stay in a castle in Scotland

 

 The Best Scottish Castle Stays – and the Latest News on Lallybroch

Scotland is one of the few countries in the world where visitors can genuinely live like royalty. Across the country, historic castles have been transformed into luxury hotels, exclusive-use retreats and unique holiday accommodation, allowing guests to sleep within centuries-old walls while enjoying modern comforts.

For many visitors from North America, a castle stay is the ultimate Scottish experience. It combines history, romance, dramatic scenery and the chance to immerse yourself in the stories of Scotland’s kings, queens, clans and legends.

One of the most famous castle hotels in Scotland is Inverlochy Castle near Fort William. Set beneath the slopes of Ben Nevis, this 19th-century castle offers luxury accommodation, fine dining and spectacular Highland scenery. Rooms typically start from around £400 – £600 per night, with suites costing significantly more during peak season.

Another popular choice is Dalhousie Castle near Edinburgh. Dating back to the 13th century, it offers visitors the chance to stay in a genuine medieval fortress while remaining just 20 minutes from Scotland’s capital city. The castle has just been totally refurbished .Prices generally begin around £200-£350 per night depending on the season. Find out more about staying in Dalhousie Castle

Melville Castle is another stunning Scottish castle which customers can stay in

For those seeking a truly exclusive experience, Crossbasket Castle near Glasgow combines castle grandeur with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy elegant suites, fine dining and beautifully restored interiors. Prices typically range from £250 to over £700 per night.

Perhaps the most famous castle stay of all is Glenapp Castle in Ayrshire. This magnificent baronial castle has won numerous awards and offers one of the most luxurious castle experiences in Scotland. Expect room rates from approximately £500 per night upwards.

Dalhousie castle hotel , stay in a Scottish castle

Explore Dalmunzie Castle

For travellers looking for a more affordable castle experience, there are also self-catering castle apartments and holiday rentals throughout Scotland. These can often be found from £150-£300 per night and provide excellent value for families and small groups.

Can You Stay in Lallybroch ?

For Outlander fans, the ultimate dream is to stay at Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home.

The real-life Lallybroch is Midhope Castle, located on the Hopetoun Estate near South Queensferry. For years visitors could only admire the exterior of the castle, which was used extensively throughout the Outlander television series.

The exciting news is that accommodation is finally becoming a reality. Newly renovated Midhope Castle cottages are being made available for guests, with bookings now open . Each cottage can accommodate up to six guests, allowing fans to enjoy their own Lallybroch-inspired getaway.

As Private Tours Edinburgh explains on its own website:

“Visitors can now go inside Lallybroch for the first time ever.”

stay in Lallybroch ( Midhope Castle)

The website also notes that redevelopment plans include accommodation facilities and additional visitor experiences connected with Midhope Castle. For the first time Outlander fans will be able to stay in Lallybroch .

Private Tours Edinburgh further explains:

“This tour is unique as it now features a visit inside Lallybroch for the first time ever.”

For Outlander fans, this represents a remarkable change. After years of only viewing the exterior, visitors can now have a special experience and go inside the castle itself while looking forward to staying in Lallybroch as accommodation options continue to develop.

Whether you choose a luxury Highland castle hotel like Tulloch Castle , a medieval fortress near Edinburgh or the ultimate Outlander Castle , Scotland offers an opportunity few destinations can match: the chance to spend a night surrounded by centuries of history while enjoying the comfort and romance of a genuine castle stay.

Fine out more about the best hotels in Scotland

Stirling Castle pictures

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture. Our new free castle pictures gallery features a number of Scottish castles . Stirling Castle features a Homecoming 2009 event this month – Homecoming events .
From Stirling Castle’s ramparts, visitors can take in views of the Forth Valley and Ben Lomond , as well as two of Scotland’s most important battle sites – Stirling Bridge (1297) and Bannockburn (1314). The castle is at the head of Stirling’s historic old town.Like Edinburgh Castle , Stirling sits on a volcanic rock dominating the city skyline .
The Renaissance pomp and pageantry of the Royal Court of Mary Queen of Scots returns to Stirling Castle next month when the queen and her entourage come home to Scotland for ‘A Royal Summer Holiday’.

Castle visitors can become courtiers at this family event from Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd August and join the 16th-century VIP visitors as they have some fun. Skittles, quoits, and firing a crossbow are on offer .
Costumed players throughout the castle will be leading special children’s tours of the castle and sharing all of the latest gossip about the lords and ladies in attendance. And kids will also have an opportunity to join the royal guard to help protect the royal party as they take a break from governing the country.
Historic Scotland Interpretation Manager Sheena Garden said: “Stirling Castle is not only one of Scotland’s grandest and most imposing castles, it was also a real favourite with Scotland’s kings and queens. And their investment in it demonstrated just how much they loved to use it, as well as their desire to ensure it both impressed all who visited it, and represented a statement of their power and wealth. James IV created the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, and James V’s Royal Palace, with its lavishly decorated Renaissance façades, was a masterpiece of the period.