17 Spellbinding Scottish Castles to Spend the Night In
Glengorm Castle, Isle of Mull
Glengorm Castle, a Brontë-esque structure of towers and turrets, sits at the northern tip of the Isle of Mull in the scenic Inner Hebrides, providing an outstanding base for exploring the island, enjoying picturesque walks and taking in spectacular views of the Sound of Mull.
When it’s chilly out, guests can enjoy cozying up to the roaring fire in the main hall on the comfy overstuffed sofas or sipping a complimentary whisky in the library while taking advantage of the vast amount of reading material.
Room options include B&B-style rooms, flats and guest cottages that are spread across the 5,000-acre estate. The grounds are home to blackface sheep and highland cattle, all surrounded by pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs and moorland where rare orchids grow while eagles soar overhead.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Edinburgh
Located 8 miles from Edinburgh’s city center, Dalhousie Castle Hotel has an especially rich and fascinating history. The stunning 13th-century fortress is considered to be the country’s oldest inhabited castle and has even served as the temporary home for Sir Walter Scott and Queen Victoria.
It sits within wooded parkland along the River Esk and contains 29 guest rooms, all individually designed. Many are themed around historic figures and include Scottish fabrics like tweed, twill and tartan. The onsite Dungeon Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience within ancient stone walls.
Guests can also enjoy decadent spa treatments. The onsite spa has a Rasul, a chamber in which mud is applied to cleanse the body and revitalize the mind, as well as a hydro pool and an incredible Tropical Rain & Cold Fog Shower.
There’s also a falconry that offers tailor-made birds-of-prey experiences, including opportunities to handle falcons, owls, hawks, eagles and buzzards.
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Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Isle of Harris
Guests’ reactions to this unique castle hotel have often included the term “heaven on earth,” making this a must when it comes to castles in Scotland to stay in. Overlooking Loch Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, Amhuinnsuidhe boasts a jaw-dropping seafront location along with especially lavish accommodation.
The traditional rooms ooze elegance, most showcase beautiful views of the lake and some come with four-poster beds. Rates include breakfast and dinner, which often features seafood that is harvested right at the doorstep of the castle in waters that are famous for some of the world’s finest shellfish.
Meals are served in the regal dining room with an open fire and lots of antiques. The hotel can organize a hunting or fishing excursion and also hosts an honest bar for sipping some of Scotland’s tasty whisky or other drinks.
