Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Nestled beneath the peaks of Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle Hotel stands as one of Scotland's most romantic estates. Although it shares the same name with the 13th-century Inverlochy Castle, these are two different properties. Inverlochy Castle Hotel was built in 1863 by William Scarlett, 3rd Baron Abinger, who inherited the title from his father. The mansion was built to reflect the grandeur of the Victorian Highlands, with its turrets, gables, and panoramic views of the Scottish landscape.

From its earliest years, Inverlochy Castle Hotel became a favored retreat for several distinguished guests. Jefferson Davis, former President of the Confederate States of America, visited and described it to his wife as "the grandest of all the sublime spectacles I have met in Scotland". Queen Victoria herself stayed at the castle for a week and noted the castle's beauty in her diary. Since then, Inverlochy has cemented itself as one of the area's must-see spots.

In 1944, the mansion was purchased by Joseph Hobbs, a Canadian entrepreneur and owner of the Ben Nevis Distillery. His son later inherited the estate and converted it into a hotel in 1969, opening its doors to visitors who'd like to experience the life of nobility. Throughout its evolytion, Inverlochy Castle Hotel has remained synonymous with romance and grandue, earning several distinctions and awards. It has won Scotland's Leading Castle Hotel for three consecutive years years at the World Travel Awards, and is ranked among the top resorts and hotels in the UK.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel is a masterwork of 19th-century Scottish Baronial architecture, a style that was common during the Victorian era. It's characterized by elaborate rooflines with conical roofs, zig-zag gables, turrets, and asymmetrical floor plans.

Stepping inside, guests are transported into a luxurious and romantic atmosphere, remaining faithful to its 19th-century origins. The hotel showcases oak paneling, ornate plasterwork ceilings, and an entrance hall that opens to grand staircases, ceilings with sparkling chandeliers, and large windows with views of the gardens and peaks.

At the hotel, there are castle rooms and suites with antique pieces and uninterrupted views of the grounds. Guests who want more privacy can check out the walled garden rooms, featuring a balcony and terrace overlooking the walled gardens. For families and small groups, the Victorian gate lodge can serve as your home away from home, with a double bedroom, a living area, and a kitchenette for meals and refreshments.

The dining experience at Inverlochy Castle hotel is as much a part of the stay as the architecture and fairytale-like setting. From refined multi-course dishes to relaxed afternoon tea, each meal is special.

Seasgair

Taken from the Gaelic word meaning "warm and comfortable," Seasgair is the centerpiece of the hotel's culinary offering. It's led by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr, and is designed to make guests feel as if they're in a refined private home instead of a typical hotel restaurant. Dining at Seasgair includes a five-course set menu made of ingredients from local producers and paired with wines handpicked by the sommelier.

Lounge

For light meals, head to the lounge and treat yourself to a snack, a hearty soup, or freshly baked scones. This is perfect if you just want something light to keep you energized before dinner, of ir you're looking for a cozy spot to sit back and enjoy the view. Note that reservations are encouraged to secure a table.
Availability: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (daily)

Afternoon Tea

A stay at Iverlochy Castle Hotel is incomplete without experiencing afternoon tea. Indulge in a selection of cakes, pastries, finger sandwiches, and fine teas or coffee served in an atmospheric setting.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers an enchanting setting for weddings, and couples can hold civil, religious, or humanist ceremonies on-site. Guests can say their vows at the Great Hall, which can accommodate up to 80 guests, or at the Drawing Room, which holds up to 60 guests. For those dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, the estate’s picturesque gardens provide a striking backdrop, though this will depend on the weather conditions.

One of the hotel's most appealing features is its on-site accommodations, with 17 guest rooms, 8 walled garden rooms, and a gate lodge for smaller parties. The wedding breakfast, curated by the head chef, showcases locally sourced ingredients presented in a fine dining style.

The hotel also provides dedicated wedding planning support, including photographers, florists, musicians, and decor. There's also a traditional Scottish bagpiper for an authentic touch.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

More than just luxurious accommodation, Inverlochy Castle Hotel opens the door to a wealth of on-site and nearby cultural experiences that allow guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Highlands.

For families, the castle has kids' games and a billiards room available, along with outdoor activities like rowing, tomahawk hunting, and exploring the woods. Surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Lochaber and backed by the summit of Ben Nevis, the hotel situates you in a region rich in history and natural beauty. At the Achnacarry Estate, spot different wildlife like red deer, highland cattle, wild boar, foxes, and rare butterfly species.

There are also walking trails around Inverlochy Castle tailored to different fitness levels and experiences. Guests can also go fishing at Loch Arkaig or Loch Blar, play rounds of golf at Fort William Golf Club, or join photography tours from March to July. The hotel can also arrange day tours highlighting Scotland's history, culture, and nature.

Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers a magical experience during the festive season, with curated Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Begin your Christmas celebrations with an afternoon tea on Christmas Eve, followed by a Champagne reception and a three-course dinner in the evening. Come Christmas Day, start your day with a festive breakfast and lunch served in the dining room, and meet and receive a special gift from Father Christmas. Dinner is served in the dining room, creating a memorable holiday experience.

For the New Year, or locally known as Hogmanay, the hotel provides an extended festive package. Enjoy afternoon tea and a three-course set menu on December 30, setting the stage for the countdown. On December 31, guests are invited to join a Champagne reception before a black-tie dinner, followed by music, dancing, and a late supper to welcome the New Year.