Luxury and fantasy awaits you in these amazing Castles of Scotland. Surround yourself in the history of each of these buildings, while treating yourself like royalty. Each castle offers you a unique experience & unforgettable memories.
Glenapp Castle
We start off small with Glenapp Castle, a fairy-tale castle hotel in southwest Scotland. Romantic towers and turrets rise from the 21-room baronial castle, set on 36 acres of ancient woodlands and stunning gardens. The castle and surrounding estate have a rich history. The Glenapp Estate was already well established under the ownership of the Earl of Orkney when the industrialist, James Hunter (later to become the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire), acquired it and commissioned in 1870 the celebrated Edinburgh architect, David Bryce, to design a suitably magnificent home for him.
You can stroll among the exotic plants in the walled garden or walk through the glen before enjoying a cup of tea and homemade scones in the restored Victorian tea room. Some featured activities include exploring by bike, channelling your inner Katniss on the archery targets, or tennis. After a long day of activity, sit down at the restaurant for a six-course dinning experience.
Hotel Tip
Book a private Hebridean Sea Safari in the Glenapp boat as part of your stay. You will explore the beautiful Scottish islands, see some amazing sea and bird life, and create unforgettable memories.
Crossbasket Castle
Steeped in history, Crossbasket Castle has many unique period features which have been restored to their original beauty using traditional craftsmen and materials. The Stewart Drawing Room is a perfect example of the quality of restoration featuring uniquely detailed cornices finished in gold leaf to ensure these features convey the magnificent grandeur typical of this era. A tranquil, boutique hotel, offer nine rooms, including a four-storey tower commonly used as a bridal suite. Each of the rooms is named honour of a historical custodian of this magnificent castle.
Dine in opulent surroundings at the latest contemporary fine-dining from the Roux culinary dynasty. Overseen by the legendary French chef Albert Roux and son Michel Roux Jr, dishes showcase fare from Scotland’s renowned natural larder with an added touch of creative flair from the iconic Roux team.
The castle grounds include a large stretch of woodland, extensive nature walks and a beautiful stretch of river featuring majestic waterfalls. The convenient location means there is plenty to do and see locally, including golding, fishing, and hiking.
Hotel Fun Fact It is rumored that during the 1960s, Eleanor Roosevelt visited Scotland and stayed as a guest at Crossbasket Castle. The grand ballroom is named the Roosevelt Ballroom in her honor.
Hotel Tip
Enjoy a picnic basket with wine on the grounds. Something I can offer, as a Virtuoso Travel Agent exclusive amenity.
Gleneagles
Gleneagles is an AA Five Red Star resort set in an 850 acre estate in Perthshire, adjacent to Gleneagles railway station and less than a one-hour drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. Established in 1924, the hotel was soon acclaimed 'the palace” in the glens and continues to attract those in search of rest, relaxation and exhilaration. It has 205 rooms and 28 luxury suites, from the coziest to the grandest, all with a modern touches to them. In August of 2022, Gleneagles was votes The Best Hotel in the world by Virtuoso.
The hotel is famous for its golf courses. It has three 18 hole Championship golf courses, a 9-hole PGA Academy course. You can also enjoy the 3 swimming pools, a 20 treatment room spa, an Equestrian school, a shooting and fishing school. Take a off-roading adventure, cycling or ride horses through the acreage. It is a glorious playground, with Forbes.com saying, "Gleneagles may be the most magical place on earth."
Hotel Tip
While on property, check out ncluding Scotlands only two Michelin starred restaurant; Andrew Fairlie.
Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa
Fonab Castle is a wonderful and historic building on the banks of Loch Faskally, by Pitlochry. It was bought by the Clark family and transformed into a fabulous and glamorous new 5 Star hotel. The hotel offers 42 bedrooms, including 4 suites and a luxurious Penthouse suite.
The hotel brasserie and lounge provide outstanding vistas of the loch itself and Sandemans (a 3 AA Rousette Awarded fine-dining restaurant), is a tranquil setting for experiencing exquisite cuisine and a 3 AA Rosette Wine List.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel (Glasgow)
Our last stop is Inverlochy Castle Hotel, a beautiful 19th century Scottish castle, near Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland. During a trip to Balmoral in 1873, Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting where she wrote in her diaries 'I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot'. Nestling in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle sits amidst some of Scotland's finest scenery. The area surrounding Inverlochy Castle is rich in landscape and history, to name but a few of these breath-taking places - the falls at Glen Nevis, the monument at Glenfinnan and the mountains of Glencoe.
The hotel has 17 rooms, each with their own design and character. Enjoy tennis, fishing on the loch, a walk in the walled garden, clay pigeon shooting, Falconry display's and a full sized billiard table. The hotel has three different dining rooms, decorated for the period, with elaborate furniture presented as gifts to the Castle from the King of Norway.
Tip
Nearby the Castle there is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. You can also experience cruises on Loch Ness, hiking, mountain biking, pony trekking and skiing, with two ski centres to choose from.
Or head to the small town of Fort William, only three miles away, with a busy high street that is a great place to fine gifts.
This ends our stay in these amazing castles.
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