As a frequent traveler, I’m always on the hunt for unique B&B stays wherever I go and Scotland is no exception. Quaint Bed & Breakfasts near Edinburgh to rural B&Bs nestled into the countryside, there’s something special about these hidden gems that can really make your Scottish holiday one to remember!
I’ve put together my top picks for B&Bs in Scotland so you can start planning your next adventure. Whether you want to stay close to the city or take a more remote escape, there’s something for everyone here.
Quick Guide: Best B&Bs In Scotland
If you’re short on time, here are my favorite Scottish B&Bs from each category.
📍Best Castle Bed & Breakfast: The Lady Maxwell Room at Buittle Castle
🧳 Check for available dates here!
📍Best Luxury Bed & Breakfast: Blervie House
📍Best Bed & Breakfast in Edinburgh: A Room in the City – West
📍Best Bed & Breakfast in the Highlands: Acer Glen B&B
What Is The Best Area To Stay In Scotland?
Edinburgh is the perfect place for a getaway to Scotland. With its stunning architecture from Holyrood House Palace straight up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, it truly is an inspiring city. I find Edinburgh to be the ideal location as your base for exploring Scotland. With Waverley Train Station easily accessible, you can visit most of the country easily and without the stress of a rental car. Driving on the other side of the road is no joke folks.
Edinburgh can offer travelers the opportunity to get a taste of local culture, cuisine, brews and attractions without breaking the bank. B&Bs in Scotland have been around since the days of Robert Louis Stevenson and offer visitors a unique way to explore the area.
Bed & Breakfast Scotland: Castles
Experience the grandeur of Scotland’s historical castles with a stay in one that is also a bed and breakfast. Imagine spending a night or two surrounded by lush, green fields and breathtaking mountain views — all while staying in a castle! A castle B&B is an unforgettable experience that will have you falling in love with this beautiful country.
📍The Lady Maxwell Room at Buittle Castle
The exquisite elegance of the Lady Maxwell Room at Buittle Castle is sure to make you feel like royalty. You can experience what it’s like to live in a real, private Scottish castle by booking this ground-floor room that features its own entrance directly into the courtyard and an ensuite bathroom.
Nestled in the countryside just under 1.5 miles away from Dalbeattie, Buittle Castle is a perfect destination for anyone seeking to explore all that Dumfries and Galloway have to offer! From nature enthusiasts looking for tranquility or avid cyclists eager to bike through scenic paths, there are plenty of attractions nearby for everyone’s enjoyment. A stay at Buittle is sure to provide an unforgettable experience and lasting memories no matter your interest.
This would be a great choice for a solo traveler or a couple looking for a cozy place to stay.
📍Old Newton of Doune
Old Newton is the perfect place for family gatherings and small group events, with a walled garden offering fabulous views of Doune Castle. It’s not just any old building either – it’s Grade A listed and one of Scotland’s oldest forts!
Over time, this castle has welcomed notable guests such as Walter Scott, David Hume, as well as more recent invitees like Outlander cast and crew members. To top it off, the quaint village of Doune with its various amenities is within easy walking distance from here!
I highly recommend checking out Doune Castle, especially if you enjoyed Outlander. It was used in the show as Castle Leoch.
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📍The Castle in Colliston, Arbroath, Scotland
Boasting magnificent views of the Glenkens’ rolling hills, The Castle is perfect for up to 9 guests looking for a relaxed and comfortable stay with scenic lawned gardens as part of its tranquil countryside surroundings.
Nestled within the private, 800-acre Barscobe Estate, located a mile away from Balmaclellan and 17 miles from Castle Douglas is a peaceful retreat tucked away in nature. Enjoy wild trout fishing on Barscobe Loch or explore hills, ancient woodlands, rivers, and waterfalls that make this historic estate so perfect for an unforgettable Scottish getaway.
Bed & Breakfast Scotland: Luxury
Staying in a luxury B&B in Scotland can add another layer of sophistication to your holiday by giving you the comfort, style, and convenience that only a luxury property can offer. From Bed & Breakfasts in Edinburgh to the Highlands, you are sure to find one that is perfect for your vacation.
📍Blervie House
Blervie House is a stunning, traditional Scottish Country house that has been beautifully and thoughtfully renovated to bring together classic elegance with modern luxuries. Located in Moray Speyside but just moments away from Inverness, this luxury guesthouse sits on 300 acres of private estate boasting majestic views over the Moray Firth and North Coast.
Blervie offers some of the best quality furnishings, many with fascinating stories behind them. Additionally, they provide only top-tier soft furnishing like Hungarian Goose Down duvets to ensure your stay is as cozy and enjoyable as possible! Moray basks in the sunlight that comes from being on the Gulf Stream’s end at the Moray Firth – a location that boasts one of the UK’s longest hours of summer sun! The region has a mild climate perfect for outdoor activities all year round.
📍Kinloch House Hotel
Kinloch House, built in 1840, is a stunning representation of the classic Scottish country home. The house features an oak-paneled hallway and staircase as well as an impressive portrait gallery that stands proudly amidst 25 acres of parkland and woodland. Not only does this grand estate possess elegance and character, but its inviting ambiance offers visitors an atmosphere that balances comfort with superior quality.
Kinloch House Hotel is the perfect venue to indulge in delicious cuisine and top-notch wines during your stay. You can expect only the freshest local ingredients on your plate. Chef Steve McCallum and his team take great pride in their dishes by utilizing freshness above all else; they use an array of Scottish produce such as game, beef, fish, and shellfish plus homegrown vegetables for each menu item with meticulous care—the results speak for themselves!
📍Daviot Lodge
Nestled in the heart of 80 acres with remarkable panoramas toward the River Nairn Valley and Culloden Viaduct is this award-winning luxury bed and breakfast. Despite its rural setting, it’s only a 10-minute drive from Inverness city center!
Non-smoking accommodations offer tastefully designed guest rooms with king-size beds & private bathrooms for maximum comfort during your stay. Enjoy an extensive Scottish breakfast served daily in their spacious dining room; they also provide continental options or packed breakfasts if desired.
Bed & Breakfast Scotland: Edinburgh
If you are looking for the perfect B&B in Scotland, then look no further than Edinburgh. In my opinion, there’s no better place to stay in the country! With a wide range of B&Bs available, from luxurious ones perched on top of hills with stunning views of the city to cozy family-run establishments tucked away in hidden corners of the city, you are sure to find the perfect one for your stay…Edinburgh has it all!
📍McCrae’s Bed and Breakfast
Situated in the historic New Town of Edinburgh and a mere 15-minute walk away from downtown, McCrae’s Bed & Breakfast is a 19th-century B&B with a perfect fusion of classic charm and contemporary amenities. Their cozy rooms contain flat-screen TVs along with tea/coffee-making facilities to help you stay energized. Some guestrooms even have breathtaking views of the garden.
Start your day off right by indulging in a complimentary continental breakfast, made with organic ingredients sourced from local businesses. If you’re looking for something heartier, cooked breakfasts are available at an additional cost. This B&B is within walking distance of the shopping district of Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle! And if you’re flying into Edinburgh Airport…it’s just a 25 minutes drive away!
📍Six Brunton Place Guest House
At this 5-Star Guest House in Edinburgh City Centre, modern technology has been beautifully blended with a classic interior. Equipped with broadband Internet/wi-fi connection and cable TV/DVD/i-pod docking stations, you can kick back to your favorite soundtrack or watch an excellent movie at the end of each day.
Luxurious designer en-suite bathrooms add to the experience! For larger groups, their Garden Room can be adapted into a generous family room that sleeps up to 4 people – perfect for reunions and getaways.
Experience everything Edinburgh has to offer at the conveniently-located Six Brunton Place Guest House! They’re just minutes away from both the Edinburgh Playhouse and the historic Waverley Train Station, so you can explore this enchanting country with ease!
📍A Room in the City – West
Immerse yourself in the past by staying in a building dating back to the 1700s while being centrally located. Their rooms come fully equipped with a flat-screen television, satellite channels, a cozy seating area, and tea/coffee-making facilities. All of the bathrooms are private and feature power showers for a luxurious experience.
Just 19 minutes away on foot from Edinburgh Castle and 2 minutes from Princes Street! Edinburgh Conference Center is just 10 minutes away by foot, while the B&B is conveniently located 1 mile from Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station.
Bed & Breakfast Scotland: Highlands
The Highlands of Scotland is a stunning place to visit. While it may be more remote than some other parts of Scotland, this rugged landscape is full of character and opportunities for exploration. My recommendation here would be to find someplace in Inverness and venture out from there. They have an international airport and a large train station making it a great hub for your Highland adventure.
With incredible views of rolling hills, picturesque lochs, and glens, the Bed & Breakfasts in the Highlands will provide you with a unique experience. From cozy guesthouses to charming B&Bs, you’ll be able to find something perfect for making memories during your stay in the Highlands.
📍Fraser House
Fraser House, situated in Inverness just 1,200 feet away from the center and a 12-minute stroll to Inverness Castle, offers accommodation with complimentary WiFi and a flat-screen TV. The property features fully equipped private bathrooms outfitted with bath or shower facilities along with a hair dryer for your convenience.
Enjoy breakfast choices of continental, Full English/Irish and vegetarian options daily at the bed & breakfast. Its a 10-minute walk on foot to reach Inverness Train Station while the University of Highlands & Islands is 2.8 miles distant from the property.
📍Strathallan B&B
Located in the heart of Inverness, Strathallan B&B is a short 7-minute walk to Inverness Castle. You can also easily explore several popular attractions nearby such as Caledonian Canal (10 minutes) and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (1,650 feet away). The property is 1.9 mi from the University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness plus only 1.3 miles from Caledonian Thistle – so get ready for an unforgettable stay!
Their guests can enjoy the comforts of a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and an en suite shower room in each hotel room. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property upon request. Start the day off with a savory full Scottish or Continental breakfast served daily including options like cereals, smoked salmon & scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad or porridge, smoked haddock fillet, or pancakes drenched in delicious maple syrup – nom nom!
📍Acer Glen B&B
Located a stone’s throw away from the pristine riverside and just 10 minute walk from Inverness Castle, Acer Glen B&B is an exquisite guest house in Inverness. Enjoy free WiFi and treat yourself to a delicious full Scottish breakfast with your stay at Acer Glen!
Every room is equipped with Sky TV, and all double/triple rooms have Smart TVs. All the necessary amenities are included in their single room such as a TV with a DVD player, Sky channels, a hairdryer, and tea & coffee facilities. Double rooms and family suites feature en-suite washrooms while guests of the single room can avail of shared bathroom services.
In addition to a full cooked breakfast spread they offer an extensive buffet selection that includes cereals, and toast served along with fresh fruits & juices.
FAQs: B&Bs In Scotland
Are you considering a Bed & Breakfast in Scotland for your getaway? B&Bs are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the stunning cities of Edinburgh and Inverness. Bed & Breakfasts offer a great way to experience the country’s unique culture and hospitality, with plenty of options ranging from boutique B&Bs to traditional guesthouses. Here are some frequently asked questions that may help in your planning:
What is a typical breakfast in Scotland?
A traditional Scottish Breakfast allows you to enjoy local favorites such as square lorne sausage, link sausages, fried egg, streaky bacon, tattie scones and more!
Add baked beans for an extra protein boost or try haggis if you’re feeling daring. Fried tomatoes and mushrooms complete the dish alongside some fresh toast to tie it all together – surely one meal that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. I would definitely suggest that you go for the haggis! Delicious!
Do you share a bathroom at a bed and breakfast?
In the past, shared bathrooms were an integral part of the classic bed and breakfast experience in old houses that only had one restroom for each floor.
Fortunately, this is no longer common nowadays. According to Mayne’s surveys about inns and B&Bs, “99% of them provide all-private baths.”
If you are concerned about sharing a bathroom, you can use a website like Booking.com to search for your B&B in Scotland. Then use their filters to find options with “ensuite” or “private” bathrooms.
What are the disadvantages of a bed and breakfast?
If you are searching for someplace where you’ll be left to your own devices, then a bed and breakfast may not be the ideal choice. The owners and other guests will be right outside your door and eating breakfast with you every morning.
Additionally, these types of establishments often lack amenities typical in bigger hotels like swimming pools, hot tubs, or fitness centers.
Can you stay all day in a bed and breakfast?
With a lot of the smaller B&Bs actually being the owner’s homes, there are often rules about leaving for the day after breakfast.
This might be because the owner has a full-time job and they don’t want people in their house without them present or it might be when cleaning is being done and you’d be in the way.
It would definitely be worth asking before you book if there are any “house rules” you should know about. That way you won’t be surprised.
Wrapping things up: B&Bs In Scotland
When it comes to B&Bs in Scotland, there is truly something for everyone. From quaint Bed & Breakfasts nestled in the countryside to luxurious B&Bs in bustling cities like Edinburgh, they provide a unique experience that can make any vacation truly memorable.
Plus, with a typical Scottish breakfast served each morning, B&Bs provide more than just a place to rest your head. So if you’re planning your next trip, why not give B&Bs in Scotland a try? You won’t regret it!
