Where to stay in a castle in Scotland

So you want to stay in a castle in Scotland? Many of Scotland’s historic castles have been transformed into luxurious hotels and self catering accommodation while retaining their baronial or mediaeval castle charm. Scotland is one of the best places to stay in a castle in the UK, so here are my favourite places to stay in a castle in Scotland.

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Edinburgh Castle Hotels

You might not be able to stay in Edinburgh castle, but you can still get a taste of staying in a medieval castle when you visit Edinburgh. Here are the best castles to stay in Edinburgh:

• Dalhousie Castle – a luxury castle hotel near Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle is a 13th-century fortress with elegant rooms, fine dining in two restaurants and it even even an aqueous spa.
• Fa’side Castle in Musselburgh – historic bed and breakfast accommodation in 14th-century castle on the lovely Faside Estate near Edinburgh. 
• Melville Castle – a 4 star castle hotel near Edinburgh, Melville Castle has 33 unique bedrooms and suites.

Stay in a castle in Scotland – Loch Lomond and Glasgow castle hotels 

• Crossbasket Castle – a meticulously restored 17th-century castle, Crossbasket Castle is located near Glasgow and has stunning interiors.
• Cameron House, Loch Lomond – while not a traditional castle, Cameron House offers a stunning setting on the shores of Loch Lomond. 

Castle stays Perthshire and Clackmannanshire

• Fonab Castle at Pitlochry – this contemporary castle hotel boasts luxurious rooms and overlooks the picturesque Loch Faskally.
• Dalmunzie Castle Hotel, Blairgowrie – on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, this castle hotel in Scotland dates back to 1510.
• Dollarbeg Castle, Dollar – stay in this gorgeous three bedroom apartment in Dollarbeg Castle in Dollar, one of Scotland’s prettiest villages.

Castles to stay in the Scottish Borders, Ayrshire and D&G

The south of Scotland is chock full of castles to stay in, here are a few of my favourites:

• Neidpath Castle – complete with a four poster bed, roaring fires, a roll top bath and all the modern comforts -and the best bit is you get the whole of this 12th century ancient castle, including the ramparts all to yourself! Check in to Queen Mary’s Chamber at Neidpath Castle for the night.
• Barns Tower – looking for family castle accommodation? Barns Castle is owned by the Neidpath family and also located near Peebles sleeps up to four guests. 
• Cringletie House – a beautiful country house hotel dating from 1861, Cringletie House is set in 28 acres of gardens and has 4 Gold Stars.

• Glenapp Castle – dating back to 1850, Glenapp is a five star castle hotel in Ayrshire.
• Shieldhill Castle – a 12th century castle near Bigger, Shieldhill has luxurious rooms and suites, a restaurant and lovely grounds.
• Cornhill Castle, Biggar – a fully restored and luxurious castle near Bigger.
• Buittle Castle, Castle Douglas – an 850 year old castle near Castle Douglas, Buittle Castle offers exclusive use and two B&B rooms – The Lady Maxwell Room, The Munches Room, and Exclusive Use.
• Thirlestane Castle Apartments, Lauder – a magnificent 16th century castle, Thirlestane offers up a number of castle apartments in the Scottish Borders. Book The Sculleries, Glenburnie, The Lauderdale, The Maitland and The Earl & Countess suites.