A grand 19th century retreat, spectacularly set within a 200-acre estate in the heart of Glenshee, on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Sleeps: Up to 20
  • Bedrooms: 10
  • Minimum stay: 3 nights

Surrounded by the rugged mountain-and-woodland scenery that Scotland is justly famous for, Dalnaglar Castle is a fine, historic retreat that sleeps up to 20 guests.

With the magnificent Cairngorms National Park in striking distance, Dalnaglar Castle, which was commissioned by Queen Victorias banker, is the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a ‘royal’ experience amongst the neighbouring mountains and terrain enjoyed by the British Royal Family whilst at Balmoral Castle. The famous town of Braemar, home of the ‘Braemar Gathering’ (reputedly the best Highland Games in the world) is only a 30 minute drive away.

The invigorating Cateran Trail – part of which passes through the estate – is ideal for testing out your walking boots. There’s salmon fishing on the estate via the River Shee and there’s a private lochan which is stocked with trout. In the winter months, for those looking to brush up on their ski-skills, Glenshee Snowsports Centre is just ten miles away.

Yet if you’d rather breathe out and unwind, the 19th century castle offers plenty of scope to do just that, with spacious rooms that are designed and furnished for your relaxation. There’s a games table for those with a competitive streak, plenty of board games, a library stacked with classic tomes and even a smart TV and don’t worry about connecting to the outside world, there’s enough Wi-Fi for everyone.

The castle’s driveway and striking front entrance make for an unforgettable arrival, straight into the welcoming reception area.  Here you’ll find comfy seating that’s ideal for catching up on life with your favourite people.

Wander along the main corridor, which spans the entire length of the ground floor, to discover a traditional library stacked with classic tomes, a formal dining room for banqueting in scenic style, and a breakfast room for casual chats over coffee.

The sleek kitchen comes equipped with two electric cookers, a microwave, and a coffee maker (not forgetting two dishwashers and a glasswasher, to make light of those post-dinner clear-ups!) Meanwhile, at the end of the corridor awaits a beautiful drawing room, complete with a focal fireplace to snuggle around.

Keep reading

At a glance

  • A 19th century castle retreat sleeping up to 20 guests, set within a naturally elevated 200-acre estate in the heart of Glenshee, on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Catch up in the welcoming reception area, relax in the well-stocked library, or chat with loved ones in the beautiful drawing room, with its focal fireplace.
  • There’s a formal dining room with stunning views and access to the patio, and an informal breakfast room for morning coffee.
  • The 9 bedrooms are a mix of doubles and twins, some with their own bathrooms and others boasting magnificent Cairngorms views.
  • Ideal for lovers of the Great Outdoors, you can take a walk through the estate, private lochan, 9 Munro mountains within Glenshee, or test out your ski skills at Glenshee Snowsports Centre, just 10 miles away.

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Large Groups

Facilities

19th century castle retreat, sleeps up to 20 guests.  Entrance into furnished reception room, traditional library with books, formal dining room with seating for 20, access to patio, informal breakfast room, kitchen with 2 dishwashers, glasswasher, 2 electric cookers, microwave, coffee maker, larder, drawing room with fireplace (starter pack of logs provided).  Main staircase to 8 bedrooms (three bathrooms and three en-suites), further stairs to 1 bedroom (en-suite): Furnished patio and grassed garden with pond and wildlife views.  Linen, towels, electricity, oil central heating and Wi-Fi provided.  Ample private parking.

Local Activities

Walking, cycling, skiing and snowboarding, mountain climbing, scenic driving routes, wildlife watching, picnic spots, sailing, swimming, fishing, watersports

More information

Head up the main staircase to choose from seven elegant, individually-styled bedrooms; some boasting their own private bathroom, and others with incredible views over the Southern Cairngorms. Another en-suite bedroom can be found at the top of a small flight of stairs.

Your favourite bedroom claimed (there’s a mix of doubles and twins, to suit groups of family and friends), it’s time to watch the sunset and surrounding nature from the furnished terrace and expansive grassed garden. Showcasing soothing views over a shimmering pond, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot, including the resident roe deer.

Get lost in the charms of the Cairngorms, or if you’d rather sightsee by car, the stunning 90-mile Snowroads stretch takes you through the East Cairngorms, all the way to the Highland town of Granton-on-Spey.

Things to note

Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome by prior agreement, for an additional fee per dog. A travel cot, highchair and stairgate are available on request.

Where you'll be staying

Blairgowrie, Perthshire

What the guests of Dalnaglar Castle say

“I stayed in the castle with a group of friends for a long weekend. It was gorgeous – the castle is much bigger than I was expecting and very spacious despite some rooms / turrets being out of bounds. The team at Dalnaglar were very helpful and responsive. We loved the fireplaces in the library and drawing room, and the large dining room. The loch on the estate is beautiful, and there’s so much walking to do right on your doorstep without needing to get in a car.”

“We stayed at the Castle for a week in April 2022 leading up to Easter. What a fabulous place to get together with family and make memories. Being able to all sit together to dine of an evening was lovely. There was also enough space to find a quiet corner too. All the bedrooms were very comfortable, with en suite for each. Well equipped kitchen, enough crockery to keep us going. Lovely and warm rooms. Lovely furniture, and furnishings. A very special venue, for a very special family holiday. We hope to be back one day.”

“Thank you we had a fantastic stay, the Castle was a delight, rooms were very comfortable, nice and warm. This is a fabulous location to switch off also to still keep up with work as WiFi was excellent throughout. Thank you for a lovely couple of nights also really enjoyed by the very special young people with us.”

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