The Best Castle Hotels in Scotland

Scotland has a ton of charm. From the dark, medieval city of Edinburgh, to the mysterious Loch Ness, and the fairy stories of the stunning Isle of Skye; this small island country is filled with magic. But while the folklore and landscapes are fun to explore, there’s another way to add some magic to your visit, like staying in one of the many castle hotels in Scotland

The concept of staying in a castle hotel isn’t new, but it’s often associated with a costly price tag. While staying in a Scottish castle hotel is a luxury experience, it doesn’t need to break the bank. With that in mind, here are my top recommendations for castle hotels in Scotland; with options for a variety of budgets.

Glenapp Castle Hotel

Glenapp Castle offers a true fairytale escape for those looking for a regal Scottish castle hotel. This romantic hotel is designed in the Scottish Baronial style with towering turrets, an oak-panelled interior, and stunning sea views. There are 36 acres of beautiful gardens to explore, an award-winning restaurant, and plenty of sporting activities to enjoy. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful and luxurious castle hotels in Scotland.  

Check prices for Glenapp Castle Hotel on booking.com here.

Check prices for Glenapp Castle hotel on hotels.com here

Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa

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 Scotland’s Castle Hotel of the Year for 2016; another reason why it’s a perfect pick for your Scottish vacation.

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

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

Stonefield Castle Hotel

Dating back to 1837, Stonefield Castle is one of the most beautiful castle hotels in Scotland. Set on 60 acres of woodland by Loch Fyne, it’s perfect for a tranquil escape. The castle itself is stunning as well, with some original furnishings, wood panelling, decorative ceilings, and marble fireplaces. Plus, with only 35 rooms it’s a small and intimate Scottish Castle hotel that promising to offer a memorable experience.

Check prices for Stonefield Castle Hotel on booking.com here.

Check prices for Stonefield Castle Hotel on hotels.com here

Cornhill Castle Hotel

Cornhill castle is a beautiful building overlooking the Lanarkshire Hills. However, it wasn’t always so elegant. This historic building was originally about the size of a farmhouse but has since been expanded and adapted over time by its various owners. Today, the once humble building now resembles a French chateau and is a perfect pick for travellers looking for a regal castle hotel in Scotland. 

Check prices for Cornhill Castle Hotel on booking.com here.

Check prices for Cornhill Castle Hotel on hotels.com here

Dornoch Castle Hotel

Dornoch is one of the most luxurious castle hotels in Scotland and is located in the picturesque Highlands. The historical castle has 22 rooms, each individually furnished to follow a specific theme to draw on the property’s history. The hotel also houses Dornoch Distillery company which produces organic gin. The unique mix of a Scottish castle hotel with an onsite distillery makes it a great choice for travellers. 

Check prices for Dornoch Castle Hotel on hotels.com here

Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa

Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa is a small but beautiful five-star property about 30 minutes outside of Perth. Its perched on the shore of Loch Faskally, overlooking the lake and to Ben Vrackie in the distance. A decadent spa, elegant dining options, and a unique Gin bar make it a great pick for visitors in search of romantic castle hotels in Scotland.

Check prices for Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa on booking.com here.

Check prices for Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa on hotels.com here

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel

Sherbrooke Castle hotel looks fit for a princess. A baronial red sandstone building set in a beautiful garden landscape. The building dates back to the late 1800s and served as a radar training centre for the British during WWII. It’s located only about ten minutes from Glasgow city centre, making it an easily accessible choice for those wanting to spend a night in a Scottish castle hotel. 

Check prices for Sherbrooke Castle Hotel on booking.com here. 

Check prices for Sherbrooke Castle Hotel on hotels.com here.  

Thirlestane Castle

Thirlestane Castle Hotel is located in the Scottish borderlands and considered to be one of the prettiest castle hotels in Scotland. This 16th century castle is home to the Maitland family who has finished the home to a 5 star luxury standard allowing visitors to dine and stay in this Scottish castle. There are several castle suites available to book that can be booked individually or, if you are a larger group, you can book the entire castle. Horsebackriding, spa, afternoon tea, and fishing are also all available here.

Book the Earl and Countess Suite

Book the Glenburnie Suite

Book the Sculleries Suite

Book the Lauderdale Suite

Book the Maitland Suite

Scotland is a beautiful country to visit, and a stay at any of these castle hotels in Scotland promises to add a bit of magic to your travels.

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Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance here. If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend SafetyWing. For Canadian readers, take a look at SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend booking.com for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is GetYourGuide. They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I have used esims around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA- they are super easy and you don’t risk losing your home sim! There are two brands I have used and recommend so I suggest comparing both. 

Airalo: download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase.

Truely: This one is easier in that it’s a one-time download instead of downloading an esim for each country. It also allows you to hotspot and tether- which not all esims do. Check out options here.

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my travel essentials and camera gear if you are looking for some ideas. 

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