There’s something totally magical about staying in a fort 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 publish, I’ve included the fort stays in Scotland I’ve personally stayed at and suggest, and castles I’ve extensively researched to go well with a wide range of tastes and budgets.
I hope you discover some inspiration from this checklist!
How a lot does it price to remain in a fort in Scotland?
Staying in a fort in Scotland may be dear, nevertheless, there are various reasonably priced choices. I’ve included a wide range of Scottish fort accommodations that can (hopefully) go well with all budgets.
I’ve seemed up the typical price per evening for all the castles advisable on this article, to provide you a normal concept of what you’ll pay. Costs might rise for public holidays or in style occasions that happen within the area- so be sure you do your analysis to see if there may be something on once you plan on staying.
The costliest time to remain in a fort 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 in the course of the autumn and winter months (October to March), so in case you are on a price range you’re higher off staying in a fort in Scotland throughout this time. The supply will 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 price per evening (summer season): £159
Score: 8.5/10
Dalhousie Citadel is likely one of the hottest castles to remain in for guests to Scotland. It has every part you’d anticipate of a medieval fort: grand design, a community of personal passages to discover, a dungeon, and huge landscaped grounds steeped in historical past and plentiful with wildlife.
There are two eating places, a spa, and enjoyable actions together with archery, clay pigeon capturing, 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 price per evening (summer season): From £130
Score: 9.5/10
Menstrie Citadel Keep is certainly one of 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 lavatory.
- The Turret – sleeps as much as 6, nice for associates or household travelling collectively, 2x bogs, dog-friendly.
Each of the residences are self-catering and adorned stylishly in a stag and Highland Cow theme. I’ve stayed in each of those residences and I extremely suggest staying here- the proprietor, Tracey, goes above and past for her company!
Hiring a automobile can be advantageous if staying at this fort (there’s free public parking), however you should utilize 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 price per evening (summer season): £167
Score: 8/10
The Haggis and I stayed at Dalmunzie Citadel for one evening after 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 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 company 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 value 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 at the moment.
There may be additionally a cute wee bar, with a wide variety of whisky.
Although it was costly, that evening will perpetually keep etched in my thoughts as top-of-the-line nights away we’ve had as a pair.
Inverlochy Citadel Lodge
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 price per evening (summer season): £590
Score: 9/10
Inverlochy Citadel Lodge 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 interchange the Outdated 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 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 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 completely of light-coloured freestone sitting majestically by the banks of the River Clyde.
Common price per evening (summer season): £343
Score: 9/10
For those who’re searching for an opulent fort keep in Scotland, Cornhill Citadel provides gorgeous lodging in South Lanarkshire.
Set inside huge grounds within the countryside, Cornhill Citadel has every part 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 customary. In case you are in Scotland celebrating your honeymoon and trying to deal with your self, the Balmoral Honeymoon Suite is totally beautiful.
Additionally they have seven lodges situated on the property (every with a sizzling 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 Citadel
Location: Invergarry, Scottish Highlands
Fast Historical past: The previous Invergarry Citadel was the seat of the Chiefs of the MacDonells of Glengarry,
a robust department of the Clan MacDonald. The Glengarry Citadel Lodge 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 Normal at Glenfinnan, and after his defeat at Culloden in 1746.
Common price per evening (summer season): £170
Score: 7/10
Glengarry Citadel Lodge 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 crushed path surrounded by nature. I’m additionally a bit of biased as a result of the MacDonell’s of Glengarry are certainly one of 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 equivalent to fishing, rowing, tennis and mountain climbing. It’s additionally a very good 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 smash of Outdated Invergarry Citadel at any time.
Fonab Citadel
Location: Pitlochry, Perthshire
Fast Historical past: Fonab Citadel was in-built 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 price per evening (summer season): £375
Score: 10/10
Fonab Citadel Lodge 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 embrace off-roading, full and half-day excursions, 4×4 rent, salmon fishing, watersports, falconry and clay pigeon capturing. There may be additionally wonderful unbiased purchasing in Pitlochry.
A spotlight is having afternoon tea on the fort; it’s £32.50 per particular person, which is an affordable value for afternoon tea in a fort! You even have views of Loch Faskally and Ben Vrackie from the eating room.
For an impressive expertise in one of the lovely areas in Scotland- you may’t go previous this fort!
Stonefield Citadel
Location: Tarbert, Argyll
Fast Historical past: In-built 1837 within the Scottish baronial model, 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 have been acquired from his cousin’s travels overseas.
Common price per evening (summer season): £215
Score: 8/10
Positioned on the well-known Kintyre peninsula, Stonefield Citadel has pretty views over Loch Fyne, with many rooms wanting onto the loch. The fort nonetheless has a lot of its unique interval options.
The award-winning restaurant sources its components as regionally 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 in-built 1609 by “Black” Duncan Campbell and restored in 1897 by Sir Duncan Campbell third Baronet of Barcaldine. The fort was attacked in 1692 in the course of the Glencoe Bloodbath.
Common price per evening (summer season): £290
Score: 9.5
Barcaldine Citadel, also referred to as ‘The Black Citadel,’ sits on the shores of Loch Creran with breathtaking views of the Glencoe Mountains.
At over 400 years previous, the fort is solely gorgeous and is a wonderful Scotland fort keep in case you are wanting to remain in an historic fort. The placement can also 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 also 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 model, 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 foreign money disaster.
His daughter, Elsie Mackay, was an formidable younger girl. She was an actress below the stage title 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 turned the primary to realize the journey. Sadly, Elsie and her co-pilot Captain Hinchcliffe, a World Warfare One flying ace, didn’t arrive and have been by no means seen once more.
Common price per evening (summer season): £585
Score: 9/10
Glenapp Citadel is an award-winning five-star resort that has been known as ‘the UK’s finest 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 seek 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 may be additionally capturing, excessive pheasant and partridge capturing, deer stalking, and salmon and trout fishing.
The Wi-Fi isn’t nice at this fort, nevertheless, you’ll want to disconnect from the skin world when staying right here anyway. There are a lot of 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 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 in the course of 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 in the present day.
There’s a hearsay that the mill on the home was saved busy grinding corn to feed the hungry Jacobite troopers of the 1745 rebel.
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 price per evening (summer season): £140
Score: 7.5/10
Barony Citadel Lodge is a Sixteenth-century fort 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 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 tub, sauna, heated loungers and two magnificence remedy rooms.
Points of interest situated 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 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 in the course of 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 frolicked at Neidpath Citadel was Sir Walter Scott, who spoke fondly of his time spent at Neidpath when visiting his buddy who lived there.
Common price per evening (summer season): £250 (Word: there’s a 2-3 evening 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 have 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 conventional 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 in depth assortment of paintings.
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 may be 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 may be additionally an excessive amount of to summarise in a couple of sentences! In its 700+ years, Mingary Citadel 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 fort in 1493.
Common price per evening (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 model, 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 looking for 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 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 situated close by. Canine can keep on request.
Sherbrooke Citadel
Location: Glasgow
Fast Historical past: Sherbrooke Citadel was in-built 1896 in the course of the late Victorian interval, which was identified for its opulence. It’s a very good instance of a fort constructed for the center class, but it has a couple of uncommon options;p the rooms are organized round an unlimited corridor and staircase.
Throughout World Warfare II, the fort was used as a Radar coaching centre for Naval Officers. It returned to a resort after the warfare.
Common price per evening (summer season): £267
Score: 8.5/10
Sherbrooke Citadel Lodge is a 4-star baronial resort situated on the south aspect 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 amenities that cater for as much as 200 individuals. It’s additionally a marriage venue.
Positioned inside lovely leafy grounds, this fort is an efficient escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Sherbrooke Citadel is open on Christmas Day, and so they have a Christmas menu for company! I additionally suggest reserving a desk on the restaurant for Afternoon Tea.
Kincraig Citadel
Location: Invergordon, close to Inverness
Fast Historical past: In-built 1800, Kincraig Citadel was as soon as residence to generations of the Mackenzie Clan.
Common price per evening (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 a lot of its unique options from when it was in-built 1800- making this fort expertise a conventional one.
Standing atop a hill with views over the Cromarty Firth, Kincraig Citadel is nestled inside 10 acres of fastidiously landscaped grounds, surrounded by woodland and farmland.
The 2 Purple Rosette eating places supply wonderful advantageous eating and the bar has a choice of native Dalmore malts you may strive.
Kincraig Citadel 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 all the 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!
