There’s something totally magical about staying in a citadel in Scotland; the tales these thick stone partitions may 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 put up, I’ve included the citadel stays in Scotland I’ve personally stayed at and suggest, and castles I’ve extensively researched to go well with quite a lot of tastes and budgets.
I hope you discover some inspiration from this listing!
How a lot does it value to remain in a citadel in Scotland?
Staying in a citadel in Scotland could be dear, nonetheless, there are numerous inexpensive choices. I’ve included quite a lot of Scottish citadel lodges that can (hopefully) go well with all budgets.
I’ve seemed up the typical value per evening for the entire castles advisable on this article, to present you a basic thought of what you’ll pay. Costs might rise for public holidays or widespread occasions that happen within the area- so remember to do your analysis to see if there’s something on once you plan on staying.
The most costly time to remain in a citadel in Scotland is from June to early September. On common, you’ll pay something between £150-£300+ per evening to remain throughout this time.
Often, lodging costs drop throughout the autumn and winter months (October to March), so if you’re on a finances you might be higher off staying in a citadel in Scotland throughout this time. The provision may 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 Fort
Location: Bonnyrigg, Close to Edinburgh
Fast historical past: Dalhousie is Scotland’s oldest inhabited citadel that was as soon as the seat of the Ramsay Clan. The citadel has accommodated some very well-known figures together with King Edward I, Sir Walter Scott, Oliver Cromwell and Queen Victoria!
Common value per evening (summer season): £159
Score: 8.5/10
Dalhousie Fort is likely one of the hottest castles to remain in for guests to Scotland. It has the whole lot you’d count on of a medieval citadel: 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 inexpensive choices for a citadel keep in Scotland.
Menstrie Fort
Location: Menstrie village, 5 minutes from Stirling
Fast Historical past: Menstrie Fort 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 evening (summer season): From £130
Score: 9.5/10
Menstrie Fort 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 attractive flats you possibly can select from:
- The Baronet – sleeps 2, nice for {couples}, 1x lavatory.
- The Turret – sleeps as much as 6, nice for buddies or household travelling collectively, 2x bogs, dog-friendly.
Each of the flats are self-catering and adorned stylishly in a stag and Highland Cow theme. I’ve stayed in each of those flats and I extremely suggest staying here- the proprietor, Tracey, goes above and past for her friends!
Hiring a automobile can be advantageous if staying at this citadel (there’s free public parking), however you need to use public transport to journey to and from Stirling and Edinburgh.
Dalmunzie Fort
Location: Glenshee
Fast Historical past: Situated on the Dalmunzie Property, the citadel was as soon as dwelling 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 evening (summer season): £167
Score: 8/10
The Haggis and I stayed at Dalmunzie Fort for one evening once we had tickets for the Braemar Gathering. We had an exquisite evening 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 citadel stay- it’s extra of a relaxed nation citadel, and the principle attraction is the attractive property. There’s a 9-hole golf course, which is free for friends to make use of, and we additionally noticed a bunch of Highland cows grazing in one of many paddocks.
The meals within the restaurant was very good; a ten/10 expertise. The rooms may do with a little bit of an replace to replicate the worth of the lodging, nonetheless, as a result of it was the weekend of the Braemar Gathering all lodging costs went up. Keep away from staying right now.
There may be additionally a cute wee bar, with a wide selection of whisky.
Although it was costly, that evening will ceaselessly keep etched in my thoughts as top-of-the-line nights away we’ve had as a pair.
Inverlochy Fort Resort
Location: Fort William, Scottish Highlands
Fast Historical past: Queen Victoria spent every week at Inverlochy Fort in 1873 and commented: “I by no means noticed a lovelier or extra romantic spot.”
Common value per evening (summer season): £590
Score: 9/10
Inverlochy Fort Resort is a Nineteenth-century baronial mansion positioned within the foothills of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, simply exterior Fort William. It was constructed to switch the Previous Inverlochy Fort, which is now in a ruinous state.
Spending an evening at this citadel comes at a excessive value, but when cash isn’t a priority, this is likely one of the most luxurious castles in Scotland!
There may be 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 using
- Mountain climbing
- Snowboarding
- Fishing
- Golf (inside 3 km)
The Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery, West Highland Museum, and Glencoe are positioned close by.
Cornhill Fort
Location: Biggar
Fast Historical past: Initially a smaller mansion, Cornhill Fort was remodeled by Alexander Kay, a Glasgow East India service provider, within the 1860s. It’s a chic Renaissance-style French Chateau, constructed fully of light-coloured freestone sitting majestically by the banks of the River Clyde.
Common value per evening (summer season): £343
Score: 9/10
In case you’re in search of an opulent citadel keep in Scotland, Cornhill Fort affords gorgeous lodging in South Lanarkshire.
Set inside huge grounds within the countryside, Cornhill Fort has the whole lot you would possibly want for a romantic getaway, together with a licensed restaurant, and actions equivalent to golf and fishing.
All of the rooms are superbly adorned to a excessive normal. If you’re in Scotland celebrating your honeymoon and trying to deal with your self, the Balmoral Honeymoon Suite is totally attractive.
Additionally they have seven lodges positioned on the property (every with a scorching tub) which sleep as much as 7 individuals.
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 Fort
Location: Invergarry, Scottish Highlands
Fast Historical past: The outdated Invergarry Fort was the seat of the Chiefs of the MacDonells of Glengarry,
a robust department of the Clan MacDonald. The Glengarry Fort Resort was constructed within the 1860s a brief distance from the unique citadel.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) visited Invergarry Fort 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 evening (summer season): £170
Score: 7/10
Glengarry Fort Resort is technically a rustic home moderately than a citadel, as the unique Invergarry Fort (positioned a brief stroll away) was ransacked and partially destroyed after The Battle of Culloden in 1746.
I’ve included it on this listing because it’s a merely lovely place to remain if you wish to keep someplace off the crushed path surrounded by nature. I’m additionally a bit biased as a result of the MacDonell’s of Glengarry are one among my Scottish clans!
The lodge sits subsequent to Loch Oich within the coronary heart of the Nice Glen, and you may get pleasure from actions equivalent to fishing, rowing, tennis and mountain climbing. It’s additionally place to cease over on the best way to the Isle of Skye, or used as a base to discover the Scottish Highlands.
Please be aware the citadel lodge is closed for the winter, however you possibly can go to the wreck of Previous Invergarry Fort at any time.
Fonab Fort
Location: Pitlochry, Perthshire
Fast Historical past: Fonab Fort was inbuilt 1892 as a household dwelling for Lt. Colonel George Glas Sandeman, the grandson of a cotton service provider and importer of wine, sherry and port. Throughout WWI, the citadel was used as a hospital for wounded troopers. This Scottish baronial-style citadel was remodeled right into a lodge in 2013.
Common value per evening (summer season): £375
Score: 10/10
Fonab Fort Resort is the final luxurious 5-star lodge and spa. It’s set inside 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 citadel itself.
The citadel 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 in search of a nature break.
Actions which can be bookable embrace off-roading, full and half-day excursions, 4×4 rent, salmon fishing, watersports, falconry and clay pigeon taking pictures. There may be additionally wonderful impartial procuring in Pitlochry.
A spotlight is having afternoon tea on the citadel; it’s £32.50 per individual, which is an affordable value for afternoon tea in a citadel! 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 possibly can’t go previous this citadel!
Stonefield Fort
Location: Tarbert, Argyll
Fast Historical past: In-built 1837 within the Scottish baronial fashion, Stonefield Fort 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 Fort.
Campbell was a botanist and planted quite a lot of species of Rhododendron and Magnolia on the citadel grounds- the seeds had been acquired from his cousin’s travels overseas.
Common value per evening (summer season): £215
Score: 8/10
Situated on the well-known Kintyre peninsula, Stonefield Fort has pretty views over Loch Fyne, with many rooms trying onto the loch. The citadel nonetheless has lots of its authentic interval options.
The award-winning restaurant sources its components as regionally as attainable. Loch Fyne is legendary 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 Fort
Location: Oban, Argyll
Fast Historical past: Barcaldine Fort was inbuilt 1609 by “Black” Duncan Campbell and restored in 1897 by Sir Duncan Campbell third Baronet of Barcaldine. The citadel was attacked in 1692 throughout the Glencoe Bloodbath.
Common value per evening (summer season): £290
Score: 9.5
Barcaldine Fort, also referred to as ‘The Black Fort,’ sits on the shores of Loch Creran with breathtaking views of the Glencoe Mountains.
At over 400 years outdated, the citadel is solely gorgeous and is a superb Scotland citadel keep if you’re wanting to remain in an historic citadel. 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 citadel is that there’s a bottle dungeon and two secret passages you possibly can discover!
Breakfast can be included in all bookings.
Glenapp Fort
Location: Ballantrae, Ayrshire
Fast Historical past: Courting again to 1870, Glenapp Fort was designed by David Bryce who was identified for his Scottish Baronial fashion, combining parts of the Gothic and Renaissance design. In 1917 the citadel 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 girl. 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 12 months after Charles Lindbergh grew to become the primary to realize the journey. Sadly, Elsie and her co-pilot Captain Hinchcliffe, a World Battle One flying ace, didn’t arrive and had been by no means seen once more.
Common value per evening (summer season): £585
Score: 9/10
Glenapp Fort is an award-winning five-star lodge that has been known as ‘the UK’s greatest citadel lodge for a luxurious expertise” by The Sunday Occasions.
The rooms have both sea or backyard views, and the restaurant affords gourmand 6-course eating and afternoon tea.
You don’t must enterprise exterior the citadel 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 court docket and croquet garden.
There may be additionally taking pictures, excessive pheasant and partridge taking pictures, deer stalking, and salmon and trout fishing.
The Wi-Fi isn’t nice at this citadel, nonetheless, you’ll want to disconnect from the skin world when staying right here anyway. There are numerous 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, excellent for a romantic stargazing tour!
Make sure you learn my article about issues to do in south-west Scotland in case you plan on staying at this citadel.
Barony Fort
Location: Peebles, Scottish Borders
Fast Historical past: Barony Fort dates again to the fifteenth century and was initially referred to as Darnhall. A tower beforehand sat on the location, which was a strategic defence throughout the time of the Reiver raids.
It was dwelling 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 this time.
There’s a hearsay that the mill on the home was stored busy grinding corn to feed the hungry Jacobite troopers of the 1745 rise up.
The citadel grounds are additionally dwelling to The Nice Polish Map of Scotland, a large concrete scale mannequin of Scotland, measuring 40m by 50m!
Common value per evening (summer season): £140
Score: 7.5/10
Barony Fort Resort is a Sixteenth-century citadel tucked away within the Scottish Borders in a small village known as Eddleston, simply 10 minutes from the pleasant city of Peebles. It’s one of many extra inexpensive Scottish citadel stays
The citadel is nestled inside 25 acres of gorgeous grounds, with tall bushy bushes which can be dwelling to quite a lot of wildlife.
There’s a restaurant, bar and lounge, and a health club and leisure spa which features a 10-metre pool with a whirlpool bathtub, sauna, heated loungers and two magnificence therapy rooms.
Points of interest positioned close by embrace 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 Fort
Location: Peebles, Scottish Borders
Fast Historical past: Neidpath Fort has been dwelling to the Fraser, Hay, and Douglas households. It was as soon as burnt down throughout 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 citadel within the late 14th century.
rugged stone partitions, hidden staircases, and delightful views from the battlements
Mary Queen of Scots visited this citadel in 1563, and so did James VI in 1587.
One other well-known Scot who frolicked at Neidpath Fort was Sir Walter Scott, who spoke fondly of his time spent at Neidpath when visiting his pal who lived there.
Common value per evening (summer season): £250 (Word: there’s a 2-3 evening minimal keep on lots of the rooms).
Score: 9.5
Neidpath Fort is a fairytale-looking citadel 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 crew at Neidpath Fort go above and past to make sure you have a conventional citadel keep expertise; the citadel retains a lot of its authentic medieval character, together with the vaulted ceiling of the Laigh Corridor and the Nice Corridor with its pannelled partitions and intensive assortment of paintings.
There are a selection of rooms on the citadel to select from, together with Queen Mary’s Chamber, the place Mary Queen of Scots as soon as stayed. There may be additionally Neidpath cottage you possibly can keep in that sleeps 6.
Mingary Fort
Location: Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan
Fast Historical past: The historical past of Mingary Fort may be very vibrant (and fascinating!).
There may be additionally an excessive amount of to summarise in just a few sentences! In its 700+ years, Mingary Fort has seen Vikings, sieges, royalty, assassinations and every kind 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 citadel in 1493.
Common value per evening (summer season): £322 (minimal 2-night keep)
Score: 10/10
Mingary Fort is a spectacular citadel positioned 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 citadel is perfection for these looking for a real off-the-beaten path expertise; the peninsula or Ardnamurchan affords among the wildest magnificence in Scotland, providing a certainly unforgettable expertise.
Image this: charming oak panelling, 4 poster beds, Caithness stone flooring, a hand-carved staircase, lavish furnishings, and sea views as well.
There’s a restaurant and bar, and if the surroundings isn’t sufficient of an attraction, there are awe-inspiring mountain climbing trails positioned close by. Canine can keep on request.
Sherbrooke Fort
Location: Glasgow
Fast Historical past: Sherbrooke Fort was inbuilt 1896 throughout the late Victorian interval, which was identified for its opulence. It’s instance of a citadel constructed for the center class, but it has just a few uncommon options;p the rooms are organized round an enormous corridor and staircase.
Throughout World Battle II, the citadel was used as a Radar coaching centre for Naval Officers. It returned to a lodge after the warfare.
Common value per evening (summer season): £267
Score: 8.5/10
Sherbrooke Fort Resort is a 4-star baronial lodge positioned on the south aspect of Glasgow in Pollokshields, a conservation space. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Glasgow Worldwide Airport.
The citadel has two bars, à la carte restaurant, and convention amenities that cater for as much as 200 individuals. It’s additionally a marriage venue.
Situated inside lovely leafy grounds, this citadel is an effective escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
Sherbrooke Fort is open on Christmas Day, they usually have a Christmas menu for friends! I additionally suggest reserving a desk on the restaurant for Afternoon Tea.
Kincraig Fort
Location: Invergordon, close to Inverness
Fast Historical past: In-built 1800, Kincraig Fort was as soon as dwelling to generations of the Mackenzie Clan.
Common value per evening (summer season): £285
Score: 9/10
Kincraig Fort is a picturesque white-harled nation home positioned on the North Coast 500 route, simply 20 minutes north of Inverness.
What’s particular about this citadel is it retains lots of its authentic options from when it was inbuilt 1800- making this citadel expertise a conventional one.
Standing atop a hill with views over the Cromarty Firth, Kincraig Fort is nestled inside 10 acres of fastidiously landscaped grounds, surrounded by woodland and farmland.
The 2 Crimson Rosette eating places supply wonderful high quality eating and the bar has a collection of native Dalmore malts you possibly can strive.
Kincraig Fort is a implausible base to discover Inverness, the north-east and north-west highlands, the Cairngorms Nationwide Park, and the Black Isle.
Inexpensive Castles To Keep In Scotland
Of the entire castles talked about on this article, essentially the most inexpensive are Dalhousie Fort, Barony Fort, Menstrie Fort, and Neidpath Fort (some rooms).
Have you ever stayed in a citadel in Scotland? Let me know which citadel within the feedback!
