There’s just something about Scottish castles. They grace a million travel boards on Pinterest and are on everyone’s bucket lists for a reason. (Thank you, Outlander!) So if you’re thinking about the best castles to stay in Scotland, we can’t blame you.
The castles look moody and otherworldly, but it’s more than the aesthetics. It’s also the ambiance.
When we say magical, we mean it: Just imagine waking to the gentle hush of fog rolling over a Scottish glen, sunlight slipping through a castle window that’s stood watch for hundreds of years. The smell of old stone and woodsmoke in the air. Scotland’s rugged charm ties it together: think windswept hills and lochs that shimmer like glass.
Staying in a Scottish castle is a chance to sink into history, to sleep where lairds once schemed, all while enjoying plush beds and roaring fires.
From misty isles to Highland haunts, we picked out the top castle stays that blend old-world vibes with a warm welcome. You’ll get a curated rundown of these gems, plus handy tips for booking and making the most of your trip.
Why Stay in a Scottish Castle?
In a Scottish castle, you’re not just a guest; you’re part of a story that stretches back to medieval times, when these walls sheltered clans and kings.
You’ll feel it at Stonefield Castle, lying in a four-poster bed, imagining the chatter of 19th-century lairds over whisky. But it’s not all dusty history. These places marry old bones with modern comforts: plush linens, hot showers, maybe even a spa. Then there’s Scotland’s romantic glow – misty moors, craggy peaks, a landscape that begs you to fall in love with it. It’s a combo that’s tough to beat.
The perks pile up, too. You might get the run of sprawling grounds, perfect for a quiet wander, or hear tales from locals who know every ghost story by heart.
Some castles sit close to nature, others a stone’s throw from buzzing cities like Edinburgh. With hundreds dotting Scotland’s castle-rich hills, picking the best isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve zeroed in on these standouts. Here, you’ll find places that blend heritage, comfort, and charming countryside.
1. Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull – Coastal Serenity
Average cost of stay: Around £180–£250 per night for a self-catering apartment.
Perfect for: Nature lovers and solitude seekers who want rugged views with a touch of Victorian charm.
Glengorm Castle feels like a secret tucked away on the Isle of Mull, far from the mainland’s hustle. The Victorian turrets go beautifully against the wild Atlantic.
Built in 1860, it’s all rugged stone and charm, with windows framing sea views that stretch forever. On a clear day, you can spot the Outer Hebrides. The island’s remoteness adds to the spell as you’re surrounded by windswept cliffs and rolling green hills, a world apart. Inside, it’s cozy yet grand, with fireplaces that beg for a rainy night in.
Getting there’s an adventure: hop a ferry from Oban (about 45 minutes), and bring your sea legs. It’s self-catering, so stock up on groceries in Oban. The castle’s estate is a playground for nature lovers! Spend an afternoon spotting puffins and seals along the coast, binocs in hand. Bring sturdy boots for the trails, too! They’re worth every muddy step. Glengorm’s a slice of coastal peace, perfect if you crave serenity with a Victorian twist. You’ll leave refreshed for sure.
2. Barcaldine Castle, Argyll – A Cozy Historic Hideaway Among the Best Castles to Stay in Scotland
Average cost of stay: Roughly £180–£220 per night, breakfast included.
Perfect for: History buffs and couples wanting a quiet, intimate B&B in a lochside setting.
Tucked along Loch Creran in Argyll, this 16th-century tower house oozes charm—think thick stone walls and narrow staircases that whisper tales of old clans. The family that owns Barcaldine Castle runs it as a B&B, and their hospitality makes it special. The lochside setting steals the show; so sit by the window, coffee in hand, and watch the water ripple under a gray Scottish sky. It’s small, intimate, the kind of place where you feel like the only guest in the world.
The drive from Glasgow takes about two hours – easy enough, with stunning scenery to boot. Breakfast comes with the stay. Afterward, pop over to Oban, just 20 minutes away, and gorge on the freshest seafood (oysters straight from the bay!). Barcaldine’s one of the best castles to stay in Scotland for tourists who want history without fuss. Bring a book, soak in the quiet, and let this hideaway work its magic. You’ll leave feeling like family.
3. Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian – Medieval Luxury Near Edinburgh
Average cost of stay: Typically £250–£350 per night, with luxury spa options.
Perfect for: Travelers who want medieval ambiance paired with spa indulgence, close to Edinburgh.
If you want a taste of luxury, Dalhousie Castle is for you. Whisking you back to the 13th century, Dalhousie gives you a modern twist that’s pure indulgence. Just south of Edinburgh, this place has seen it all – wars, sieges, the lot – its red stone walls standing firm since medieval times.
You’ll find yourself falling hard for its blend of old and new; the spa, tucked in the dungeon, and then the falconry for a journey back to old time fun. The rooms are immaculate with all the plush comforts you’d hope for.
It’s a quick 20-minute drive from Edinburgh, so you can pop in after a city day. Book spa treatments ahead, or you’ll nearly miss out because they fill up fast. While you’re there, swing by Rosslyn Chapel, a 15-minute jaunt away. Those carvings are straight out of a mystery novel!
Dalhousie’s medieval luxury hits different; it’s grand yet cozy, a stone’s throw from the capital. Treat yourself to this one – you’ll feel like royalty without the crown.
4. Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire – A Stunning, Luxurious Escape
Average cost of stay: Expect £400–£600 per night with full-board luxury.
Perfect for: Gourmets and garden wanderers craving five-star pampering in a castle setting.
Glenapp Castle is all about baronial elegance. Think grand staircases, oak panels, and chandeliers that gleam like stars. Built in 1870, it’s an absolute stunner.
The real treat is their gourmet dining. You can savor a dinner of local lamb and whisky-infused pudding that will have you telling everybody. The secluded gardens are just as dreamy; you can wander through rose bushes and past a trickling fountain, as you lose track of time in the quiet. It’s a proper escape, far from the everyday grind.
But if you don’t feel like taking yourself completely off the grid, however, Glenapp Castle offers you some modern luxuries. We love it when a castle stays true to its ancestral roots, but always appreciate it when it surprises us with some of the modern comforts we’re used to.
Getting there’s straightforward: take a train to Girvan, then a quick taxi ride, about 20 minutes. Their all-inclusive packages cover meals and a garden tour. For a breather, stroll the coast to Ballantrae, a nearby village with salty air and rugged cliffs. Make sure to bring a jacket as it gets breezy.
Seriously, if you want a place where you can spoil yourself in, add Glenapp Castle to your list.
5. Kincraig Castle, Highlands – Victorian Grandeur in the Wild
Average cost of stay: Around £170–£250 per night, with seasonal deals available.
Perfect for: Those chasing Highland grandeur with plush Victorian interiors and epic autumn views.
Kincraig Castle sits like a proud jewel in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by untamed beauty. We recommend a visit in autumn, when the sight of its Victorian silhouette against golden hills takes your breath away.
Built in 1800, Kincraig Castle is all about grandeur. Inside, you’ve got plush velvet chairs, roaring fires, and ceilings that make you feel small in the best way. The estate sprawls wide, with treats like fishing in the River Spey. It’s the kind of place where you wake to deer grazing outside your window – pure Highland wildness.
The drive from Inverness is an easy hour, winding through scenery that’s a treat in itself. You might be able to snag a seasonal deal in late fall when it’s quieter and cheaper, so check their site for offers.
Kincraig blends posh with rugged like nowhere else. If you crave the Victorian atmosphere in the heart of the wild, this castle’s calling your name. You’ll love it.
6. Ackergill Tower, Caithness – Remote Northern Charm Among the Best Castles to Stay in Scotland
Average cost of stay: Exclusive hire only, from £3,000+ per night depending on the event.
Perfect for: Groups or couples wanting remote luxury for weddings or unforgettable gatherings.
Ackergill Tower stands like a lone sentinel on Caithness’s rugged coast, its weathered stones hugging the edge of Sinclair’s Bay. With the North Sea crashing below, you can feel its 15th-century soul.
Built by the Keith clan, it’s steeped in tales of feuds and abductions. Once a luxury hotel, it’s now a private retreat, perfect for exclusive events. In planning our own wedding, we imagine hosting a wedding here: candlelit halls, the sea roaring outside, a vibe that’s equal parts wild and intimate. The tower’s isolation is its charm—nothing but cliffs and waves for miles.
Getting there takes some effort. You can fly into Wick, just 10 minutes away, but you can also drive from Inverness (this way, you get three and a half hours of stunning Highland views).
It’s all about exclusivity now, so you’ll need to book the whole place through a private rental; no drop-ins allowed. While you’re up north,
Ackergill is one of the best castles to stay in Scotland for tourists craving solitude with a side of history. It’s raw, remote, and unforgettable.
7. Stonefield Castle, Argyll – Lochside Romance
Average cost of stay: Roughly £160–£200 per night, dinner optional.
Perfect for: Romantics and wanderers who love loch views, woodland strolls, and seafood feasts.
Stonefield Castle is a romantic gem on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll. It really looks like something from a love story. Built in 1837, it’s got that Gothic flair, with cozy rooms that open to views of the loch’s glassy waters. You can sit by the window as fishing boats bob in the distance.
The real treat, though, is the woodland trails winding through the estate – rhododendrons everywhere, and I stumbled on a hidden bench perfect for daydreaming. It’s peaceful in a way that sinks into your bones.
The drive from Glasgow is about two hours – smooth roads, gorgeous scenery. Dinner’s a highlight; their restaurant does wonders with local seafood, so book a table ahead. For a bit of fun, kayaking on Loch Fyne is right there, or take a ferry to nearby islands like Bute.
Stonefield wraps you in lochside romance with just enough adventure to keep things lively. If you want a getaway that feels like a secret, this castle’s your spot.
Planning Your Scottish Castle Escape: Which One Fits You Best?
Each of these castles offers something wildly different, yet all tap into the same core desire: to feel transported.
Whether you’re drawn to windswept coastlines, velvet-covered lounges, or candlelit dining rooms straight out of a fairytale, there’s a castle here with your name on it.
The good news is that Scotland makes castle-hopping easy. The bad news? Choosing just one is the hard part.
For those wanting total off-the-grid magic, Glengorm or Ackergill deliver that remote allure where it’s just you, the cliffs, and the cry of seabirds.
More of a comfort-first traveler? Glenapp and Dalhousie combine all the pageantry of castle life with plush robes and gourmet dining.
Meanwhile, Barcaldine, Stonefield, and Kincraig hit that perfect sweet spot—historic charm, thoughtful hosts, and just enough modernity to stay cozy.
If your itinerary’s tight, choose castles closer to major cities like Dalhousie (20 minutes from Edinburgh) or Barcaldine (near Oban). But if you’ve got time to roam, venture north to Ackergill or east to the Isle of Mull. You’ll find rewards in the journey itself.
One final tip: Book early. The best rooms vanish months ahead, especially in summer and autumn. And don’t just pack wellies and wool, bring your sense of wonder! These aren’t just hotel stays; they’re storybook chapters waiting to be lived.
How to Choose and Book the Best Castles to Stay in Scotland
Picking the perfect Scottish castle stay starts with planning your itinerary and listing your essentials. Here are a few tricks to make it easy.
Budget’s the first hurdle as room rates can swing wildly. Glengorm’s self-catering might run you £250 a night, while Glenapp’s luxury could top £500 with meals tossed in. Extras like spa days at Dalhousie or fishing at Kincraig add up, so I always tally the full cost upfront.
Next, match the castle to what you love. Craving plush pampering? Glenapp’s your pick. More into raw history? Barcaldine’s old tower vibes hit the spot.
Timing matters, too. Summer books fast, but winter’s cozier, with fires roaring and fewer folks around. Check availability early; Scotland’s castles are popular for a reason.
Pair them with regions for a smart trip. An Argyll loop (Barcaldine to Stonefield) keeps you by lochs and seafood towns like Oban. Or try a Highlands trek: Kincraig, then a jaunt through the Cairngorms.
Booking’s straightforward: Start with castle websites for information on rooms, amenities, and availability; you could find some last-minute deals. Expedia is solid for comparisons, too.
For groups, Ackergill’s private rental shines, but call ahead because it’s exclusive. Look for seasonal offers: Dalhousie drops rates in January, or bundle meals like at Glenapp.
The best castles to stay in Scotland are worth the effort. Pick your atmosphere, lock in early, and you’re set for a trip that’s pure magic.
Tips for Making Your Scottish Castle Stay Unforgettable
Packing well is our first tip. Scotland’s weather flips fast, so bring layers: a sweater for chilly mornings, a waterproof jacket for sudden rain.
Don’t skip a camera; the scenery is unreal – Glengorm’s cliffs at dusk can haunt your camera roll forever. Chat up the locals, too. Exploring nearby spots adds flavor. Every castle’s got a gem close by – find it.
Then there’s the extras that kick it up a notch. Ghost tours, whisky tastings, stargazing… perhaps keep a journal for these trips. Although they are built now for guests, you’re still in a historic castle. It’s an old place, so lean into the quirks, the history, the wildness. Let the day unfold, soak it all in, and you’ll leave with stories worth telling.
These Scottish castle stays weave a spell that’s hard to shake. You’ve got history humming through ancient stones, luxury wrapped in tartan, and Scotland’s wild beauty spilling out every window. They’re escapes into a land of lochs, legends, and rugged charm. Scotland’s got a way of sticking with you, and these castles make it unforgettable.
Book that trip, whether it’s a Highland fling or an Argyll retreat. We’d love to hear which one’s your dream. Share it in the comments; let’s swap some castle love. Which castle stay calls to you?
