We visit Scotland a lot, for walks in the heather-clad hills, otter watching on the coast, and to sleep in some of the UK’s most fabulous buildings. There are lots of historic places to stay in Scotland, from ancient castles and gatehouses to watch towers and mansions. Some are self-catering whilst others are hotels or even B&Bs, so there’s something for everyone.
Here are some of the most unusual places to stay in Scotland – they’re luxurious and come with bags of history, without compromising on modern comforts. We’ve stayed at them all, some more than once!
1. Barcaldine Castle, Oban
Where: on a peaceful peninsula on the shores of Loch Creran in Argyll, not far from Oban
Accommodation type: bed and breakfast
What: A magnificent and ancient castle converted into a luxurious bed and breakfast with 4-poster beds, a grand hall decked out in Highland finery, and lots of spiral stairs and hidden passages.
Why go: I’ll stick my neck out and say that this is probably OUR FAVORUITE place to stay in Scotland, partly because it’s such a splendid castle, partly because of the beautiful location, and partly because the staff are so helpful and welcoming. We’ve stayed a couple of times and are now planning our third visit – it’s a great location for exploring the Oban area where there’s lots to do.
Good to know: The breakfast is excellent (served in the Great Hall) but evening meals are not available so you’ll need to eat out for dinner. The Breadalbane Room has the biggest bed but we slightly preferred the Lochnell Room as it was on the top floor which meant it was very peaceful with glorious countryside views from the bed! The castle is usually closed for b&b bookings over winter (although you can hire it exclusively).
Magic Factor: 10/10
2. Tower O’Ess, Cairngorms
Where: In Glen Tanar in the Cairngorms
Accommodation type: self catering
What: A converted self-catering Victorian gatehouse for 2 people overlooking the River Tanar, with luxurious interiors and a hot tub in the garden. It has a room on each of the 4 floors, with a spiral staircase to access them.
Why go: This is such a beautiful location, right on the edge of Glen Tanar with access to estate walks from the front door. The tower is right in the heart of nature, surrounded by trees which are utterly gorgeous in the Autumn. Inside, the rooms are super modern with colourful furnishings and a really comfy bed to sink into at night. There’s a log fire for cosy evenings in, and we loved soaking in the hot tub after a day exploring the Cairngorms, listening to the babbling river down below.
Good to know: The staircase is very steep so probably not great for those with reduced mobility or dodgy knees.
Magic Factor: 8/10
3. White Rose Tower
Where: Hidden away in woodlands just off the A9 near Invergordon, and perfectly located for exploring Scotland’s beautiful north east.
Accommodation type: bed and breakfast
What: A contemporary slant on a traditional tower house, this luxury B&B comes complete with a grand hall, hot tub, and gorgeous ensuite rooms.
Why go: The White Rose Tower is unlike anywhere we’ve ever stayed. It expertly manages to combine castle vibes with a plush and modern homely feel. There are just 4 luxurious rooms, so it’s really intimate, and a great place for a romantic weekend away. We loved the spiral staircases and suites of armour just as much as we loved the hand carved wooden beds, highland-themed soft furnishings, and delicious home-cooked breakfasts. The hosts are really friendly and welcoming, with lots of tips on the local area.
Good to know: This is adults only, so no children under 18 can stay here.
Magic Factor: 8/10
4. Dalhousie Castle
Where: In Bonnyrigg, just south of Edinburgh and not far from Rosslyn Chapel
Accommodation type: hotel
What: A historic castle set in 11 acres of countryside not far from the Scottish capital. Many of the rooms have historic themes (we stayed in Oliver Cromwell), and some come with 4-poster beds and stone walls.
Why go: Dalhousie is one of Scotland’s best castle hotels, with fairy tale rooms, extensive grounds, and even a restaurant down in the dungeons. By day there’s falconry and archery on the estate, with cosy afternoons whisky sampling in the library bar. There’s a spa and cream teas on offer too if that’s your thing. In the evening, feast on Scottish favourites with contemporary twists in the Orangery or the Dungeon – the latter comes complete with suits of armour and candles for a bit of romance.
Good to know: the hotel can feel very busy on summer weekends (particularly if there’s a wedding on).
Magic Factor: 7/10
5. Aikwood Tower, Scottish Borders
Where: Near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders
Accommodation type: self catering
What: A magnificent medieval Scottish peel tower dating back to the 15th century, with luxurious designer interiors and bags of space for a self-catering stay. This is one of the most historic places to stay in Scotland, but it’s packed with contemporary comforts too.
Why go: We’ve stayed at Aikwood Tower a a couple of times, once just the two of us, and once with the whole family for Christmas – it’s the perfect place for a magical group getaway. There’s a lot of history here, from wizards and Border reivers to clans and Sir Walter Scott himself. The interiors are exquisite yet comfy, and we loved cosying up by the enormous log fire in the great hall on a dark evening. The kitchen is down in the undercroft (complete with Aga of course), and there are plenty of spiral stairs, hidden studies and even a games room in the barn to enjoy. The tower is well placed for exploring the Scottish Borders too.
Good to know: Aikwood Tower sleeps up to 10 guests and often offers discounts for winter bookings.
Magic Factor: 9/10
6. The Storehouse, Kirkwall, Orkney
Where: In the centre of Kirkwall in Mainland Orkney
Accommodation type: restaurant with rooms
What: A boutique hotel in a historic 19th-century herring and pork curing store in the heart of the old town. This restaurant with rooms is genuinely one of our favourite UK hotels, as it’s just so well thought out and presented.
Why go: The rooms are gorgeous and super comfy, the food is delicious (we ate there every night of our week-long trip it was so good) with lots of fresh seafood and special menus for those of us with allergies, and the staff were really welcoming and friendly. We loved the complimentary goodie trays in our room, and the fact we were so close to the Kirkwall sites with easy access to the entire island.
Good to know: as this is a restaurant with rooms, there isn’t a reception that’s open all day. If you arrive before check-in time, you won’t be able to access the building. Once you’ve checked in however, you can access it any time with your key.
Magic Factor: 9/10
7. East Gatehouse Lodge, Crieff
Where: On the Monzie Estate near Crieff
Accommodation type: self catering
What: A sumptuous gatehouse on the edge of the beautiful Monzie estate, with access to the grounds and views of the castle. Built in 1790, this fairy tale turreted gatehouse has 2 bedrooms (with super comfy beds!) and lots of historic features like spiral stairs and an Edwardian bath.
Why go: It’s really peaceful and secluded here at East Gatehouse Lodge, and we loved waking up to sounds of sheep in the fields, and birds in the hedgerows. Visiting in Autumn we enjoyed cosy evenings around the log burning fire after days exploring Loch Tay and the Cairngorms. You can also wander around the estate far from the crowds, and discover hidden rivers and historic bridges that few tourists ever to see.
Good to know: there are other cottages on the estate if you’re travelling with a group of friends or family.
Magic factor: 8/10
8. White Tower of Taymouth Castle, Loch Tay
Where: On a hillside overlooking Loch Tay
Accommodation type: self catering
What: A historic and luxurious self-catering tower set over 3 floors with 2 bedrooms and stunning views. It was built in the 16th century as a lookout tower for Taymouth Castle, and was visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who were trying to find a bit of privacy! This royal seal of approval makes the White Tower one of the most historic places to stay in Scotland.
Why go: This enchanting tower has the most incredible views from the roof terrace, out across Loch Tay and the surrounding mountains and forests. There’s also a hot tub up there for scenic soaks after days out exploring the wilderness. We loved heading up there in the evenings with glasses of wine to watch the sunset over the loch. Inside, there are spiral stairs, cosy fires, a library and even a sauna! Outside, you’re surrounded by woodland, and we saw several deer from the door during our stay.
Good to know: The White Tower is currently closed for renovation work.
Magic factor: 9/10
9. Auldgirth Inn, Dumfries
Where: In Auldgirth village just 10 minutes north of Dumfries
Accommodation type: inn
What: A historic traveller’s inn with luxury Highland-vibe rooms and a renowned restaurant that focuses on locally sourced Scottish produce.
Why go: We loved the cosiness of the Auldgirth Inn during our winter visit. The rooms are beautifully furnished, with all the stags and antlers you could wish for whilst retaining a modern feel. The restaurant is the real draw, with an exquisite tasting menu and friendly staff – this one’s a favourite with the foodies! Poet Robbie Burns was a regular here, and it’s just as popular with locals as it is visitors.
Good to know: Currently closed until Easter 2025.
Magic factor: 7/10
10. Ardanaiseig Hotel, Loch Awe
Where: On the shores of Loch Awe near Taynuilt
Accommodation type: hotel
What: A splendid baronial-style manor house set in vast wooded grounds on the shores of Loch Awe. It’s secluded, romantic and indulgently quirky, with lots of original features and period furniture to maintain a heritage feel.
Why go: We loved that Ardanaiseig has a refined feel without any pretension, and the row of wellies in the grand entrance hall says it all. This is a place where you’ll spend your days exploring the woodlands and valleys, and your evenings by the fire in the library bar or enjoying pre-dinner drinks in the drawing room, which is just what we did on our stay at Ardanaiseig. It’s a great base for sightseeing in the Loch Awe and Oban areas, and you’ll feel a world away from everywhere – it’s a great place for a bit of escapism. We highly recommend the Kilchurn Suite for those 4-post bed vibes.
Good to know: the hotel is quite remote so you’ll definitely need a car.
Magic Factor: 7/10
We’ll be adding to the list as we visit more historic places to stay in Scotland. There are still plenty of castles and unique buildings on our list, from the Highlands and Islands to the Cairngorms and Scottish Borderlands, so do watch this space!
