10 Castle Hotels in Scotland with an Epic Story

Located near the Ballantrae coast on more than 30 acres of Scottish woodland, Glenapp Castle is a 5-star hotel from the Victorian era. The striking castle was built in 1870 in the classic Scottish Baronial style (a mix of Gothic and Renaissance design).

Originally commissioned by the Earl of Orkney, the estate has been home many interesting people, including the talented Elsie Mackay, England’s first female jockey who also happened to be an interior designer, an actress and an aviator. In 1994, the castle was restored to its former glory by a family of Scottish hoteliers and has since won awards for its luxury accommodations.

Known as ‘The Black Castle,’ Barcaldine Castle near Loch Creran is a stunning bed and breakfast with a grisly history. Built in the early 1600s by Sir Duncan Campbell, Barcaldine Castle is remembered as one of the sites of the Massacre of Glencoe. Proponents of the paranormal claim that the castle is still haunted today by Sir Campbell’s brother, Donald Campbell, who was murdered there during the battle.

The Barcaldine Castle has kept its ancient roots, while adding modern accommodations that attract visitors year-round. Guests today can enjoy the regal, centuries-old furniture and ability to explore the castle’s unique nooks and crannies, including secret passageways and a dungeon.

Staying at the romantic Mansfield Castle in the Royal Burgh of Tain is akin to time travelling. This Scottish Highlands castle was originally built in the late 1870s by a tea plantation family and is especially known for its 3.5 acres of immaculately manicured countryside.

Before a stint as a military base during World War 2, the Victorian-style structure underwent extensive renovations by the Fowler family in 1902. Today, whenever renovations are underway, patrons report seeing the ghost of Mrs. Fowler wandering the halls. But worry not. Reports say that she is a benevolent resident of Mansfield Castle, just keeping an observant eye on the building work.

Orchardton Castle on the Solway Coast of Scotland doesn’t have a royal history like other castles, but it does have an epic story, nonetheless. Using roof timbers and stone from the nearby historic Orchardton Tower, construction originally started in 1761 by Sir Robert Maxwell, but the project ultimately bankrupted him and the castle wasn’t completed until more than 100 years later in 1883.

In the 20th century, Orchardton Castle has served many purposes: a military hospital in World War 2, a school and housing for artists. Now an elegant private rental hotel with grand drawing rooms and ornate fireplaces, the 45-room castle has 5 acres of gardens and woodland to enjoy along with its own private beach.

Outside of Bonnybridge, Scotland is Glenskirlie House and Castle, an award-winning restaurant and hotel. Unlike other castle accommodations in Scotland, the luxury restaurant came before the castle. With a white, fairy-tale exterior and picturesque surroundings, Glenskirlie Castle opened in 2007 as the first new Scottish castle built in the 21st century.

Located conveniently between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the 15-room hotel is an ideal destination for a romantic wedding. The lavish honeymoon suite features a stunning crystal curtain and a whirlpool bath in a faux turret. Elsewhere in the castle you can find vivid stained-glass windows, 4 poster beds and suits of armour for that mythical magic.

Duncraig Castle in the western Highlands of Scotland is a sprawling, scenic property. It was originally built in the 1860s and has seen plenty of life in its time. In World War 2, the 80-room castle was used as a naval hospital. Afterward it transitioned to a home economics college for girls.

When Duncraig Castle, with its 40 acres on the shores of Loch Carron including a private island, was purchased in 2003 it became the subject of a reality TV show. The Dobsons of Duncraig highlighted the Dobson family’s attempt to refurbish the property. In its most recent history, Duncraig Castle has served as a high-end bed and breakfast.

Hallgreen Castle, off the North Sea coast in Inverbervie, is one of Scotland’s oldest castles. The core of the building and possibly its south and east elevations date back to the 1300s, and its many modern additions hide its original ancient bones. Each century since – aside from the 21st – has seen an extension to the structure.

The current ownership are proud to host guided tours, and the historic building retains a museum-like quality. Your stay even comes with a few ghosts, with several sightings of servant girls in the basement. And while a stay at Hallgreen Castle can feel like a secluded getaway with its seaside location and ample acreage of trees, it is just a short walk into town.

Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, just west of Edinburgh, has a story fit for the history books. Built in the 18th century, the Dalmahoy estate house was acquired by the Douglas family. Mary, Queen of Scots once visited the property and, as the legend goes, the Douglas family later helped her flee imprisonment in Loch Leven Castle. The keys featured in this epic escape can now be viewed in their home at the Dalmahoy estate.

Under the advisement of historic building restorers, the baronial building has since been developed into a luxury hotel and country club equipped with 2 golf courses and an indulgent leisure club amidst the 1,000-acre property.

Melville Castle is fit for royalty with historic Scottish grandeur and modern luxuries (including free WiFi and HDTVs) hidden in its turrets. A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a stay in one of its 33 bedrooms and suites, or at least a visit to their restaurant for a decadent afternoon tea.

The impressive 3-story castle was built in 1791 after the demolition of a 14th century tower house on the same site. It served as a grand home until World War 2, when it was briefly used as an army rehabilitation centre. For many decades after, the castle remained unoccupied until its lavish restoration as an upscale hotel in 2003.

Staying at the Ardoe House Hotel and Spa in Scotland might not seem like a historic affair at first glance, especially with upscale, modern-designed rooms. However, the grand turrets and authentic features of this baronial mansion hold a storied past, complete with paranormal sightings around an eerie painting of a former resident.

The original land was a gift to Arbroath Abbey in 1244, but the Ardoe House that sits there today was built in 1878 using designs inspired by Balmoral Castle. You can enjoy fine dining at Blairs Restaurant, unwind at the Ardoe Spa or marvel at the original wood carvings, mosaic flooring and stained glass windows.