Historic Castle Hotels in Scotland

Scotland’s Royal Stays

In its fabulous castles, Scotland’s wild beauty is stitched together with history. Transformed from noble fortresses into havens of luxury, in these extraordinary properties you can walk in the footsteps of monarchs and sleep in modern comfort. Wanderwell explores five of the most enchanting castle hotels across Scotland, each one offering its own version of royal living. Whether perched on misty cliffs or nestled in Highland glens, these stays are as rich in atmosphere as they are in heritage.

Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Spa – Scotland’s Oldest Inhabited Fortress

Dating back to the 13th century, Dalhousie Castle is thought to be Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle. Set just eight miles from Edinburgh, it stands proudly on the banks of the River Esk, surrounded by acres of quiet woodland. Its ancient walls— including the grand oak-panelled library, secret stairways, and turrets—have hosted Scottish kings and queens over the centuries.

Dalhousie has been beautifully adapted for the modern traveller. Its Dungeon Restaurant, with barrelled stone ceilings and candlelit charm, offers a refined and atmospheric dining experience. The castle’s spa, complete with hydrotherapy pool, invites you to relax in decadent comfort after a day of exploring the nearby capital or wandering through the parkland.

A stay here feels like a step into a living fairytale. You can dine beneath vaulted ceilings, stroll along quiet riverside paths, and even try your hand at falconry or archery on the grounds. It’s a place where romance meets heritage. Now that we’ve explored Dalhousie’s timeless grandeur, let’s journey north to the Highlands to uncover another treasure steeped in royal history.

Inverlochy Castle – Victorian Grandeur Beneath Ben Nevis

Inverlochy Castle commands a breathtaking setting at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Built in 1863, this baronial masterpiece is surrounded by glimmering lochs and forests that change colour with every season. Queen Victoria herself stayed here in 1873 and wrote in her diary, “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot,” words that still ring true for those who arrive seeking peace and beauty.

The castle blends its aristocratic heritage with contemporary indulgence. Inside, rich fabrics, gilt-framed portraits, and grand staircases evoke the elegance of another age, while Michelin-starred dining by Michel Roux Jr. turns every meal into an event. Each of the 18 suites is uniquely styled, filled with antiques, and framed by views that look straight out onto the Scottish wilderness.

Afternoons are for tea by the fire or leisurely strolls around the loch, and evenings bring fine wines, flickering candlelight, and the hush of Highland air outside. Inverlochy feels both intimate and regal, beautiful and tranquil. Having soaked in the splendour of the Highlands, we now head to the west coast, where a castle by the sea delivers a fairytale of its own.

Glenapp Castle – A Fairytale Escape on Scotland’s West Coast

Glenapp Castle rises from the Ayrshire coast like something from a storybook, its turrets and towers outlined against the shimmering Irish Sea. Built in 1870, this baronial masterpiece combines history with a kind of cinematic romance. The castle was once the home of wealthy industrialist James Hunter and later owned by P&O’s James Lyle Mackay before being lovingly restored to Victorian perfection.

Inside, elegance reigns. Each of its 17 suites is individually styled, blending antique furnishings with soft, modern touches. The fine dining restaurant serves exquisite Scottish produce with sea views stretching towards Ailsa Craig, and the Victorian Glasshouse restaurant brings the outdoors in with its botanical calm.

Beyond the castle walls, adventure awaits. Guests can explore 36 acres of gardens, set sail to the Hebridean islands on the castle’s private boat, or take part in more than 70 bespoke activities, from falconry to beekeeping. Glenapp is about indulgence with imagination, where each day feels both luxurious and light-hearted. Now that we’ve experienced the coastal magic of Glenapp, it’s time to head back inland to a Highland stronghold brimming with character and legend.

Tulloch Castle Hotel – Clan Davidson’s Historic Highland Stronghold

Tulloch Castle, just north of Inverness, tells the tale of centuries past. Built in the 12th century and once the seat of Clan Davidson, it remains one of Scotland’s most authentic medieval fortresses. Its Great Hall and ancient fireplaces carry the echoes of generations who lived, feasted, and fought within its walls, and some say the resident Green Lady ghost still walks its corridors at night.

Despite its storied past, the castle welcomes guests with Highland warmth. Each of its 22 rooms blends historic charm with modern comfort, and the Turrets Restaurant showcases local produce from nearby farms and waters. With crackling fires and soft conversation, evenings in the Green Lady Bar feel timeless.

Beyond the castle’s gates lies the dramatic landscape of the North Coast 500, dotted with lochs, glens, and fishing villages. From Tulloch, you can easily explore Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and the Black Isle, all within an hour’s drive. It’s a place where the past feels present, and every sunrise brings new stories to discover. Let’s journey south now where another historic treasure awaits that feels unmistakably Scottish.

Melville Castle Hotel – A Gothic Retreat on Edinburgh’s Doorstep

Melville Castle sits just outside Edinburgh, wrapped in 54 acres of woodland and shaped by centuries of stories. Built in the late 18th century, the castle carries an air of refined grandeur without ever feeling remote or formal. Its soaring turrets and pale stone façade make a striking first impression as you approach through the tree-lined drive, and the sense of arriving somewhere peaceful settles over you almost instantly.

Inside, the style is warm and welcoming. Each room has its own character, some featuring four-poster beds and views across the parkland, others dressed in soft fabrics and period touches that create an inviting, homely atmosphere. Downstairs, the cellar restaurant delivers elegant dining in an intimate setting, while the bar provides the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring Edinburgh or wandering the grounds.

What makes Melville Castle truly special is the combination of tranquillity and convenience. You feel completely surrounded by nature, yet the cultural energy of Edinburgh is just a short drive away. Whether you’re sipping a quiet morning coffee overlooking the lawns or returning after a day in the capital, the castle wraps you in comfort and calm. After we’ve explored this serene Lowland escape, let’s reflect on what makes Scotland’s castle hotels such unforgettable places to stay.

Sleeping Where Kings and Queens Once Ruled

Staying in a Scottish castle is an immersion into centuries of history, artistry, and atmosphere. Each property tells its own story, from secret tunnels and turreted towers to sweeping lochs and grand dining rooms that once hosted nobility. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquillity of the Highlands, the romance of the coast, or the allure of ancient stone halls, these castle hotels promise an experience like no other. Where else can you sleep where kings and queens once ruled? The mix of elegance, comfort, and heritage creates a kind of magic that lingers long after you’ve left.

Want to read more? The Curious Traveller: 10 Fun Facts About Stonehenge. The Savvy Traveller: Best Free Museums in London. The Curious Traveller: Scottish Tartan Explained.

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