Castles Near Edinburgh: 8 Scottish Palaces You Can Spend the Night In

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Scotland’s abundance of mythical, culture-rich castles is just one of the many reasons why visiting the country is a must for lovers of all things magical and historical.

Whether you favour remote chateaus on the puffin-dotted cliffs by the sea – or something a little more urban – the land of the Gaelic Gods has it all! Behold, our top 8 castles near Edinburgh are just waiting for you to check in….

Best Castles Near Edinburgh

First things first. Although the city’s most famous chateau, Edinburgh Castle, doesn’t offer overnight accommodation, it is well worth a day-visit.

For those looking for the full enchanting experience of staying overnight in a castle in or near Edinburgh, feast your eyes on some of these….


Castles Near Edinburgh to Stay In

Our top Hotel Castles Near Edinburgh…


Glen House, Peeblesshire, The Scottish Borders

Details at a Glance:

  • £300 (avg per night)
  • The Larder Wing can be booked for overnight stays
  • Self-catering
  • 32.9 miles from Edinburgh (1 hour, 14-min drive)

Not only is Glen House a lavish castle and estate that can be found draped across the sweeping hills of the Scottish Borders, but it is a farm and a residential community – yes! You can actually live in a real-life castle!

Dating back to the 18th century, Glen House is one of the more contemporary chateaus that still functions as a manor home and a community. But those visiting the area can rent the beautiful Larder Wing for a peaceful countryside stay.

Owing to the distance from Edinburgh, and the rural location, we recommend hiring a vehicle to get around.

Popular Amenities:

  • 2-bedroom apartment
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Free Wi-Fi

Nearby Attractions:

  • Traquair House & Brewery (3.2 miles)
  • Robert Smail’s Printing Works (4.1 miles)
  • Velvet Hall Alpaca Farm (5.3 miles)

Cultoquhey House, Crieff, Perth & Kinross

Details at a Glance:

  • £300 (avg per night)
  • 2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
  • Self-catering
  • 58 miles from Edinburgh (1 hour & 18-min drive)

From the outside, Cultoquhey House looks like it popped straight out of a fairytale, but for those who love their contemporary comforts, you’ll be delighted to know that this magical chateau is perfectly restored with modern touches for ultimate comfort.

Ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway, this fabulous Crieff-based castle features a hot tub, open fireplaces, smart TVs, and a fully-equipped kitchen, making it the ideal choice for a self-catering retreat.

Owing to the distance from Edinburgh, and the rural location, hiring a car is recommended.

Popular Amenities:

  • Hot tub
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Garden
  • Family-friendly

Nearby Attractions:

  • Famous Grouse Experience at Glenturret Distillery (3-min drive)
  • Comrie Croft (9-min drive)
  • Drummond Castle Gardens (14-min drive)

Barcaldine Castle, Benderloch, Oban

Details at a Glance:

  • Multiple rooms to choose from
  • 122 miles from Edinburgh (3 hours & 3-min drive)

When it comes to castles, the older the better, right?!

Overlooking the serene shores of Loch Creran, this 17th-century chateau (sometimes known as The Black Castle) may look peaceful and regal, but in its heydey, it was quite the prominent location during the infamous Massacre of Glencoe in 1692.

So much so, that the halls of Barcadine Castle are supposedly haunted by the ghost of Donald Campbell, who died there during the battle. Campbell was the brother of Sir Duncan Campbell – the very man who built the castle in the early 1600s.

Tales of the macabre aside, this gorgeous fully restored B&B is the ultimate lavish castle retreat for those who wish to enjoy some Highland countryside.

Owing to the distance from Edinburgh, and the rural location, renting a vehicle is advisable.

Popular Amenities:

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Breakfast included
  • Romance packages available 
  • Daily housekeeping

Nearby Attractions:

  • Loch Linnhe (3-min walk)
  • Connel Bridge (6-min drive)
  • Oban Ferry Terminal (15-min drive)

Melville Castle, Lasswade, Midlothian

Details at a Glance:

  • £249 (avg per night)
  • Multiple rooms to choose from
  • 6.6 miles from Edinburgh (30-minute drive)

Think old-school opulence and that’s Melville Castle to a tee. Not only can you indulge your wildest Downton Abbey fantasies with the stunning art deco interiors, but you can feel like ultimate royalty as you kick back in one of the many four-poster beds.

During the daytime, why not treat yourself to a fancy Afternoon Tea a cocktail or two?!

Popular Amenities:

  • Bar & restaurant
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Housekeeping

Nearby Attractions:

  • Royal Infirmary (5-min drive)
  • Royal Mile (13-min drive)
  • Edinburgh Castle (14-min drive)
  • Edinburgh (EDI) airport (25-min drive)

Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Spa, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian

Details at a Glance:

  • £187 (avg per night)
  • Multiple rooms to choose from
  • 8.8 miles from Edinburgh (34-minute drive)

Just a half-hour outside Edinburgh lies the majestic and regal Dalhousie Castle. Offering unmatched elegance and comfort, this Bonnyrigg hotel and spa is pure fairytale charm.

Featuring a restaurant in the former dungeon, which offers a medieval atmosphere coupled with award-winning dining, a visit to the castle really is like something out of a fantasy story. 

While in town, why not explore the local streets and learn about Bonnyrigg’s fascinating history, which includes bloody battles, UFO sightings, and more?!

Popular Amenities:

  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Bar & 2 restaurants
  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Room service
  • Family rooms
  • Fabulous breakfast

Nearby Attractions:

  • Newbattle Complex (1.4 miles)
  • Poltonhall Recreation Ground (1.4 miles)
  • Waterfall Park (2.3 miles)
  • Butterfly & Insect World (2.5 miles)

The Scott, Edinburgh

Details at a Glance:

  • £567 (avg per night)
  • Multiple rooms to choose from
  • Central location 

Those wanting to stay as close to Edinburgh as possible can revel in this Holyrood-based 4-star castle hotel, which is just a stone’s throw away from Edinburgh University.

Despite the urban location, this lavish chateau has a tucked-away countryside manor feel to it, giving you the best of both worlds.

Also, you’re within walking distance of all the infamous tourist attractions that might be on your bucket list, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat.

Popular Amenities:

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free parking
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Bar & restaurant
  • Free Wi-Fi

Nearby Attractions:

  • University of Edinburgh (14-min walk)
  • Royal Mile (4-min drive)
  • Edinburgh Castle (5-min drive)
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) (33-min drive)

Braid Hills Hotel, Edinburgh

Details at a Glance:

  • £131 (avg per night)
  • Multiple rooms to choose from
  • Central location 

This 19th-century castle situated in the Morningside area of the city may be relatively modern, as castles go, but that doesn’t mean guests miss out on the traditional royal feel that goes hand-in-hand with castle culture.

Whether you opt to rent a car or enjoy local public transport (Edinburgh is one of the few cities left in the UK that still operates a tram system!), every city nook and cranny you plan on visiting is right on your doorstep.

Popular Amenities:

  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Family rooms
  • Restaurant & bar
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Terrace
  • Good breakfast

Nearby Attractions:

  • The Real Mary King’s Close (2.4 miles)
  • Scottish National Gallery (2.8 miles)
  • Forth Bridge (8 miles)
  • Hopetoun House (11 miles)

Malmaison Edinburgh

Details at a Glance:

  • £175 (avg per night)
  • Multiple rooms to choose from
  • Central location 

(Not so) fun fact: most castles nowadays no longer require a mote. However, a mote can be the cherry on top of the fairytale cake that is a castle, and while the Malmaison boutique hotel doesn’t have a mote, per se, it does sit atop the banks of the River Forth, which is as good as, as far as we’re concerned.

Just ten minutes away from Edinburgh City centre, this chic hotel boasts some of the most lavish, comfortable suites in the area. Guests have also been raving about the delicious cocktail bar, brasserie restaurant, and the well-stocked wine cellar.

Popular Amenities:

  • Good breakfast
  • Free parking
  • Fitness centre
  • Pets allowed
  • Restaurant & bar
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi

Nearby Attractions:

  • Gladstones Land (2.2 miles)
  • Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (2.3 miles)
  • National Museum of Scotland (2.3 miles)
  • Edinburgh Castle (2.4 miles)

Hiking Near Edinburgh

You may think that urban areas such as Edinburgh aren’t ideal for lovers of the Great Outdoors, but fear not! You can have your cake and eat it too!

Those who relish working up a sweat with a darn good trundle can take advantage of some of the nearby hiking trails, such as:

  • Arthur’s Seat (great for panoramic views of the city)
  • The Dry Dam Path to St. Anthony’s
  • Torduff Reservoir and Maiden’s Cleugh Circular

FAQs:

Can you stay in castles in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh and the surrounding areas have a multitude of castles you can stay in (and even get married in!), such as the ones listed above.

Which Scottish castles can you stay in?

Take your pick!
There are so many castles in Scotland that have boarding options that you’ll have a hard time deciding on which one to settle for!

What is the best castle to visit in Edinburgh?

Well, obviously the city’s most famous choice, Edinburgh Castle, is well worth a visit (although it is not possible to stay the night there). Other options include the nearby Crichton Castle, Hopetoun House, and more.


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