GROWING up in Scotland, I’ve always been fascinated by castles – they’re hard to miss as around 4000 of them are scattered throughout the country.
But I’ve never actually stayed in one, until now.
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There are plenty of castle hotels and hotels that are made to look like castles, but Kilmartin Castle in Argyll and Bute is the real deal.
Built in the 16th century, the castle was abandoned in the 1790s and left to ruin until couple Stef and Simo bought the property in 2015, transforming it into a boutique guest house.
Their renovation journey featured on the Channel 4 show, The Great Hotel Escape.
With its sloping ceilings, fairytale turrets and winding stone steps, it’s easy to imagine living within the castle walls 500 years ago.
But staying in one of the five unique rooms is a much cosier experience than it would’ve been in the 16th century.
Located on the West Coast of Scotland, the surrounding area of Argyll and Bute is known for its local wildlife and sweeping landscapes.
Kilmartin Castle is a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and a two-hour drive from Glasgow.
Kilmartin Museum, which recently reopened after a £7million renovation project, is just a short walk away from the castle and tells the story of Kilmartin Glen.
Also nearby is Kilmartin Hotel, a lovely hotel with a great atmosphere and good food.
When we arrived at Kilmartin Castle, we were welcomed by Simo who showed us around, giving us a brief history lesson in the process.
Everything has a personal touch, making it feel like we were visiting grand friends.
We stayed in Clarke, a luxury double room with untouched stonework, which has been painted in lime green, a commonly used colour in the 16th century.
And just like staying at a friend’s house, guests are encouraged to explore the castle and relax in its communal spaces like the grand hall, which is perfect to sit around the fire and enjoy a wee dram.
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Even in the colder months, the stone castle doesn’t feel chilly as the couple have painstakingly lifted each original stone tile to install underground heating – walking around barefoot is quite surreal.
Breakfast is another interesting experience.
All guests gather under the stone barrel-vaulted ceiling of the dining room where they can help themselves to homemade granola and foraged fruits.
There is a list of experiences available to make your stay as special as possible.
One thing we enjoyed was foraging for toppings for our homemade pizza, which we cooked in the wood-fired pizza oven with fresh herbs from the garden.
For the more adventurous, there is a wild swimming pond on site and guests can go on a Sea Safari on an antique wooden cruiser and try and spot eagles and dolphins.
I’m not the only one who thinks it’s wonderful – last year, the New York Times put it at no.4 in their list of ’52 Places to Go in 2023′
They said of the castle and the surrounding valley: “This verdant valley on Scotland’s wild west coast is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Britain, yet it’s largely off the visitor circuit; imagine Stonehenge without the crowds.
“For full immersion into the Scotland of yore, stay at the moody 16th-century Kilmartin Castle.”
Despite its hype, prices are quite reasonable for such an experience. The whole property is available to book out for private events, or group trips, from £1300 a night.
At the moment however, there is a winter deal for £800 a night to take over all five rooms of the castle – that’s only £160 each if you can organise four other couples to join you.
A castle for Christmas at a fraction of the cost!
Three other castles to visit in the UK
THE UK is home to some amazing castles – here are some of the best:
Bamburgh Castle
This medieval fortress is built overlooking the stunning Northumberland coast, offering a wonderfully picturesque place to explore some of England’s history.
The castle itself is incredibly well preserved and dates all the way back to the 11th century.
Kenilworth Castle
Brits can find out about sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth Castle, one of the most famous forts in the country.
The medieval castle has had a fascinating history and was even transformed into an Elizabethan palace.
Today its keep, its Tudor towers and Elizabethan garden are among the sites people can explore.
Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle has been dubbed “defender of the nation” by locals.
Today, the castle is still an active military base, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo remaining a highlight among visitors.
It’s also home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels as well as other national treasures
Meanwhile, these are some of the most popular castle stays that can be booked in the UK.
And here are some bizarre holiday homes from around the world that people can rent.
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