The Best Castle Hotels in Scotland in 2026

English Control:

Little by little Scotland came under English dominance, and the castles they built as they went played an important role in the subjugation of rebellions and the defence of territory, particularly in the Wars of Independence of the 13th and 14th centuries.

The End for Castles:

As the Middle Ages progressed things became got more peaceful in Scotland  – the previous feudal system had given way to centralized power structures, and so internal conflicts and clan wars became fewer.

In the conflicts that did happen though, there and elsewhere in Europe, castles were too often becoming breached by advances in gunpowder technology.

They quickly therefore, went out of favour for military purposes but their imposing characters and strategic (generally scenic then) locations still counted for something.

Victorian Era:

By the 19th century, many castles had been re-designed or completely rebuilt as aristocratic residential palaces.

They may have retained much castle architecture and castle-like features but always merely for aesthetic purposes.

In Scotland this included the classic Scots Baronial and Neo-Gothic folly structures that were mainly built in the Georgian and Victorian era and still abound today.

The Royal Family’s residence, Balmoral Castle, is probably the most famous, and grand, example.

Our Castle Hotel Choices:

Our choices for the best castle hotels in Scotland include all the above – medieval defensive castles, Neo-Gothic follies, and Georgian/Victorian era palaces, and they all have lots of individual history to tell.

Most are family-friendly, many are pet friendly, some have both B&B and self-catering accommodation, and a few are 5 Star luxury castles with a whole range of top hotel features like spa facilities, swimming pool, golf course, etc.