Luxury Romantic 16th Century Scottish Castle

Kilmartin Castle is a luxury guesthouse, also available for exclusive use. We have a number of incredible private chefs, who can be hired to cater breakfast or dinner.

Kilmartin Castle was named #4 Best Places To Go in the World in 2023 by the New York Times. We were also named Discovery of the Year by The Financial Times in 2023.

CASTLE HISTORY
Built in 1550 for John Carswell, Rector of Kilmartin Glen, who later became Bishop Of The Isles, this wee Castle was held by the Campbell Clan before being abandoned for 200 years. We are grateful that the building flew under the radar during the Victorian period when typically the windows would have been made larger and likely an ugly extension added. It's period of abandonment ensured we were able to restore it to how it stood in Kilmartin Glen when it was originally built.

RECENT HISTORY
When we travelled around Scotland in 2014 we were disappointed we couldn't find a castle stay that 'felt like a castle' on the inside. In 2015 we discovered Kilmartin Castle, we quit our jobs, and we set about creating the experience that we were looking for in Scotland for future travellers searching for a deeper experience. We finished our restoration in 2019 and are so happy to be able to share this magical place with you. It is impossible to forget where you are upon stepping into this 16th Century castle with it's exposed stone walls, large fireplaces, barrel vaulted stone ceilings and arrow slits. However, the castle does possess some modern day magic, like underfloor heating, a hidden HD projector and copper tubs. The furnishings are a selection of antique restored pieces and unique finds from our travels over the years. When restoring this castle a few things were very important to us alongside holding onto the character of the building. We made sure to incorporate powerful showers, fast filling baths, and as much hot water as needed for everyone to soak in a bath after a long walk in the Glen. We have the benefit of fiberoptic broadband, warm rooms, and extremely comfy beds with luxury linens, towels, and robes.

In 2021 we completed our garden renovation project to include an outdoor kitchen, glasshouse dining room, orchard, raised formal lawn, dining area, sitting area with wood stove, sunken fire-pit, vegetable garden and a wild swimming pond. You are welcome to use all of the garden facilities during your exclusive stay with us. Children under 14 are unable to swim in the pond and 14-18yr olds must be supervised.

WEDDINGS | EVENTS
Scotland is the only place in the UK where you can legally get married anywhere, but you will need to ensure the ceremony is conducted by a registered celebrant. You can book a local registrar through Argyll & Bute Council, or a Humanist celebrant for a non-religious ceremony. For the latter, you’ll need to join the Humanist Society of Scotland.

Accommodation pricing does not include an event surcharge for events and weddings. This is a minimum of £1000 up to 10 people, plus an additional £100 per person thereafter, up to a maximum of 20 guests. This surcharge provides you with access to our trusted contacts, any guidance you need from us during the planning process, and also enables us to keep the price reasonable for those wishing to book a holiday with family and friends.

We have a maximum capacity of 20 people, including the bride and groom, for dinner in the glasshouse which is located in the castle grounds. We have a maximum capacity for 10 to enjoy dinner in the castle dining room.

Please note; Only those staying in the castle have access to the castle itself as this is booked as accomodation and not a venue. The glasshouse will be your venue for dining when groups are larger than 10 for weddings and events.

THE AREA
The Kilmartin Museum has just received a £6m grant to double in size as important discoveries are regularly unearthed here. The newest discovery being in 2021, in a cist in Kilmartin Glen, of the oldest animal carvings in Scotland believed to be around 5000 years old, portraying stags. The new museum will open in 2023. The castle sits in one of the most archeologically important areas of Europe with standing stones on our doorstep, dating back further than the pyramids. There are too many islands, hill walks, restaurants and incredible drives to squeeze in to one trip so many of our guests plan to return as soon as they leave. We have a fabulous local pub, a 3-min walk from the castle serving dinner too.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kilmartin Glen, Scotland's true hidden gem.