Glenapp Castle - Scottish Fairytale Fortress by the Ocean

Have you ever dreamed of staying in a Scottish castle? Well-hidden in nature, the 5-star Glenapp Castle is one of the most beautiful in Scotland. Its luxury, period style, rare furniture, exquisite food, and magical gardens make it so unique.

Glenapp Estate is located south of Ayrshire, just a few kilometers southeast of the coastal town of Ballantrae. It offers a stunning view of the iconic rocky island of Ailsa Craig and the hilly landscape of the Galloway Forest Park.

The estate is home to the enchanting Glenapp Castle, which was built in 1870 by the Edinburgh architect David Bryce, one of the most important representatives of the Scottish baronial style.

Glenapp Castle is situated on the dramatic coastline of South West Scotland, overlooking the Irish Sea. Apart from a few rare houses, a pub, and a crowd of sheep, there isn't much around. It's perfect for a weekend to recharge, relax, and reconnect in a gorgeous natural environment.

The castle is set on 36 acres of magical parkland, including an Italian garden designed by renowned horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll. Below the fairytale towers, you'll find grand rooms filled with exquisite fabrics, art, and antiques reflecting a fascinating era's splendor.

In 1917, the president of the renowned cruise line P&O, James Lyle Mackay, was the owner of the property. His daughter, Elsie, gained notoriety when she attempted to cross the Atlantic in a single-engine plane in 1928 but never returned from this adventure.

After a period of vacancy, the MacMillan family of hoteliers acquired Glenapp Castle in 1994 and converted it into a luxury hotel.

The family also restored the gardens to their historic splendor before the luxury accommodation opened in 2000. Today, Glenapp Castle is a luxury five-star member of the Relais & Châteaux association, home to one of the best restaurants in the region.

Rich in history and Victorian grandeur, Glenapp Castle has gracefully transitioned into the 21st century as a hotel that prides itself on refined elegance, traditional charm, and a uniquely fairytale aura.

Upon arriving at Glenapp Castle, you are welcomed by the impressive towering turrets, carved stone facades, and enchanting surroundings. The idea of staying in a genuine castle feels like it's straight out of a fairytale.

The hotel has meticulously preserved its architecture and interiors, reflecting the opulence of a bygone era, ensuring a historically rich and comfortable stay.

Glenapp Castle has so much going for it that it was also one of the hotels featured in the fifth season of the BBC series Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby.

Glenapp's restaurant offers a six-course gourmet dinner, a delightful high tea, and an incredible view of the lake and the island of Ailsa Crag.

Halibut with razor clam and yuzu kosho

The evening menu is particularly popular for its selection of freshly caught fish from the coast, as well as fruits, herbs, and vegetables from the castle garden.

Additionally, there is an extensive selection of wines and champagnes available directly from the castle's wine cellar.

With views of the Azalea Pond and the castle's walled garden, this glasshouse is home to one of Scotland's most romantic dining settings. The Bothy Restaurant can seat up to a hundred people in a plant-filled setting with chandeliers hanging from the glass structure's ceiling.

In this case, the garden-to-plate isn't just a nice-sounding marketing phrase, as the restaurant uses 80% of the herbs in its foods and drinks directly from the garden outside the glasshouse.

The 17 rooms at Glenapp Castle are spread over three floors. Each room is individually designed and lovingly furnished, maintaining the fairytale appearance inside the castle.

The spacious rooms are elegantly furnished with high-quality, aristocratic furnishings, most of which are designed as suites, providing the utmost comfort and luxury.

The suites have a fireplace, antiques, original paintings, and period furniture.

The entire castle hotel can be exclusively rented for weddings, private parties, conferences, or business meetings.

As you are in Scotland, you should take part in discovering what whiskey is about. Smell, see, and taste how whisky is distilled and matured in barrels. And with a drink in hand, why not play a game of chess outside, surrounded by the beautiful gardens?

With the ocean just a few steps away, you can enjoy various water activities from the hotel. For example, you can try kayaking, fishing, or embark on a sea excursion. You can also go for a hike or go bird watching. If you are a golf fan, you are lucky to have six golf courses in the surrounding area.

The Hebridean Sea Safari is a luxury glamping on the Hebridean islands, accompanied by your own private chef.

The Glenapps all-weather boat provides a unique opportunity to explore the nearby Scottish islands and visit whisky distilleries.