that is inescapably captivating. Who wouldn’t want to sleep somewhere with hundreds of years of history?
Rightfully famed for its ancient architecture, at one time Scotland had over 3000 castles. With 1500 still standing today, there are plenty of opportunities to hole up in one overnight, and there’s never been a more appealing time to secure your stay, with celebrities and fashion’s front row all heading north to soak up the atmosphere. In 2023 Chanel held a private dinner in Barnbougle Castle, while 2024 brings the Dior Cruise show to the gardens of Drummond Castle.
With its naturally rugged landscape and relatively small population, the country affords ample space for these beautiful buildings to stretch their wings in, with options that range from five-star hotels to exclusive-use properties. So even if your invite to Chanel or Dior got lost in the post, you can still live like fashion royalty in one of these picturesque castle stays in Scotland.
Glenapp Castle
Glenapp Castle is the perfect assemblage of Scottish Baronial castle design with its capped sandstone turrets and crenelations covered in clematis. It has proper old-school charm, whisking you back to better days, thanks to comfortable interiors and the warmest staff who instantly make you feel right at home.
Testament to their care is the number of repeat visitors the hotel gets, with guests choosing to return year after year to enjoy the beautiful grounds and the plush rooms, many of which feature glittering chandeliers and plush four-poster beds. Up in the eaves, you’ll find a space that holds the title of Scotland’s largest suite. It’s a warren of private chambers to enjoy and comes with a full butler service. Enjoy a bath while watching swallows whistle and dive like arrows from the parapet, or head to the rooftop for views across the Irish Sea.
The hotel has the five-star hallmarks of its Relais & Châteaux group, with experts on hand to organise extra-curricular activities, and there’s a fine-dining restaurant too, where you’ll dine in candlelight to the background sound of piano music.
Address: Ballantrae, Ayrshire, KA26 0NZ
Website: glenappcastle.com
Aldourie Castle
Part of the Wildland stable, Aldourie has undergone an extensive refurb to sympathetically restore it to its former glory using traditional craftsmanship in the most detailed and extraordinary way. The 300-year-old castle has 12 beautifully appointed bedrooms and is exclusive use, but there are also cottages on the estate for smaller groups.
In winter, there are roaring fires set and stoked by the sweet in-house team, and in summer, there are nearly endless daylight hours, which means extra time to enjoy the glasshouses and grounds, as well as Loch Ness, which the gardens run right down to.
If you’re going all out, the team can arrange bespoke itineraries to include activities like pony picnics or shooting for outdoorsy sorts; or for homebirds there are parties in the wooden-clad boathouse or whisky tastings in the comfortable common rooms.
Address: Aldourie Castle, The Estate Office, Loch Ness, Inverness IV2 6EL
Website: aldourie.scot
Wormistoune
Perched on the edge of Scotland’s east coast, Wormistoune is one of those properties that feels like you're in a whole other world once safely held within its walls. Primarily a family home, you can feel the care that’s gone into every inch of the refurb with no-expense-spared elements like a cinema room and Devol kitchen.
Here, guest accommodation is in the coach house, with four bedrooms, a firelit dining hall and a kitchen that leads one way up to a snug via a spiral staircase and the other way onto a smart patio in one corner of the immaculate walled gardens.
Don’t skip a swim in the bracing north sea, a walk along the coast to Cambo’s gardens and lunch at the lobster shack at Crail.
Address: Wormiston, Anstruther KY10 3XH
Website: wormistoune.com
Mingary Castle
The fun begins before you’ve even arrived at Mingary, with beautiful stretches of wilderness to enjoy on the journey. Profiting from possibly one of the best views of any castle in Scotland, Mingary looks across the Sound of Mull from its rocky foothold on the west coast and gives off serious Outlander vibes. The building dates back to the 13th century and is the ancient seat of the Maclain clan, but has recently found a new purpose as one of Scotland’s smartest restaurants with rooms.
The wood-panelled, beautiful restaurant is headed up by Colin Nicholson, who started out under the tutelage of Albert and Michel Roux Jr. Food is staunchly seasonal, embracing the best of Scottish produce in a fine-dining, tasting menu format.
Rooms are suitably smart, with four poster beds, and exclusive use is a possibility should you have something special to celebrate.
Address: Mingary Castle, Kilchoan PH36 4LH
Website: mingarycastle.co.uk
Balmoral Castle
We all deserve to feel like royalty every now and then, and the cottages at Balmoral Castle are as close as you can get to rubbing shoulders with the King without an official invite. The castle itself is open for a stroll through when the King isn’t in residence, and then you’re just a hop, skip and a jump home once you’ve done all the wandering you want.
There’s a reason Charles chooses this part of Scotland; it’s in the middle of some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll find anywhere, with rushing waters for top-tier fishing, rugged hillsides offering varied hiking and chocolate box villages perfect for exploring. Our favourite is nearby Ballater. Don’t skip eating at the Fish Shop while you’re here, it won one of our top new restaurant awards in 2024.
Address: Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB
Website: balmoralcastle.com
Brodie Castle
Did you know that many National Trust for Scotland properties also offer accommodation, and a unique opportunity to experience the locations after the last day visitors have left? Brodie Castle is one such offering with the Laird’s Wing providing accommodation for up to 14 guests across seven bedrooms.
It’s a listed property, so doesn’t have as many creature comforts as some other castles, but if you can struggle through sharing a shower with a few of your companions, and don’t mind well-worn squashy sofas, Brodie Castle offers excellent value for money and eclectic antique-stuffed interiors that make it feel like you’re truly stepping back in time.
Address: Brodie Castle and Estate, Brodie, Forres IV36 2TE
Website: nts.org.uk
Forter Castle
Burned down in 1640, Forter Castle very nearly didn’t make it to the 21st century. Luckily it was rebuilt in 1990 and is now privately owned by interior designer Katharine Pooley.
Thanks to the current custodianship, the interiors here are some of the finest you’ll find in the whole of Scotland. The seven bedrooms have been designed for different family members and range from a vast master suite that requires stairs to reach the high, plump four posters to a cosy chamber with cashmere-lined walls and a princess-like bed.
The dining hall feels appropriately dressed with a flagstone floor, open fire and crossed swords on the walls, while its position in Glenisla means spotting wildlife like red squirrels or deer is likely.
Forter is available as exclusive use only, and can be hired for weddings.
Address: Forter Castle, Kirkton of Glenisla, Forter Castle PH11 8QW
Website: fortercastle.com
Atholl Estates
Like something out of a fairytale, the turrets and towers of Blair Castle on Atholl Estate gleam white on your approach. While you can’t stay in the castle itself – it’s been a family home for more than seven centuries – you can visit some of the rooms and the gardens before retreating to one of the cottages in the grounds. If you’re after grandeur, Tulliemet House is the largest – sleeping 18 – and comes with its very own battlement-topped turret for a touch of castlecore. The estate is on the fringes of the Cairngorms, one of our best places to go in 2024, so it offers incredible scenery right from the doorstep, and the team can arrange all kinds of activities and amenities should you wish to add to your experience.
Address: Atholl Estates, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5TH
Website: atholl-estates.co.uk