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A 17th-century castle set on the shore of Loch Creran, Barcaldine Castle offers a taste of Scottish history but all modern comforts. It’s a handsome structure with numerous turrets topping the thick, stone walls and the setting is quintessentially Scottish with views over the lake to the mountains of Glencoe. Inside, a spiral stone staircase leads to the impressive Great Hall, which is lined with wood panels and mounted trophy heads which alternate with gilt-framed portraits. A fire is lit in the large fireplace here in the evenings, and candles flicker in nooks in the stone walls of the staircase.
The six rooms are all individual in style, size and layout. Some have secret staircases leading into the turrets, some feature regal-looking four-poster beds or intricately-carved wooden furniture, while others are slightly more contemporary in style. All maintain the historic atmosphere but also offer modern facilities such as Wi-Fi, en suite bathrooms and a hospitality tray with local shortbread and herbal teas.
The castle has no restaurant but staff can recommend local options for dinner, the best of which are in Oban, a 20-minute drive away. Children under the age of 14 are not accepted.
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The six rooms are all different but equally attractive and feature antique mahogany furniture, plush blankets, en suite bathrooms, and windows offering views over the lakes and mountains. The Breadalbane Room is the most impressive with its magnificent four-poster bed commissioned for Skibo Castle in 1898. For extra charm though, opt for one of the three top-floor rooms which have private turrets used as either extra seating space or a dressing room. The bathrooms are well equipped (four feature a roll-top bath and separate shower), Wi-Fi is available, and all rooms come with a generous hospitality tray, including tea and coffee making facilities, local shortbread and chocolate.
Barcaldine Castle is situated about 20-minutes’ drive north of Oban. It has a secluded location, and the nearest restaurants for evening meals can be reached by car in either 10 or 20 minutes. The castle overlooks Loch Creran, and the highest rooms have views towards Glencoe.
The castle has no restaurant but serves breakfast in the striking Great Hall. This includes a selection of fruit, yoghurt, cereals, bread and jam, and porridge with a variety of toppings. In addition, a cooked-to-order hot course is available, with options including local smoked salmon, haddock or kippers, pancakes, eggs or a full Scottish breakfast.
We love the romantic setting, characterful rooms and authentic charm of this castle. Although you have to drive to find a restaurant for dinner, we think this is worth it to stay in such an unusual property.
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
An attractive historic house just 15 minutes’ drive from Oban, Knipoch Hotel is in a scenic location surrounded by hills, a loch and leafy gardens. Its period details, antique furniture and large fireplaces give it great local character.
Overlooking the bay towards Kerrera Island, Perle Oban Hotel offers chic accommodation in an imposing Victorian building. Within the grand exterior, the hotel has been elegantly renovated, and contains a Mediterranean restaurant and an in-house cafe.
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Explore the coastline of western Scotland where narrow channels of water produce rushing tidal races and the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the world’s third largest, which is a magnet for marine life including whales, sharks and porpoises.
Explore the prehistoric burial cairns, stone circles and standing stones in Kilmartin Glen south of Oban. The region was inhabited for more than 5,000 years and with 350 sites of interest has the richest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland.
