From stately homes to former palaces, these castles offer cuisine as rich as their histories and are situated amongst some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
5. Mingary castle, Lochaber
The 13th-century castle was restored to its former glory in 2016 and in 2021 it reopened as a modern restaurant with rooms.Running the atmospheric castle are two seasoned hospitality professionals, chef Colin Nicholson and his partner Jessica Thompson. Both have worked at a range of luxury hotels and restaurants (including Inverlochy Castle) at home and abroad. The restaurant was recently awarded 3 AA Rosettes, and is well worth a visit for its seasonal tasting menu, Photo: Mingary Castle
6. Inverlochy castle, Fort William
Another Scottish castle with a Michel Roux Jr restaurant is Inverlochy, in Fort William. Built for the third Lord Abinger William Frederick Scarlett, over the years castle guests have included in 1869 Jefferson Davis, the President of the American Confederacy and Queen Victoria who spent a week here sketching four years later. It became a country house hotel in 1969. In 2022 Michel Roux Jr launched Seasgair, a new dining concept. Gaelic for warm, cosy and comfortable, diners can expect is a theatrical though relaxed affair, with five dishes. Photo: Inverlochy Castle
7. Dornoch castle, Sutherland
Located in Sutherland, Dornoch Castle Hotel is within easy reach of a number of leading whisky distilleries in the North Highlands, such as Balblair, Glenmorangie and Dalmore, and also has its own award-winning whisky bar. For dinner, guests can enjoy a meal thanks to chef Grant MacNicol at the Castle restaurant. Photo: Dornoch Castle
8. Crossbasket castle, Blantyre
In 2015 Crossbasket Castle in Blantyre was rescued from ruin with £9m investment and reopened as a luxury hotel. The castle is going through a £15 million expansion to include a new destination restaurant – Trocadero’s. Currently the castle is home to Michel Roux Jr at the Castle restaurant. Photo: contributed