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Best Castle Hotels in Scotland - 2023

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Looking for the best castle stays in Scotland? We have them all listed & reviewed below!

The first castles, as opposed to more rudimentary hill-fort type constructions, started to appear in Scotland in the 1100s, built both by local feudal lords and Norman newcomers.

The Normans had a long presence in Scotland, and were politically very powerful, but they never actually invaded the country. Instead many members of their aristocracy and military were invited there by King David I, a noted ‘Normophile’ and keen modernizer, and their cultural and political presence was quickly felt.

Initially their castles were mainly wooden, motte-and-bailey type structures but, as elsewhere, they became replaced in time with more solid, high stone walled structures.

In later centuries, as Scotland came under English dominance, many castles were built by them and played an important role in the subjugation of rebellions and the defence of territory, including in the Wars of Independence of the 13th and 14th centuries.

In Scotland, just as elsewhere, the importance of defensive castles began to wane in time though, and for much the same reasons.

As the Middle Ages progressed things got more peaceful  – the feudal system gave way to more centralized power structures – internal conflicts and civil wars therefore became fewer.

In the wars that did happen though, mainly intra kingdoms and states, castles were also too often becoming breached by advances in gunpowder technology.

‘Castles’ were still being built but, apart from the likes of the pele watch towers built along the Scottish/English borders, they generally had very little military use. Instead most were designed as aristocratic residential palaces, or previous defensive castles were re-designed as such. These may have retained much castle architecture and castle like features but 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, being probably the most famous, and grand, example.

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 you can read all about their individual histories on their listing pages.

Most are child/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.

    • 11482185

    Inverlochy Castle Hotel

    Category: 5 Star Castle Hotels, B&B Castle Hotels, Family Friendly Castle Stays, and Dog/Pet Friendly Castle Stays
    Address: Inverlochy Castle
    Fort William
    Highland
    PH33 6SN
    United Kingdom
    Most Famous Guests: Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1873 curiosity led Queen Victoria to forgo her usual holiday home at Balmoral, Scotland and instead spend a week at Inverlochy Castle near Fort William. “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot” she noted in her diary and this is as true today as it was then. The 5 Star Inverlochy Castle Hotel is truly a very special place; an imposing loch side baronial mansion near Fort William and in the foothills of the highest peak of the Scottish Highlands, Ben Nevis. In later years, in its present incarnation as a hotel, it would also play host to the present Queen; HM Queen Elizabeth and her husband HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as a long list of foreign dignitaries and royalty, and various celebrities including the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, Elton John and Anthony Hopkins. The 5 Star Inverlochy Castle is the ultimate in old fashioned sophistication and luxury and it has the added attraction of having one of Scotland’s finest restaurants, with food from the renowned father and son chef team; Albert and Michel Roux Jnr. ACCOMMODATION: There are READ MORE
                 
   

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