Glenapp Castle

During my grand tour of Europe, I had the pleasure of renting Glenapp Castle a majestic estate that truly embodied the essence of noble living. I arrived in style, riding my brand new Breakout Harley, which I proudly parked at the castle’s entrance. The contrast of modern power and medieval elegance made for an unforgettable arrival. The castle was everything one might imagine for a young noble prince dwelling on his ancestral lands. It was mid October, and the landscape was ablaze with autumn colors. I had hoped to embark on a big game hunt, adding a touch of sport to the regal experience. Furthermore, just behind the castle lies a splendid garden an oasis of tranquility and beauty. I had the pleasure of strolling through its winding paths and exploring the estate’s grounds, each corner more enchanting than the last. The crisp air and rustling leaves made it feel like walking through a living painting. The hospitality was exceptional every detail steeped in grace and grandeur. I genuinely felt like royalty throughout my stay. For anyone seeking a medieval escape during their English travels, I wholeheartedly recommend Glenapp Castle. It offers not just accommodation, but a taste of noble life.

Only reason ive left a four star is the menu issue. This was our second stay and after checking the tasting menus which are amazing-but since i had afternoon tea was unable to eat such rich food. I was then told about the "castle menu". And as the salon/lounge area isn't a private space i didn't wish to discuss my dietary issues in hearing of others. If we had known about the castle menu (I have previously informed them of my intolerance/s). I could have made an informed choice beforehand. So four stars from me despite not having dinner. Communicated the issues to a manager but his response was ill feed to management. Luckily the place has an angel in the form of a small English lass called jen. I explained my predicament and with no worries or stress asked if I could manage anything (and she would asked her chef bf to sort me out). But most importantly to me she showed zero judgement when I explained I couldnt but could do with a hot chocolate. She turned up a wee while later with a glass of red for my wife and and a metal jug full of hot chocolate for me. Jen is our hero and we will be popping down to the BISTRO in the summer simply because Jens running it, it'll be superb food and service. As is the rest of the hotel but not everyone can eat rich food and feel comfortable discussing dietary needs in front of others. James.

Staying at Glenapp Castle (for 1 week) was truly one of the most magical and memorable experiences of our lives. The castle itself looked like an absolute dream and food delicious, but what made the stay extraordinary was the people who went above and beyond to make it special. Benjamin, the main hotel manager, customized our stay with thoughtful touches that made us feel at home from arranging a popcorn and movie night to surprising us with pancakes at breakfast. Jen, the manager of Azalea, showed such heartfelt kindness when I came down with a cold during our trip. She made me a special tea from the garden that was both comforting and healing. It was such a beautiful, personal gesture. In the evenings, Zack was on duty and I had a delightful fireside conversation about the world events and Scottish history with him over tea while adjusting to the time zone. That quiet, warm exchange was one of those small but unforgettable moments that defined the stay. We also took a cooking class with Ian and learned how to make a soufflé. It was not only delicious but also so much fun — easily one of our favorite memories of the trip. As someone who has stayed at many Relais & Châteaux hotels around the world, I can confidently say that Glenapp ranks at the very top. In fact, it ties with only one other property as the best Relais & Châteaux experience I’ve ever had — a true testament to its quality, warmth, and excellence. The combination of the castle’s breathtaking beauty and the extraordinary staff made Glenapp feel like more than just a destination. It felt like an experience woven with care, warmth, and joy. We left with full hearts (I actually teared up a bit as I left), unforgettable memories, and every intention of returning. The photos don’t do it justice. We did a photo shoot on the property because it was so nice and needed someone with a better bigger camera than a phone - Robert from the castle was the photographer!

I filmed a wedding at Glenapp Castle a few years back, and it’s a venue I still think about often. Set against the most breathtaking scenery, the castle feels both grand and intimate at the same time. From a videography point of view, it’s a dream - incredible light, beautiful interiors, and endless cinematic backdrops both inside and out. The team at Glenapp Castle were fantastic to work with. It’s one of those venues that naturally elevates a wedding film, and I’d love the opportunity to return and film there again. Video by Reel Weddings

A stunning location. Greeted on arrival, well looked after. Staff friendly. Lovely food and wine. A lovely treat.

Our stay at Glenapp Castle was a true delight from start to finish. The drive in sets the tone, and we were warmly welcomed by polite, attentive staff who made the experience feel personal and intimate rather than like a typical busy hotel. Pre-arrival communication was thoughtful and well organised, and the setting itself is serene, stunning, and perfect for a relaxing escape. There was a small hiccup at check-in with missing information and our room key, but it was quickly resolved. It is clear the staff are communicating about each guest behind the scenes to make things seamless whether it be check in, dinning, or enjoying a drink by the open fire, we were made feel like part of a family. A special thank you to John Orr for being the perfect host.. putting things right, having great interaction with us as guests, and for being attentive without being overbearing which is a remarkable skill in hospitality settings. Breakfast was tremendous (the best poached eggs I’ve ever had!). We skipped dinner after a Sunday roast and immediately regretted it — just a great excuse to return.

A luxurious experience. the gourmet Lunch was fabulous. The service was exceptional. The customised menu was cherry on top!

An absolute gem of a hotel. Excellent service from the moment you arrive, rooms that really wow you and a delicious tasting menu. Wish we could have stayed longer.