Inverlochy Castle stands in the foothills of Ben Nevis on the edge of Fort William, in a Highland setting between mountain and loch. It was built in 1863 and was a private house for 100 years before it became a country-house hotel. Queen Victoria, visiting in 1873, wrote that she had never seen a lovelier or more romantic spot, and the view from the windows still makes the case. Bedrooms are each decorated differently, in the castle itself, in the Walled Garden rooms and in the Gate Lodge, and all have private bathrooms and modern touches such as Bang & Olufsen speakers. Dining is a large part of the appeal. Seasgair, by Michel Roux Jr, serves a five-course set tasting menu that follows the seasons, afternoon tea is taken in the lounge, and the Factors Inn country pub offers something more casual when it opens for the season. The hotel welcomes dogs and plans for families. Around it, the West Highlands offer walking, fishing, golf, wildlife watching and photography, and Glasgow is about 100 miles to the south.
- Nearest airport
- Glasgow International Airport (GLA), 100 Miles / 160 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 27 rooms and suites
Insider tip Reserve dinner at Seasgair when you book the room, and keep a second evening for the Factors Inn if it is open that season.
Why I choose it A real Highland castle with serious cooking, well placed for Ben Nevis and the west coast, and happy to host three generations at once.
