Vacation like a true king – 5 of the best castles you can hire in Scotland


They say your home is your castle, but sometimes where you live on a day to day basis might not be……“castely” enough! Nothing beats staying in a real castle to make you feel like a king or queen, and nowhere beats Scotland for access to historic strongholds guaranteed to make you feel like a real royalty.

Here is our recommended top 5 Celtic castles available for short term hire, all guaranteed to make you feel relaxed and regal, even if only for a few days.

Achnagairn Castle (5)
Achnagairn Castle
“Escape The Ordinary” is how this Highland retreat markets itself, and it certainly lives up to that promise. Only seven miles from Inverness, this once hidden gem is starting to make a real name for itself since it stopped being an exclusive use destination.
Achnagairn Castle (4)
You can still hire the whole castle if you plan to get married – which is probably why the hotel was named Wedding Venue of the Year by society magazine Harper’s Bazaar – but since last year Achnagairn has started operating like a normal hotel…except its anything but normal! .
Achnagairn Castle (1)
Each of the 24 bedrooms is uniquely designed by the passionate owner, and as with the communal areas of the hotel, she successfully marries the traditional with the modern to make this 200 year old building feel both contemporary and “old world” at the same time.
Achnagairn Castle (8)
But nothing will prepare you for the jewel in this queen’s crown, and that is the wood panelled vaulted ballroom. Stunningly ornate and decadent, this is where you sit to enjoy a wonderful dinner menu prepared with the finest local produce from the Highlands. Surrounded by such baroque beauty, you will have no problem imagining what it was like to be lord or lady of this manor back in 1812 when the castle was first built.

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Fonab-castle (1)
Fonab Castle
Built in 1892, this baronial castle is located in Pitlochry overlooking the stunning waters of Loch Faskally. Here the tartan clad staff will make you feel like royalty from the moment you arrive, ensuring you truly enjoy your stay in one of only 13 rooms available in the castle.
Spa
The modern wing and spa are a tasteful addition to the original sandstone mansion, both of which sit among ancient woodlands, providing an ideal natural retreat to enjoy while walking. Or even while eating, as the purpose built brasserie has full length picture windows offering amazing views of the surrounding forest.
Fonab-castle (2)
There is also plenty to do in the surrounding area, from fishing to shooting, through to enjoying a night out at the award winning local theatre. The hotel even provides heated kennels for the real master in your relationship, the family dog!

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