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Scotland is dripping in history; everywhere you look, there’s a ruin, a monument, and other buildings that weave the rich tapestry of Scotland through the ages.
One feature we have over 1500 of is the castle.
Did you know that you can stay in a castle in Scotland?
Whether you are looking for a romantic setting for a special occasion, a particularly memorable stay, or some ghostly hauntings, Scotland has it all for you.
This guide will take you through ten of the best Scottish castle hotels and how to book them.
You may also like our seven days in Scotland route planner.
Castles in Scotland to Stay in
When planning your trip to Edinburgh, considering visiting other areas in Scotland is a must.
With so much to see and do, you will be spoiled for choice.
Staying in a Scottish Castle is a dream come true for visitors, allowing you to indulge in your fantasy of being a Laird or Lady for the night.
While you cannot stay in the most iconic of all our castles, Edinburgh Castle, there are other castles in the surrounding areas of Edinburgh where you can book a stay.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel Near Edinburgh
Beginning at only a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh, the 13th-century Dalhousie Castle is one of the best castles to stay in Edinburgh.
With history seeping through the walls of this castle hotel, you will feel the ghosts of the past as you wander around the building.
Boasting the likes of Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, and Sir Walter Scott, a stay here means you are truly among the greats of Scottish history.
The castle even has its own ghost in the form of The Grey Lady.
Locked up in one of the castle turrets where she later perished, the ghost of Lady Catherine wanders the stairs and dungeons.
You can book a Knight’s Experience to really make you feel like a member of the nobility.
Dine at the atmospheric Dungeon Restaurant for 2 AA Rosette dining or, for a less formal experience, the Orangery.
Relax in the massaging jet pool, sauna, and steam pool of the hotel spa, or try archery and clay pigeon shooting for something a little more active.
Dalhousie Castle really has everything you need for romance and history.
If you’d prefer a historic hotel in Edinburgh, here’s our guide to romantic hotels, including The Witchery and Prestonfield House which aren’t castles but they are unique.
Faside Estate
About ten miles east of Edinburgh, you will find Faside Estate.
This 14th Century Castle allows you to spend the night in the tower.
The apartment is based over two floors, the first one is the Great Hall, where there is a roaring fire with plenty of logs supplied to keep it burning.
You will also find information on the history of the castle here.
The top of the tower is the ensuite bedroom, and what a room!
If the seven-foot-wide bed doesn’t catch your eye, then views from the rooftop access across the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh will.
This castle oozes romance and allows you to indulge in the fantasy of being the Laird or Lady of your own castle.
It is said that a Green Lady haunts the castle, so for any ghost hunters out there, the best day to see her is the 9th of September, the anniversary of her death, when she appears at the window.
This is a luxurious bed and breakfast accommodation, so expect a hearty morning meal.
Faside Estate really does have it all!
Barony Castle
Set in 25 acres of countryside, this 16th-century building is one of the castle hotels in Scotland that you must stay in.
Just outside of the Scottish border town of Peebles, the castle hotel has so much to offer than just a room for the night.
Wandering through the vast grounds, you will discover the Great Polish Map.
This is a three-dimensional map of Scotland, and you can view it from the platforms surrounding the map itself.
Guests also like to relax at the sauna and indoor swimming pool.
There is also a fitness centre and spa with treatments.
The castle hotel restaurant, 1536, serves a menu of quality local produce and seasonal ingredients.
Check out the Blue Dug bar and Murray Lounge for a chilled afternoon.
The baronial building of Barony Castle is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Stobo Castle
There’s really nowhere quite like Stobo Castle in Peebles.
Tucked away among the farmlands of the Scottish Borders, this countryside retreat opens its castle doors to day visitors and overnighters looking for a zen experience.
The building dates back to the 12th century, however, its amenities are modern with a large swimming pool, multiple saunas and shower experiences, outdoor hot tubs, and delicious food served in the restaurant.
Guests can also book a spa treatment to really relax.
Cringletie
As far as Scottish castle hotels go, Cringletie is one of the best.
Around 35 minutes from Edinburgh, near the Scottish Borders, this 17th-century castle has 28 acres of beautiful gardens.
The secluded nature of the property allows you to have a relaxing romantic break.
One of the best features of the property is the hand-painted ceiling in the dining room, where you can enjoy fine dining and showcase local produce.
Dine at the 2 AA Rosettes winner, The Sutherland Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner under the Head Chef Iain Gourlay.
Offering you a truly memorable castle stay, Cringletie is one to put on that bucket list.
Cornhill Castle
If you are looking for something special, then Cornhill Castle is the one for you.
An elegant Renaissance-style 19th-century French Chateau is built entirely of light-colored freestone and sits majestically by the banks of the River Clyde.
This castle hotel has just had a full refurbishment, and with glittering chandeliers, exquisite decor, and vast gardens with beautiful views, you will find the perfect romantic stay here.
For food, check out The Ghillie, which serves fresh salmon and trout caught at the nearby Clyde, among many other produce.
Wash it all down at the Whisky and Gin Keep, a popular spot with guests.
That’s not all! The Ghillie also offers afternoon teas to enjoy a slow-paced, savory, and sweet treat over good conversation.
Cornhill Castle is in the historic town of Biggar, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, and has been a royal burgh since the 15th century.
Biggar is steeped in history, with plenty to explore and discover while you enjoy your stay at this Scottish castle.
Scottish Highland Castle Hotels
If you want to explore a little bit further through Scotland when you visit, it is worth looking at the castle hotels in the Highlands.
You can even book to stay while you indulge in one of the many Highland tours that are available to book from Edinburgh.
After all, if you’re looking for a true Outlander experience, then living like Jamie and Claire for the night will be the icing on the cake.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
The word luxury is often mentioned with hotels, but it has never described such a wonderful hotel as Inverlochy Castle.
Nestled under the grandeur of Ben Nevis in front of its own private loch, this hotel offers you a peaceful and secluded night away.
Queen Victoria spent a week in Inverlochy Castle in 1873.
In her diaries, she wrote, ‘I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’, and you will find the same tranquillity when you visit.
Unfortunately for Queen Vic, she didn’t get the chance to dine at the AA 3 Red Rosettes Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle, which guests can do today.
Choose to dine in any of the three opulent dining rooms while you enjoy the modern British cuisine and French-influenced menu.
Offering you clay pigeon shooting along with other outdoor activities, you will feel like royalty in Inverlochy Castle.
As you wind your way up further in the Highlands of Scotland, the scenery will take your breath away, as well as the stunning castles that are to be found.
Glengarry Castle
Situated between Loch Oich and Loch Lochy in the largest glen in Scotland, The Great Glen, this castle hotel is right in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Built beside the ruins of the original Invergarry Castle, you can wander around these stones and walls imagining the conversations of Bonnie Prince Charlie with his men as they rested after the Battle of Culloden.
There are 26 bedrooms at Glengarry Castle, some with four-poster beds.
Whether popping in for a coffee or enjoying an evening meal, guests highly rate the restaurant at this Scotland castle hotel.
The romance of the Highlands is a feeling you get here, and Glengarry Castle is a perfect place for you to indulge in Highland hospitality.
Dornoch Castle Hotel
While you cannot stay in Inverness Castle itself, there is a hotel not far from Inverness.
Dornoch Castle Hotel in the Royal Burgh of Dornoch is around a 45-minute drive from Inverness.
This 500-year-old castle, which is opposite the 12th-century cathedral where Madonna got married, is a picture-perfect building.
The cozy interior offers you all the mod-cons you need while giving you the opportunity to sleep in a four-poster bed.
The fine dining experience showcases Scottish produce, and after, you can enjoy a wee dram by the fire.
Romance is always on the cards when you visit here.
For the golfers out there, this is the perfect stop after your round on the natural links course of Royal Dornoch.
The Dornoch Castle Hotel really does have something for everyone.
Dornoch is part of Scotland’s Route 66, NC500! Here’s a guide to North Coast 500 Castle Hotels by Two Scots Abroad.
Glengorm Castle
Island hopping is another of the trips that you can take while you visit Scotland.
The islands offer so many opportunities to see Scotland and its history in a different way.
The Isle of Mull is the second biggest island in the Inner Hebrides, and you can visit it on a ferry from the coastal town of Oban.
One such castle you can stay in is Glengorm Castle.
The 19th-century castle takes its name from the Gaelic ‘blue glen’.
Named by John Forsyth, the owner of the castle, who felt the air had a special color.
In fact, the air was blue from the smoke of the fires that burnt the houses that were cleared to build the castle.
The castle is set at the north point of this magical island, near the colorful village of Tobermory.
Surrounded by lochs, forests, and the hills of Mull, Glengorm Castle is the perfect retreat from the busy city life and gives you a great base to explore Mull and the neighboring Iona.
Fonab Castle Hotel
Perthshire is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland, and Pitlochry is only around an hour from Edinburgh.
One of the best times to visit Perthshire is in the autumn when the leaves are changing.
To see the russets, golds, oranges, and fiery reds that blanket the hillsides from late September to November gives you a whole new insight into what the area has to offer.
Situated on the outskirts of Pitlochry, this hotel is one of the best castles to stay in Scotland.
Built in 1892, the castle has been used by port and sherry merchants as well as a hospital during WW1.
The original castle walls host the restaurant, dining area to enjoy a full Scottish breakfast and the upstairs bar with dreamy views over Pitlochry.
The gardens also have pod dining for private parties.
Attached to the castle are private rooms and suites equipped with TVs, Nespresso machines, and robes for dressing in to use the indoor pool, the sauna room, the steam room, and the outside hot tubs.
Take a romantic walk in the vast gardens or enjoy Loch Faskally, which can be seen from the windows of Fonab Castle.
Gemma, the owner of Everything Edinburgh, has stayed at Fonab and personally recommends it for special occasions!
Final Words
This guide only showcases a few of the many castle hotels that Scotland has to offer.
Having stayed in a few of these myself, I know just how romantic they can be.
The breathtaking architecture, attention to detail, and hospitality all make the perfect package for you.
After a day exploring the Scottish countryside, there is no better welcome than a roaring fire and a wee dram to warm you from the inside.
We can’t wait to hear which one you chose.
Let us know in the comments!
Is there a castle to stay in that has more of the original decor/look instead of the bedrooms looking most like any other hotel.
Great question Dianne. Definitely! If you click the link to the hotels you can look through the images and you’ll see four-poster beds, etc in some rooms. Most have modernised because guests don’t want someone to bath them with hot water as they did back in the day! Hope you have a great stay.
Which castles to stay in that you can take public transport such as a train, bus or taxi to a nearby city like Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness? Thanks KC
Great question, most require a car which is understandable considering they are located on estates. However, according to maps, Inverlochy Castle can be reached by public transport and 10 minute walk. Or Dornoch Castle Hotel can be reached by public transport and 5 minute walk.