7 Most Beautiful Castle Hotels in the Scottish Highlands
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For anyone who dreams of stepping into a fairytale (you're in good company!), staying in a castle hotel in the Scottish Highlands might just be the ultimate bucket list experience.
Surrounded by rugged landscapes, misty lochs, and loads of historic charm, these stunning accommodations bring together luxury and heritage seamlessly. Whether you're a history lover ready to dive into centuries-old stories, or maybe you're just looking for an unforgettable and luxurious getaway in the Highlands, Scotland's castle hotels will instantly elevate your trip.
I personally love the feeling of "stepping back in time" while traveling, particularly in a country like Scotland, where history is everywhere you turn. But with so many options to choose from, how can you possibly narrow it down?
This guide has you covered! Here are 7 of the most beautiful (and unique!) castle hotels in the Scottish Highlands that you absolutely have to check out.
Best Castle Hotels in the Scottish Highlands
1. Mingary Castle
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Price: £350 per night for a suite
Nearest Town: Kilchoan
Tucked away on the remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Mingary Castle is a 13th-century gem with jaw-dropping coastal views. Recently restored with incredible attention to detail, it’s the perfect mix of medieval charm and modern luxury. Imagine sitting on the battlements, soaking in the stunning views across the sea to the Isle of Mull. It doesn’t get much better than that!
The on-site fine dining restaurant serves up a delicious 5 or 8 course tasting menu, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, giving you a dining experience you won’t forget - much like the unforgettable castle itself.
Tip: Don’t miss exploring the Ardnamurchan Lighthouse (the most westerly point of the mainland UK!) and Sanna Bay for a caribbean-esque white sand beach experience.
Mingary Castle
Images via Booking.com
2. Kilmartin Castle
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Price: £1300 per night (entire castle rented)
Nearest Town: Lochgilphead
Staying at Kilmartin Castle feels like stepping back in time at your own private estate. This 16th-century castle has been beautifully restored, offering just a handful of luxury rooms as a private estate rental - it’s exclusive, cozy, and incredibly special. Picture ancient charm blended with modern style and designer interiors tucked inside 500-year-old walls. It’s the perfect peaceful retreat. If that wasn't enough, it was also named #4 "Best Places to Go in the World" by The New York Times in 2023. Impressive!
Located in the lovely little village of Kilmartin on Scotland’s west coast, it’s a great base for exploring ancient sites like standing stones and burial cairns. The nearby Kilmartin Glen is packed with prehistoric history - one of Europe’s richest historical sites.
Tip: Take a walk through the Kilmartin Museum during the day, and then have a relaxed evening sipping whisky by the castle’s cozy fireplace.
Kilmartin Castle
Images via Airbnb
3. Inverlochy Castle
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Price: £750 per night
Nearest Town: Fort William
Looking for a truly grand Scottish escape? Inverlochy Castle has you covered. Just outside of Fort William, this stunning Victorian gem combines elegance with jaw-dropping views of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain.
Treat yourself to incredible, award-winning dishes crafted by top chefs in their beautiful dining room. This luxury castle hotel is one of Scotland's very best. Even Queen Victoria herself once said she "never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot." Now that’s really saying something!
Tip: Make sure to see the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct - known to Harry Potter fans as the Hogwarts Express bridge!
Inverlochy Castle
Images via Booking.com
4. Barcaldine Castle
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Price: £350 per night
Nearest Town: Oban
Nicknamed the "Black Castle," Barcaldine Castle is a gorgeous 17th-century fortress with plenty of charm. Just a short trip from the lovely port town of Oban (Scotland’s seafood capital, a haven for foodies), it’s the perfect spot for anyone wanting easy access to Scotland’s west coast attractions.
Sitting right by Loch Creran, you get breathtaking views of the water and mountains. Plus, each room in this luxury bed & breakfast is uniquely decorated, mixing period-style furnishings with all the cozy comforts you could possibly want.
Tip: Sample fresh seafood in nearby Oban, and take a boat trip to the nearby Isle of Mull while staying at Barcaldine.
Barcaldine Castle
Images via Booking.com
5. Tulloch Castle
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Price: £130 per night
Nearest Town: Dingwall
Love a good ghost story? Tulloch Castle might be right up your alley! This 12th-century gem is packed with medieval charm and just the right amount of spooky vibes. It’s famous for ghostly tales, including the mysterious "Green Lady." Plus, it's one of the more affordable castles to stay at in Scotland. This is truly the perfect spot to base yourself for exploring the capital of the Highlands (Inverness), only 15 miles away.
Tip: Start your counter-clockwise road trip around the NC500 from here! Or use this castle as a base to explore the Inverness area.
Tulloch Castle
Images via Booking.com
6. Kincraig Castle
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Price: £250 per night per night
Nearest Town: Invergordon
Right along the famous NC500 (North Coast 500) route, Kincraig Castle is the perfect spot to take a break while exploring the Highlands. With its stunning baronial architecture and gorgeous surroundings, it’s a charming mix of classic Scottish style and modern finishes. On the property, you can also enjoy the beautiful gardens (within a sprawling 10 acres!), and enjoy afternoon tea (offered in various locations at the castle) or an evening meal at the cozy on-site bar restaurant.
Tip: Visit during early summer to see the surrounding landscapes in full bloom.
Kincraig Castle
Images via Booking.com
7. Glengorm Castle
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average Price: £400 per night
Nearest Town: Tobermory
Perched high on cliffs with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Glengorm Castle is hands down one of the most magical places to stay in Scotland. Sitting on the Isle of Mull, it’s the perfect spot to soak up unspoiled nature and pure relaxation. This grand accommodation offers just a select handful self-catering cottages and castle apartments, all with their own unique charm. More information on those offerings can be found here! No matter which apartment or cottage you book, the views of the Atlantic and Outer Hebrides are incredible from the entire property.
Tip: Don't miss out on taking a short drive to the colorful harbor town of Tobermory.
Glengorm Castle
Images via Booking.com
Bonus: Honorable Mentions
Forter Castle (private exclusive rental) - near the Cairngorms
Dornoch Castle - near Inverness
Glengarry Castle - near Loch Ness
Forter Castle (photo via TripAdvisor)
Dornoch Castle (photo via Booking)
Glengarry Castle (photo via Booking)
Castle Hotels in Scotland Map
To make planning your trip even easier, use this castle hotels in Scotland map! It pinpoints each of these beautiful accommodations throughout the Highlands, so you can design your perfect Scotland itinerary.
Final Thoughts
The Scottish Highlands are all about epic views and incredible history, so what better way to soak it all in than by staying in a castle hotel? It’s not just a place to sleep, it’s truly an experience.
Picture yourself surrounded by ancient walls that have so many stories to tell, all while enjoying some modern luxury and aesthetic charm. Which castle is calling your name? (I personally can’t wait to book at Mingary Castle on my next trip). Use this guide to start planning that dream Scotland castle getaway!
More Scottish Highlands travel guides:
Ultimate Scotland Bucket List: 17 Places You Need to Visit
How to Visit Eilean Donan Castle (Everything You Need to Know!)
13 of the Best Hidden Gems in Scotland
How to Spend One Day on the Isle of Kerrera
How to Spend Two Days in Glencoe, Scotland
How to Visit the Kilchurn Castle Panorama Viewpoint on Loch Awe
10 Incredible Photography Locations on the Isle of Skye
Top 20 Places to Stay on the Isle of Skye (Hotels, B&Bs, Cabins)
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7 Most Beautiful Castle Hotels in the Scottish Highlands
