Castles & Country Houses of Scotland

Set off today for your first base by St Andrews in Fife. We’ll provide all the information you need to ensure a smooth journey, with recommendations for our favourite places to stop along the way.

Your Country House Accommodation in Fife

Built in the 1920s as a sumptuous private home and cared for by three generations of the same family, your accommodation by St Andrews is a wonderful country retreat featuring cossetting rooms, a sprawling garden and superb dining. Despite its hidden location, you’re just a few minutes’ drive from the world-famous home of golf, an enthralling place to spend time exploring.

Included in your holiday is a Historic Scotland Explorer pass, allowing entry into some of the country’s most significant and fascinating monuments and attractions. Perhaps leave the car behind today and enjoy a coastal walk to St Andrews, or take a short taxi-ride, and spend some time getting to know this most charming ancient town, including the ruins of its captivating clifftop castle.

A fine day on the road today, taking your time on the twisting mountain passes of the Cairngorms National Park, before the route descends through Royal Deeside and onwards to your base for the next two nights by the town of Inverurie.

Your Manor House Accommodation in Aberdeenshire

With roots dating back to the 13th century, your hotel in rural Aberdeenshire blends ancient and modern to richly appealing effect. Set in 240 acres of simply stunning grounds that include a fine 18-hole golf course, the hotel features lavish rooms, an atmospheric cellar bar and a range of dining to suit every appetite.

Aberdeenshire is true castle country, boasting more fortified dwellings in all states of repair than any other county in the UK. This morning you’ll be met at your accommodation by our specially chosen driver guide and taken on a full day’s exploration of the very best of Aberdeenshire. Let us know your specific area of interest – castles, whisky, history, scenery and any point in-between – before you set off, and we will make sure the tour is tailored to your exact wishes.

Set off this morning towards the Moray Coast, skirting Speyside’s Malt Whisky Trail as you go. Perhaps make a short detour to visit the Highland capital city of Inverness before crossing the Kessock Bridge over the Moray Firth, following the Cromarty coast to your next country-house destination.

Your Country House Accommodation in Easter Ross

Owned by one of Scotland’s most famous malt whisky distillers, your accommodation in Easter Ross is a 16^th century farmhouse, remodelled into a very special place to stay. Just moments’ walk from the shores of the Moray Firth, amidst the ruins of a long-abandoned castle, this could be the very definition of ‘tranquillity’. Deluxe bedrooms exude warmth and comfort, while evening dining on the menu of the finest local produce is more private party than stuffy hotel. Of course, a dram of Scotland’s finest by the log fire is not to be missed.

Incorporating some of the most dramatic and varied landscape in Europe, Sutherland features sweeping coastline, soaring mountains, bleak moorland and much more besides. Take time today to get to know a little of this vast area, perhaps with a visit to nearby Dunrobin Castle, a very different style inspired by French architecture. Call in at the picture-perfect town of Dornoch, famous for its links to golf and tiny cathedral. Again, we’ll provide as much info as you’ll need to make the most of your time, including some gems you may otherwise struggle to discover.

Another terrific day on the road awaits today, as you cut across country from east to west. Your route takes you through awe-inspiring landscapes along the shores of Loch Ness and Loch Lochy, through the shadow of Ben Nevis and onwards to your final destination in a bijou castle near the sparkling waters of Loch Creran.

Your Castle Accommodation on Loch Creran

What a place to spend the last two nights of your holiday: a cosy and romantic castle haven. With history stretching back to 1607, each of those 400-odd years is etched into the stone both inside and out. Just six romantic bedrooms ensure a touch of exclusivity, while your hosts are here to provide welcome, stories and advice to help you create lasting memories.

Quite a treat awaits today, as you follow the short route around Loch Creran, across the bridge at Ballachulish and to the shores of Loch Linnhe. Here, board a 12-seater boat as your host from Castle Stalker carries you across the waters of Loch Linnhe to the private jetty for this atmospheric, 15^th-century castle. You’ll enjoy a guided tour as part of a small group, with the opportunity to experience the dramatic views from atop the castle ramparts. Of course, the exact timing of this tour depends on the local tides – we will advise on booking.

Even the journey home from this holiday is filled with drama, as you cut through the intimidating valley of Glencoe and around the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond on your way back to the central belt and the motorway system.