15 Best Historic Castles To Stay In Scotland
If you’re anything like me, then finding castles to stay in Scotland would be a dream come true! There’s something very special about waking up in a building with so much history. Maybe it’s the same bedroom that Mary Queen of Scots slept in or maybe the bar was once a dungeon.
I’m fairly sure my love of spending a night in a castle comes from a childhood watching Monarch of the Glen. That’s why I scoured the country to put this list together. There are ancient fortresses that hold on to their rough edges, elegant Victorian castles that offer luxurious living and everything in between. There are even a few affordable options!
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to stay in a Scottish castle, then this is for you!
This article contains some links that I may make a commission from with no extra cost to you.
Fyvie Castle – Aberdeenshire
Fairytale castle accommodation in Scotland doesn’t get much better than Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire! Dating back to the 13th century but extended enormously since then, it’s one of the region’s best castles to visit! Not many people realise that Fyvie is a castle that you can spend the night in though!
It might date back 800 years, but the Preston Apartment is fully modernised. You’ll know you’re sleeping in a castle but you won’t feel like you’re living in the past. With space for 12 guests in 6 bedrooms, it’s a great spot for the extended family or a group of friends to explore Aberdeenshire.
Of course, it would be irresponsible for me not to tell you about Fyvie Castle’s many ghosts. There’s a grey lady, a trumpeter and something that likes to rattle the bookshelves, but the most famous is the Green Lady. She was once Lilias Drummond and makes sure the other ghosts behave! You can tell she’s near by the scent of rose perfume…
Book Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire here!
Thirlestane Castle – Borders
If you want to rub shoulders with Scottish aristocracy, then one of the best castles to stay in Scotland is Thirlestane Castle in the Borders. This isn’t just the historic seat of Clan Maitland, but the Duke of Lauderdale still stays in this Scottish Castle! Don’t expect him to join you for breakfast though…
You’ll have your pick of apartments inside this Scottish castle, from one bedroom like Glenburnie, a two bedroom in The Maitland or three bedrooms in The Earl & Countess. They’re all self-catering and unfortunately, you won’t have the run of the place, but this is a properly historic place to stay.
The chief of Clan Maitland has been in this area since the 1200s although Thirlestane Castle was built in the late 16th century. It was all thanks to John Maitland, a favourite of King James VI, although his grandson would expand enormously. Since then, the Maitlands have been made Dukes of Lauderdale and since you’re staying in their castle, you can learn all about the history on a tour round the rest of your temporary home!
Book a stay in Thirlestane Castle here!
Mingary Castle – Ardnamurchan
If you can handle the winding road to get there, then I don’t think there are many better Scottish castles to stay in than Mingary Castle! It’s a proper 13th-century fortress, perched on a rock, defying attackers to scale its walls. Thankfully, these days they also leave the door open so that guests don’t have to do any besieging.
There are only four rooms inside, each one perfectly furnished with four-poster beds and historic features. That makes Mingary Castle an intimate place to stay as well as one that still feels like a proper Scottish castle. The food is outstanding with a daily changing six-course tasting menu.
The castle has seen plenty of conflict, being attacked and captured by the MacDonalds at least twice in its history. In 1588, Spanish soldiers from the scattered armada were even used by the chief of the MacLeans to attack its walls! Amazingly, Mingary Castle was in total ruin just 10 years ago and if you travel to nearby Castle Tioram then you can see roughly what state it was once in!
Book a stay in Mingary Castle here!
Dalhousie Castle & Spa – Midlothian
This is the oldest castle in Scotland that you can stay in, I’ll leave you to judge if you think it’s the best! Dalhousie Castle has stood right here for over 800 years and has withstood sieges, fires and even a stay by Edward Longshanks. Thankfully, it’s come a long way since its origins and you no longer have to fight your way across a moat to get inside.
It’s not the largest castle in Scotland, but good things come in small packages. It feels very grand from your first steps inside, with an imposing gothic ceiling and sweeping staircase. Have drinks in the library or dinner in the dungeon, unless the orangery feels a little less oppressive for your meal.
As if staying in a grand Scottish castle wasn’t enough, you can arrange falconry, archery or clay shooting in the grounds. To top things off, Dalhousie Castle even has a modern spa to draw you in. Their tagline is “Where history meets luxury” and I think that sums it up perfectly!
Book a stay at Dalhouse Castle & Spa here!
Inverlochy Castle Hotel – Fort William
On the outskirts of Fort William, there’s one incredibly luxurious Scottish castle you can stay in! Inverlochy Castle provides true 5 star service in the most beautiful of surroundings. As if that wasn’t enough, the restaurant is run by famous chef Michel Roux Jr and has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes!
Luxury like this does come with a price tag though, so a night in this Scottish Castle might be one to save for a special occasion. You can wander the gardens, play some tennis or even go out shooting clays. While staying here, you’ll feel like you’re the guest of some Victorian lord!
There are lots of places to see and things to do nearby, especially if you’re interested in Jacobite history! You can even stroll down to old Inverlochy Castle, a once powerful stronghold guarding the mouth of the River Lochy. Built in the 1200s, it was the site of two historic battles and once you see it, you’ll be glad you’re not staying there!
Book Inverlochy Castle in Fort William here!
Dalmunzie Castle – Glenshee
Tucked away up quiet Glenshee, Dalmunzie is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for an affordable castle to stay in Scotland. I spent a weekend here with Molly and some friends in 2023 and can’t wait to get back already. We managed to book a two-room apartment with four single beds, but all of the rooms are affordable here.
Glenshee is a main route from the Lowlands into the Highlands, coming out at Braemar, but it still feels off the beaten path. There aren’t hundreds of tourist attractions here, but there’s great Munro hiking nearby and it’s the perfect place to hide from the world a little.
The original castle was built in the 1500s although what you see today is a Victorian recreation. It captures the romantic Highland castle/shooting lodge vibe perfectly and don’t be surprised to see stags roaming outside your window. With roaring fires downstairs to enjoy a dram from the well-equipped bar after a delicious meal from the restaurant, it’s a perfect Scottish castle for a weekend away!
Book Dalmunzie Castle in Glenshee here!
Tulloch Castle – Dingwall
Hopefully, if you’re looking to stay in a Scottish castle then you’re not afraid of ghosts. Tulloch Castle in Dingwall near Inverness is supposedly haunted by a green lady. There’s even been a picture of a spectral hand in the staircase! Fortunately, I never experienced anything supernatural when I stayed…
Dating back to the 1400s, Tulloch is an especially great place for anybody connected to Clan Bain or Davidson. There’s even a wee clan museum inside for guests to enjoy! It’s not quite as over-the-top lavish or luxurious as some others, but it’s still incredibly comfortable and really feels like a historic castle.
Don’t miss the delicious dinner made with local ingredients in the Turrets Restaurant. With 22 bedrooms to book individually, it’s a great size without feeling like you’re in an enormous hotel. This is another of the most affordable castles to stay in Scotland and a great place to start or end a trip around the NC500!
Book a room at Tulloch Castle here!
Castle Fraser – Aberdeenshire
Calling all fans of Outlander, how would you like to stay in Jamie Fraser’s castle?! Sorry if I got anybody’s hopes up, it’s not Lallybroch but Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire! You definitely shouldn’t be disappointed though, this is still a very special place to spend the night.
Run by the National Trust for Scotland, a tour of the castle is a highlight of visiting Aberdeenshire. You’ll be staying in the self-catered East Wing and while you can’t wander the castle, you’ll get the grounds to yourself after closing time. Even with the barrel-vaulted rooms, the accommodation feels like a very modern 2-bed apartment.
Castle Fraser itself is one of the largest castles in Aberdeenshire, granted to Thomas Fraser by James II after he decided to split up the Earldom of Mar. It stayed in the Fraser family until the middle of the 1900s and it still feels very much like a family home inside!
Book a stay in Castle Fraser here!
Kilmartin Castle – Argyll
There aren’t many Scottish castles available to book that are as perfect as Kilmartin Castle. In fact, this place was named the 4th best place to visit in the entire world by the New York Times! I visited myself a few years ago, but I’m not sure my opinion holds quite as much weight.
This small, 500-year-old castle was saved from practical ruin by current owners Stef & Simo and slowly turned into a wee slice of perfection. It was a painstaking process and you can read all about Kilmartin’s resurrection here! Inside, you’ll find comfortably fitted bedrooms, rolltop copper bathtubs and a fully stocked kitchen for meal times.
While originally you could book individual rooms for bed & breakfast, Kilmartin Castle is now only available for exclusive use. It sleeps up to 10 in five bedrooms and they have contacts for private chefs, drivers and everything else you can need to make this the perfect group getaway!
Book all of Kilmartin Castle here!
Brodie Castle – Moray
Just outside Forres, to the east of Inverness, Brodie Castle is another popular visitor attraction that most don’t realise you can stay in. Hire out the entirety of the “Laird’s Wing” of this perfectly pink castle for up to 14 guests. Run by the National Trust for Scotland, the apartment has plenty of space and you’re well removed from the public side of the castle.
You’ll be living like one of the 13 successive Lairds of Brodie Castle who called this 16th-century castle home. The Brodies were never huge players in Scottish history, but they still got themselves into trouble occasionally. During the Covenanter wars, the royalists successfully attacked Brodie Castle while in the 1715 Jacobite rising, Lord Huntly was only stopped from destroying the tower by a lack of gunpowder!
It’s also a brilliant base to explore the surrounding area, whether that’s the historical sites of Moray or a few drams on the Speyside Whisky Trail! If you’d rather have a more relaxing stay in a Scottish castle then just enjoy the castle gardens and woodland walks.
Book the apartment in Brodie Castle here!
Glengorm Castle – Isle of Mull
For an incredible Scottish castle stay on a beautiful Scottish island, you’ll want to book into Glengorm Castle! Found at the very north of the Isle of Mull, not too far from Tobermory, the views from this Victorian castle are outstanding There are a few different options depending on group size, with one, two and three bedroom apartments on offer.
Sadly, the castle is said to have a dark past, being built after dozens of local families were cleared from the land. Glengorm means Blue Glen, the colour apparently coming from the smoke of cleared cottages being burned. Thankfully, the man who moved those people and built the castle never even got to stay inside and today it’s run by much nicer people!
It’s a grand setting, on an island with an abundance of things to see and do, and well worth spending at least a few days in. While the outside is all Baronial brilliance, the inside of all the apartments is much more modern. You’ll be there on a self catering basis with well stocked kitchens and all the mod cons!
Book into Glengorm Castle here!
Fonab Castle – Pitlochry
One of the newest on this list of Scottish castle hotels also happens to be one of the fanciest! Fonab Castle just outside Pitlochry is a lavish 5-star destination with two restaurants on offer. While every room is fitted to an incredibly high standard, not all are actually inside the castle. There’s a more modern annex so just be sure that you’re happy with what you’re booking.
Since Fonab Castle was only built in 1892, it doesn’t have as much history as some of the other Scottish castles you can stay in. The local area is absolutely packed with it though, either just round the corner in Pitlochry or further down the road in picturesque Dunkeld. Of course, you could always just spend your time in the spa instead!
Book a stay in Fonab Castle here!
Dornoch Castle – Easter Ross
Right in the heart of a historic town, across from the 13th-century cathedral, Dornoch Castle dominates the surrounding area. The best thing about a night here is that you’re in no doubt you’re staying in a Scottish castle. It’s cosy and comfortable, but holds on to all of its historic character.
Dornoch Castle was built just over 500 years ago as a home for the Bishop of Caithness. Not long after, it was partially destroyed during a battle between the Murrays and the MacKays! Thankfully, it was reconstructed and would eventually fall to the Sutherlands before being turned into the hotel we have today.
Exposed stone, wood panelling and four-poster beds along with big comfy chairs by roaring fires all combine to make this the perfect stay in a Scottish castle. Add in a well-stocked whisky bar and delicious food from the restaurant and Dornoch Castle is well worth the trip up north!
Book a stay in Dornoch Castle Hotel here!
Menstrie Castle – Clackmannanshire
Found in Scotland’s smallest region, Menstrie Castle is probably in the best position to explore the country. It’s just a short hop to Stirling or you can easily head north into Perthshire, east into Fife & Edinburgh or pop over to Glasgow. It’s part of the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail, another activity worth looking into and you’ll find it smack bang in the middle of a housing estate!
Built in the middle of the 1500s, this was home to the Alexander family. The most notable person born here was William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling. As a close confidant of King James VI, he rose through the ranks of nobility, even being granted the land of Nova Scotia!
Menstrie is a little more unusual than other castles to stay in Scotland, part of it being used as a housing development. From the outside, it’s every inch the 16th-century castle, but inside the three apartments provide comfortable, modern living. To top it all off, Menstrie Castle Stay is run by the nicest people!
Book with Menstrie Castle Stay here!
Barcaldine Castle – Argyll
Last, but by no means least on this list of Scottish castles you can stay in, Barcaldine Castle on the wild west coast. It’s also known as the Black Castle, but looking at this incredible wee tower both outside and in, no title could seem less fitting. With only 7 bedrooms, it’s not large but it’s perfectly formed!
The castle was built over 400 years ago by Black Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy. He built so many castles that he claimed he could travel across Scotland whilst sleeping in his own bed every night. Duncan clearly liked the finer things in life and I think he would be very pleased with how his old haunt has turned out.
The rooms are luxurious and comfortable although be aware that you’ll need to navigate a spiral staircase. Breakfast is famously good but there’s no restaurant for dinner so you’ll need to head out for that. Exploring Oban and Scotland’s west coast is one of my favourite activities and I can’t think of many better bases than a castle like this!
Book a night in Barcaldine Castle here!
Let me know which of these castles to stay in Scotland that you would pick for a night away!
How about staying in one of these castles while on a Scotland’s Stories Tour?
Just click this link to make an enquiry and book your private driving tour today!
0 Comments