Aldourie Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

This 300-year-old Baronial castle has been thoughtfully reimagined as a beautiful, exclusive-use stay on the banks of Loch Ness.

KEY FEATURES

An exclusive-use castle on the shores of Loch Ness, within 500-acres of wild meadows and woodland
12 castle rooms, comfortably accommodating 24 guests, plus cottages dotted around the estate grounds, sleeping a further 22 guests

Activities include wild swimming in Loch Ness, boating excursions and guided fishing, whisky tasting, nature walks and biking around the estate
Extensive gardens, exquisitely designed by one of the UK’s leading landscape architects

Aldourie Castle is a beautiful and historic fairytale property and the only habitable castle on the famous Loch Ness – an ever-present backdrop to your stay. Nestled within a 500-acre private estate, it boasts beautiful gardens, woodlands, and a gentle lawn sloping down to the Loch, offering an oasis of tranquillity and privacy.

Undergoing an extensive refurbishment and redesign, the restoration of the castle involved antique and fine art specialists who worked to curate the individually-styled rooms. Each of the 12 bedrooms are unique, with views of either Loch Ness or the castle gardens. With a mixture of traditional and cosy furnishings and modern fittings, the bedrooms are all luxurious and spacious, each featuring an en-suite bathroom, also styled in keeping with the historical elements of the castle.

Aside from the castle bedrooms, within the grounds of the estate is a collection of cottages sleeping between four and six guests each. With a maximum of 22 people in total, these charming cottages are the perfect addition to house extra party guests or for those looking for a little more privacy.

During your stay, enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine with a modern twist, featuring seasonal and local ingredients, meticulously prepared by Aldourie’s in-house team of expert chefs and staff. With rooms for all occasions, enjoy formal banquets in the Dining Room, laid-back lunches on the Terrace overlooking the Loch, or a post-dinner whisky with a roaring fire in one of the Drawing Rooms.

At Aldourie Castle, the experience is not limited to the grand interiors; the 500-acre estate offers a plethora of activities for guests to enjoy. Join the estate’s Head Gardener, Elliot, for a personal tour of the idyllic gardens, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, and learn about the conservation efforts in the Scottish Highlands that go beyond the castle walls.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the estate is a wildlife haven, offering activities such as wild swimming or exploring the shores of the Loch by boat, picnics in the castle grounds or in the striking Boathouse, and a range of other outdoor pursuits. Beyond, the Scottish Highlands beckon, with opportunities for guided fishing of the Ness on the Dochfour and Laggan combined beats, or Munro bagging on nearby mountains, guided by a local expert.

Sustainability

Spread over 500 acres of gardens, woodland and wildflower meadows, Aldourie Estate forms part of the Wildland organisation’s undertaking to fulfil a 200-year-long rewilding vision that aims to enhance habitats, species and ecological processes across Scotland.

The Wildland project covers three regions of the Scottish Highlands, focused on the Cairngorms, Loch Ness & Lochaber and the north coast of Sutherland, and encompasses an array of conservation and community focused activities.

Why we love it

Aldourie Castle is both grand and historic, but also cosy and homely. Surrounded by exquisite scenery, whether you visit for a romantic escape or a group getaway, it is the ideal luxury base for a grand Scottish adventure.