There’s something completely magical about staying in a fort in Scotland; the tales these thick stone partitions might inform!
From rugged stone partitions, hidden staircases, to beautiful views of lochs, woodland and sea- every of those castles have one thing very particular about them.
On this weblog publish, I’ve included the fort stays in Scotland I’ve personally stayed at and advocate, and castles I’ve extensively researched to swimsuit a wide range of tastes and budgets.
I hope you discover some inspiration from this checklist!
How a lot does it value to remain in a fort in Scotland?
Staying in a fort in Scotland could be dear, nevertheless, there are a lot of reasonably priced choices. I’ve included a wide range of Scottish fort inns that may (hopefully) swimsuit all budgets.
I’ve appeared up the typical value per night time for the entire castles really useful on this article, to present you a common concept of what you’ll pay. Costs could rise for public holidays or standard occasions that happen within the area- so make sure you do your analysis to see if there’s something on once you plan on staying.
The most costly time to remain in a fort in Scotland is from June to early September. On common, you’ll pay something between £150-£300+ per night time to remain throughout this time.
Normally, lodging costs drop through the autumn and winter months (October to March), so if you’re on a price range you’re higher off staying in a fort in Scotland throughout this time. The supply can even be higher!
April and Might are additionally good months to remain in case you choose nicer climate, however with out the busyness of summer season.
Scotland Castles You Can Keep In
Dalhousie Citadel
Location: Bonnyrigg, Close to Edinburgh
Fast historical past: Dalhousie is Scotland’s oldest inhabited fort that was as soon as the seat of the Ramsay Clan. The fort has accommodated some very well-known figures together with King Edward I, Sir Walter Scott, Oliver Cromwell and Queen Victoria!
Common value per night time (summer season): £159
Score: 8.5/10
Dalhousie Citadel is without doubt one of the hottest castles to remain in for guests to Scotland. It has the whole lot you’d count on of a medieval fort: grand design, a community of personal passages to discover, a dungeon, and huge landscaped grounds steeped in historical past and ample with wildlife.
There are two eating places, a spa, and enjoyable actions together with archery, clay pigeon taking pictures, and falconry.
It’s additionally one of many extra reasonably priced choices for a fort keep in Scotland.
Menstrie Citadel
Location: Menstrie village, 5 minutes from Stirling
Fast Historical past: Menstrie Citadel as soon as belonged to Sir William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling, who was instrumental in founding the colony of Nova Scotia.
Common value per night time (summer season): From £130
Score: 9.5/10
Menstrie Citadel Keep is one among my favorite hidden gems- tucked away within the peaceable village of Menstrie, it’s only a 5-minute drive from Stirling. There are two beautiful residences you may select from:
- The Baronet – sleeps 2, nice for {couples}, 1x toilet.
- The Turret – sleeps as much as 6, nice for mates or household travelling collectively, 2x bogs, dog-friendly.
Each of the residences are self-catering and embellished stylishly in a stag and Highland Cow theme. I’ve stayed in each of those residences and I extremely advocate staying here- the proprietor, Tracey, goes above and past for her visitors!
Hiring a automobile can be advantageous if staying at this fort (there’s free public parking), however you should use public transport to journey to and from Stirling and Edinburgh.
Dalmunzie Citadel
Location: Glenshee
Fast Historical past: Positioned on the Dalmunzie Property, the fort was as soon as residence to. Queen Victoria as soon as visited and stated of the property and chateau: ‘’it was so calm and solitary…all appeared to breathe freedom and peace and to make one overlook the world and its unhappy turmoils.’’
Common value per night time (summer season): £167
Score: 8/10
The Haggis and I stayed at Dalmunzie Citadel for one night time after we had tickets for the Braemar Gathering. We had a beautiful night time away with a romantic dinner and a number of other video games of billiards (which is SO a lot enjoyable!).
I wouldn’t name this an opulent fort stay- it’s extra of a relaxed nation fort, and the principle attraction is the attractive property. There’s a 9-hole golf course, which is free for visitors to make use of, and we additionally noticed a gaggle of Highland cows grazing in one of many paddocks.
The meals within the restaurant was very good; a ten/10 expertise. The rooms might do with a little bit of an replace to replicate the worth of the lodging, nevertheless, as a result of it was the weekend of the Braemar Gathering all lodging costs went up. Keep away from staying presently.
There’s additionally a cute wee bar, with a wide variety of whisky.
Although it was costly, that night time will ceaselessly keep etched in my thoughts as probably the greatest nights away we’ve had as a pair.
Inverlochy Citadel Resort
Location: Fort William, Scottish Highlands
Fast Historical past: Queen Victoria spent every week at Inverlochy Citadel in 1873 and commented: “I by no means noticed a lovelier or extra romantic spot.”
Common value per night time (summer season): £590
Score: 9/10
Inverlochy Citadel Resort is a Nineteenth-century baronial mansion situated within the foothills of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, simply outdoors Fort William. It was constructed to switch the Previous Inverlochy Citadel, which is now in a ruinous state.
Spending an evening at this fort comes at a excessive value, but when cash isn’t a priority, this is without doubt one of the most luxurious castles in Scotland!
There’s additionally an à la carte restaurant and bar onsite. It’s additionally dog-friendly.
There are many outside actions to get pleasure from, together with:
- Archery
- Biking
- Tennis
- Horse driving
- Mountaineering
- Snowboarding
- Fishing
- Golf (inside 3 km)
The Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery, West Highland Museum, and Glencoe are situated close by.
Cornhill Citadel
Location: Biggar
Fast Historical past: Initially a smaller mansion, Cornhill Citadel was remodeled by Alexander Kay, a Glasgow East India service provider, within the 1860s. It’s a sublime Renaissance-style French Chateau, constructed solely of light-coloured freestone sitting majestically by the banks of the River Clyde.
Common value per night time (summer season): £343
Score: 9/10
In the event you’re searching for an opulent fort keep in Scotland, Cornhill Citadel provides beautiful lodging in South Lanarkshire.
Set inside huge grounds within the countryside, Cornhill Citadel has the whole lot you may want for a romantic getaway, together with a licensed restaurant, and actions similar to golf and fishing.
All of the rooms are superbly embellished to a excessive customary. In case you are in Scotland celebrating your honeymoon and trying to deal with your self, the Balmoral Honeymoon Suite is totally beautiful.
In addition they have seven lodges situated on the property (every with a scorching tub) which sleep as much as 7 folks.
The Grand Ballroom is spectacular, with glittering chandeliers and a big dancefloor.
There’s even a helipad if you wish to arrive by helicopter!
Glengarry Citadel
Location: Invergarry, Scottish Highlands
Fast Historical past: The outdated Invergarry Citadel was the seat of the Chiefs of the MacDonells of Glengarry,
a strong department of the Clan MacDonald. The Glengarry Citadel Resort was constructed within the 1860s a brief distance from the unique fort.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) visited Invergarry Citadel on two events: in 1745, shortly after the elevating of the Royal Commonplace at Glenfinnan, and after his defeat at Culloden in 1746.
Common value per night time (summer season): £170
Score: 7/10
Glengarry Citadel Resort is technically a rustic home reasonably than a fort, as the unique Invergarry Citadel (situated a brief stroll away) was ransacked and partially destroyed after The Battle of Culloden in 1746.
I’ve included it on this checklist because it’s a merely lovely place to remain if you wish to keep someplace off the overwhelmed path surrounded by nature. I’m additionally slightly biased as a result of the MacDonell’s of Glengarry are one among my Scottish clans!
The resort sits subsequent to Loch Oich within the coronary heart of the Nice Glen, and you may get pleasure from actions similar to fishing, rowing, tennis and climbing. It’s additionally a great place to cease over on the way in which to the Isle of Skye, or used as a base to discover the Scottish Highlands.
Please word the fort resort is closed for the winter, however you may go to the spoil of Previous Invergarry Citadel at any time.
Fonab Citadel
Location: Pitlochry, Perthshire
Fast Historical past: Fonab Citadel was inbuilt 1892 as a household residence for Lt. Colonel George Glas Sandeman, the grandson of a cotton service provider and importer of wine, sherry and port. Throughout WWI, the fort was used as a hospital for wounded troopers. This Scottish baronial-style fort was remodeled right into a resort in 2013.
Common value per night time (summer season): £375
Score: 10/10
Fonab Citadel Resort is the final luxurious 5-star resort and spa. It’s set throughout the breathtaking surroundings of Perthshire- an space that locals flock to throughout autumn to witness the altering colors of nature because it transforms from inexperienced to gold to match the color of the fort itself.
The fort has a spa, two eating places, and an abundance of tranquil strolling trails close by. The rooms are individually designed, with many providing views of the Perthshire highlands. There are additionally woodland suites for these searching for a nature break.
Actions which might be bookable embody off-roading, full and half-day excursions, 4×4 rent, salmon fishing, watersports, falconry and clay pigeon taking pictures. There’s additionally glorious unbiased buying in Pitlochry.
A spotlight is having afternoon tea on the fort; it’s £32.50 per particular person, which is an inexpensive value for afternoon tea in a fort! You even have views of Loch Faskally and Ben Vrackie from the eating room.
For an excellent expertise in one of the vital lovely areas in Scotland- you may’t go previous this fort!
Stonefield Citadel
Location: Tarbert, Argyll
Fast Historical past: Inbuilt 1837 within the Scottish baronial fashion, Stonefield Citadel was designed by famend Nineteenth-century architect, William Playfair, for John Campbell (1788-1857), grandson of Lord Stonefield. It changed the sooner constructing Barmore Home, which was owned by the MacAllister’s, Constables of Tarbert Citadel.
Campbell was a botanist and planted quite a few species of Rhododendron and Magnolia on the fort grounds- the seeds had been acquired from his cousin’s travels overseas.
Common value per night time (summer season): £215
Score: 8/10
Positioned on the well-known Kintyre peninsula, Stonefield Citadel has beautiful views over Loch Fyne, with many rooms wanting onto the loch. The fort nonetheless has lots of its unique interval options.
The award-winning restaurant sources its elements as domestically as potential. Loch Fyne is known for its oysters, so seafood lovers will get pleasure from staying right here!
There are 60 acres of woodland grounds, together with mesmerising gardens, to discover. Canine are additionally welcome.
Barcaldine Citadel
Location: Oban, Argyll
Fast Historical past: Barcaldine Citadel was inbuilt 1609 by “Black” Duncan Campbell and restored in 1897 by Sir Duncan Campbell third Baronet of Barcaldine. The fort was attacked in 1692 through the Glencoe Bloodbath.
Common value per night time (summer season): £290
Score: 9.5
Barcaldine Citadel, often known as ‘The Black Citadel,’ sits on the shores of Loch Creran with breathtaking views of the Glencoe Mountains.
At over 400 years outdated, the fort is solely beautiful and is a wonderful Scotland fort keep if you’re wanting to remain in an historic fort. The placement can be nice if you wish to do some island hopping with the islands of Eriska, Lismore, Kerrera and Mull close by.
One thing cool about this fort is that there’s a bottle dungeon and two secret passages you may discover!
Breakfast can be included in all bookings.
Glenapp Citadel
Location: Ballantrae, Ayrshire
Fast Historical past: Relationship again to 1870, Glenapp Citadel was designed by David Bryce who was identified for his Scottish Baronial fashion, combining components of the Gothic and Renaissance design. In 1917 the fort was bought by James Lyle Mackay, first Earl of Inchcape, who was a profitable businessman. He was credited with fixing the Indian forex disaster.
His daughter, Elsie Mackay, was an bold younger lady. She was an actress below the stage identify Poppy Wyndham, an inside designer for P&O, and a talented aviatrix famed for her aerial stunts. In 1928, she got down to cross the Atlantic in a single-engine monoplane only one yr after Charles Lindbergh grew to become the primary to attain the journey. Sadly, Elsie and her co-pilot Captain Hinchcliffe, a World Conflict One flying ace, didn’t arrive and had been by no means seen once more.
Common value per night time (summer season): £585
Score: 9/10
Glenapp Citadel is an award-winning five-star resort that has been referred to as ‘the UK’s greatest fort resort for a luxurious expertise” by The Sunday Instances.
The rooms have both sea or backyard views, and the restaurant provides gourmand 6-course eating and afternoon tea.
You don’t must enterprise outdoors the fort grounds to search out issues to do. There are 110 acres of personal property to discover, together with woodland with herb, fruit and flower gardens, a 150-foot Victorian glasshouse and an all-weather tennis courtroom and croquet garden.
There’s additionally taking pictures, excessive pheasant and partridge taking pictures, deer stalking, and salmon and trout fishing.
The Wi-Fi isn’t nice at this fort, nevertheless, it would be best to disconnect from the skin world when staying right here anyway. There are various issues to do on this space, together with a go to to Galloway Forest Park and stargazing within the evenings- this space has among the darkest skies in Europe, good for a romantic stargazing tour!
You’ll want to learn my article about issues to do in south-west Scotland in case you plan on staying at this fort.
Barony Citadel
Location: Peebles, Scottish Borders
Fast Historical past: Barony Citadel dates again to the fifteenth century and was initially often called Darnhall. A tower beforehand sat on the location, which was a strategic defence through the time of the Reiver raids.
It was residence to the Murrays of Blackbarony. Between the years 1700 and 1715, Sir Alexander ‘the Magnificent’ inherited the home and constructed the French (Jacobean) façade that’s recognised at the moment.
There’s a hearsay that the mill on the home was saved busy grinding corn to feed the hungry Jacobite troopers of the 1745 insurrection.
The fort grounds are additionally residence to The Nice Polish Map of Scotland, a large concrete scale mannequin of Scotland, measuring 40m by 50m!
Common value per night time (summer season): £140
Score: 7.5/10
Barony Citadel Resort is a Sixteenth-century fort tucked away within the Scottish Borders in a small village referred to as Eddleston, simply 10 minutes from the pleasant city of Peebles. It’s one of many extra reasonably priced Scottish fort stays
The fort is nestled inside 25 acres of gorgeous grounds, with tall bushy timber which might be residence to a wide range of wildlife.
There’s a restaurant, bar and lounge, and a gymnasium and leisure spa which features a 10-metre pool with a whirlpool bathtub, sauna, heated loungers and two magnificence therapy rooms.
Points of interest situated close by embody Traquair Home (Scotland’s oldest inhabited home), Rosslyn Chapel, and the Go Ape treetop journey course. The Peebles Golf Course is simply 10 minutes away.
Neidpath Citadel
Location: Peebles, Scottish Borders
Fast Historical past: Neidpath Citadel has been residence to the Fraser, Hay, and Douglas households. It was as soon as burnt down through the Scottish Wars of Independence. It handed from the Frasers to the Hay household by marriage, and it’s thought Sir William Hay constructed the current fort within the late 14th century.
rugged stone partitions, hidden staircases, and exquisite views from the battlements
Mary Queen of Scots visited this fort in 1563, and so did James VI in 1587.
One other well-known Scot who hung out at Neidpath Citadel was Sir Walter Scott, who spoke fondly of his time spent at Neidpath when visiting his pal who lived there.
Common value per night time (summer season): £250 (Word: there’s a 2-3 night time minimal keep on lots of the rooms).
Score: 9.5
Neidpath Citadel is a fairytale-looking fort and uncommon instance of a fortified tower home. It’s splendidly preserved, uncommon in itself as many Border castles had been topic to assaults over battling armies and reivers of the 1700-1800s.
The staff at Neidpath Citadel go above and past to make sure you have a standard fort keep expertise; the fort retains a lot of its unique medieval character, together with the vaulted ceiling of the Laigh Corridor and the Nice Corridor with its pannelled partitions and intensive assortment of art work.
There are a number of rooms on the fort to select from, together with Queen Mary’s Chamber, the place Mary Queen of Scots as soon as stayed. There’s additionally Neidpath cottage you may keep in that sleeps 6.
Mingary Citadel
Location: Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan
Fast Historical past: The historical past of Mingary Citadel may be very vibrant (and fascinating!).
There’s additionally an excessive amount of to summarise in just a few sentences! In its 700+ years, Mingary Citadel has seen Vikings, sieges, royalty, assassinations and all types of energy struggles. It was constructed by the MacDouglas of Lorne to serve the wants of the Lords of the Isles.
King James IV visited the fort in 1493.
Common value per night time (summer season): £322 (minimal 2-night keep)
Score: 10/10
Mingary Citadel is a spectacular fort situated on the distant peninsula of Ardnamurchan. Boasting luxurious Georgian fashion, Mingary completed a 3-year refurbishment in 2016, and lowered its drawbridge to guests for the primary time in 150 years.
This fort is perfection for these trying to find a real off-the-beaten path expertise; the peninsula or Ardnamurchan provides among the wildest magnificence in Scotland, providing a absolutely unforgettable expertise.
Image this: charming oak panelling, 4 poster beds, Caithness stone flooring, a hand-carved staircase, lavish furnishings, and sea views besides.
There’s a restaurant and bar, and if the surroundings isn’t sufficient of an attraction, there are awe-inspiring climbing trails situated close by. Canine can keep on request.
Sherbrooke Citadel
Location: Glasgow
Fast Historical past: Sherbrooke Citadel was inbuilt 1896 through the late Victorian interval, which was identified for its opulence. It’s a great instance of a fort constructed for the center class, but it has just a few uncommon options;p the rooms are organized round an unlimited corridor and staircase.
Throughout World Conflict II, the fort was used as a Radar coaching centre for Naval Officers. It returned to a resort after the struggle.
Common value per night time (summer season): £267
Score: 8.5/10
Sherbrooke Citadel Resort is a 4-star baronial resort situated on the south facet of Glasgow in Pollokshields, a conservation space. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Glasgow Worldwide Airport.
The fort has two bars, à la carte restaurant, and convention services that cater for as much as 200 folks. It’s additionally a marriage venue.
Positioned inside lovely leafy grounds, this fort is an effective escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
Sherbrooke Citadel is open on Christmas Day, and so they have a Christmas menu for visitors! I additionally advocate reserving a desk on the restaurant for Afternoon Tea.
Kincraig Citadel
Location: Invergordon, close to Inverness
Fast Historical past: Inbuilt 1800, Kincraig Citadel was as soon as residence to generations of the Mackenzie Clan.
Common value per night time (summer season): £285
Score: 9/10
Kincraig Citadel is a picturesque white-harled nation home situated on the North Coast 500 route, simply 20 minutes north of Inverness.
What’s particular about this fort is it retains lots of its unique options from when it was inbuilt 1800- making this fort expertise a standard one.
Standing atop a hill with views over the Cromarty Firth, Kincraig Citadel is nestled inside 10 acres of rigorously landscaped grounds, surrounded by woodland and farmland.
The 2 Purple Rosette eating places provide glorious nice eating and the bar has a collection of native Dalmore malts you may strive.
Kincraig Citadel is a incredible base to discover Inverness, the north-east and north-west highlands, the Cairngorms Nationwide Park, and the Black Isle.
Reasonably priced Castles To Keep In Scotland
Of the entire castles talked about on this article, essentially the most reasonably priced are Dalhousie Citadel, Barony Citadel, Menstrie Citadel, and Neidpath Citadel (some rooms).
Have you ever stayed in a fort in Scotland? Let me know which fort within the feedback!
