Sleep like royalty at 11 of Scotland's best castle stays

Ever dreamt of spending a night as lord or lady of the castle? In Scotland, your dream can become reality.

It’s one thing to visit Scotland’s magnificent castles, but have you ever thought of staying the night? Scotland’s castle accommodation has plenty to offer, from 15th-century majesty on the country's rugged northernmost tip to fairytale castles in gentle countryside.

Here, the team from VisitScotland have suggested their top picks for Scottish castle stays.

Culzean Castle

Guests access this accommodation using an original 1920s elevator that transports them from the ground floor to a hideaway that was once the holiday home of General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The castle (pictured above) stands on a cliff with views across the sea and is registered with the National Trust for Scotland.

(Picture of Culzean Castle by Kenny Lam Photography.)

Dalhousie Castle

Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott have visited this castle, held by the Ramsays of Dalhousie longer than any other family has retained possession of a castle in Scotland.

Located about 13km south of Edinburgh, the castle's foundation-level walls and vaults date back to 13th century, with the main structure built about 1450.

Ackergill Tower

This 15th-century castle sits 3m from the waters’ edge looking across the rugged Caithness coastline, where 48 castles once kept guard. Visitors can book individual rooms, or the tower can be booked exclusively.

While waking up to the “sound of bagpipes drifting up to our 34 luxurious bedrooms” may not sound overly appealing to the ears, the look of this majestic castle set in a 1200ha estate does. Activities include angling in the private loch, archery, walks along the private beach and watching the northern lights.

Glenapp Castle

This fairytale castle hidden on the Ayrshire coast in Ballantrae offers five-star accommodation. Its Victorian splendour includes period furnishings and interiors, 14.5ha of gardens, and surrounding forest and seascapes to explore.

Sherbrooke Castle Hotel

Set in a prestigious residential area within its own grounds, the hotel is five minutes from the Glasgow city centre and 10 minutes from Glasgow airport. Built in 1896 with rich-red sandstone, the castle has undergone extensive refurbishment.

Borthwick Castle

A stone’s throw from Edinburgh, this castle was built in 1430 and has been carefully refurbished for private hire and large family stays on an exclusive-use basis. There are 10 bedchambers with lavish bathrooms, dining and lounge areas, roaring fires, and spiral staircases inviting exploration.

Castle Hotel Huntly

This stately building is surrounded by nearly 3ha of parkland close to the ruins of Huntly Castle. When you're not tucked up in a suite, there's plenty to do, including salmon and trout fishing or exploring the Castle and Whisky trails.

Crossbasket Castle

This 17th century castle has been sensitively renovated and transformed into a luxurious hotel. Period features have been restored to their original beauty by craftspeople using traditional materials. The hotel has nine ensuite bedrooms, each decorated in a period style with original antique furniture.