Scottish Highlands · Scotland
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
The castle at the foot of Ben Nevis that charmed Queen Victoria into staying a week
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Raised in 1863 for the third Baron Abinger, Inverlochy stands in wooded grounds three miles from Fort William with Ben Nevis filling the skyline. Queen Victoria spent a week here in 1873 and recorded that she had never seen a lovelier or more romantic spot; the sentiment has been quoted ever since, mostly because it is hard to improve on.
Rooms are split between the castle itself, the walled garden and a gate lodge. The great hall, frescoed ceilings and Venetian chandeliers belong firmly to the nineteenth century, while the cooking has moved on considerably — the Seasgair restaurant leads the dining, alongside shared-table dinners, afternoon tea and a country pub in the old factor's house.
The castle has been a hotel since 1969 and remains a fixture on any serious list of Highland country houses. Salmon fishing, stalking, climbing and the Road to the Isles all start within a short drive.
At a glance
What to expect
- Fine dining restaurant
- Country pub on the estate
- Afternoon tea
- Private loch and gardens
- Fishing and stalking arranged
- Ben Nevis walking routes
- Chauffeur and airport transfers
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