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Who said that your North Coast 500 accommodation has to just be hotels? Princess, if you want to sleep in the castle in Scotland during your road trip then you can. There are four Scottish Highlands castle hotels and the good news is, they are really affordable.
Planning to visit the NC500 for a special occasion? Nothing says romance like pitching up in a turret once lived in by royalty.
Stay in a Castle on the North Coast 500
So where are these castle hotels in Scotland? The majority of them are located on the east coast and that is no different on the NC500.
This guide follows the castle hotel trail from the northeast down the coast to Inverness.
1. Dornoch Castle Hotel
Dornoch Castle Hotel is a 500-year-old converted Scottish castle which has retained many of its period features.
The Castle Hotel has a restaurant called the Garden Restaurant onsite for fine dining.
The walled garden is a highlight for many guests, some rooms look onto these gardens.
Dornoch golf course is a 10-minute walk. Rooms can be found for under £170 in low season but they sell out fast. Image courtesy of Dornoch Castle Hotel.
2. Kincraig Castle Hotel
Sleep where the Mackenzie clan once did at Kincraig Castle Hotel.
This four-star hotel was built in the 1800s and overlooks the Cromarty Firth.
Guests can enjoy dinner at the AA Rosette restaurant or less formal meals in the hotel’s Highland Bar.
Some of the hotel rooms overlook the well-maintained gardens. Rooms can be found for under £110 in low season.
3. Tulloch Castle Hotel
Do you believe in ghosts?
Well, the 12th century Tulloch Castle Hotel in Dingwall may have a surprise for you!
The Green lady is hanging and waiting for you to stay over at the once home of the Davidson clan.
Food is available at Turrets Restaurant onsite.
The Tulloch Castle Hotel is pet-friendly. Rooms can be found for under £120 during low season.
4. Bunchrew Castle Hotel
Not quite a castle but a more ‘modern’ 17th Century Baronial Mansion, Bunchrew House sits by the sea on the Beauly Firth looking over to the Black Isle.
One of the many four-star NC500 hotels, Bunchrew House is partly pink on the outside and comfortable on the inside.
Guests can relax in the Drawing Room and small parties up to 14 can hire the MacKenzie Room for dining shindigs or meetings.
This is the most expensive Scottish castle hotel in the Highlands. Rooms are around £350 in low season.
Ackergill Castle
If you haven’t already stayed in Ackergill Castle then you’ve missed your chance!
This Scottish castle hotel closed to the public in 2019, purchased by a North American millionaire.
Ackergill Castle at Wick hosted customers for 30 years and was a popular wedding venue on the NC500.
NC500 Guides
We have created a number of free guides to help you with your NC500 planning:
- North Coast 500 itinerary + tips
- North Coast 500 accommodation
- North Coast 500 apartments
- North Coast 500 camping and motorhomes
- North Coast 500 hostels with dorms and privates
- North Coast 500 tours – let someone else drive
- North Coast 500 packing list
- Know before you go
- North Coast 500 FAQs
- North Coast 500 highlights (voted by NC500 fans)
Save for later! Pin to your Scotland planning board.
Do you plan to stay in a castle during your North Coast 500 adventure? Please tell us in the comments below.