Ackergill Tower
A 15th-century castle hotel on 3,000 acres, offering luxurious suites, unique treehouse stays, and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy the grounds in sunshine
Ackergill Tower
Best Time
Enjoy the grounds in sunshine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century castle hotel on 3,000 acres, offering luxurious suites, unique treehouse stays, and stunning coastal views.
"Want to feel like a noble person from the old days? Stay here."
👑 Live Like Royalty
Book the Princess Royal Suite for ocean views or the unique Treehouse for an unforgettable stay.
🌊 Explore the Grounds
Allow ample time to wander the 3,000 acres, including the loch and beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Princess Royal Suite
Ackergill Tower
Ocean-view suite offering stunning vistas and the soothing sound of the sea. Pure luxury.
The Treehouse
Ackergill Tower Estate
Unique, luxurious accommodation nestled in nature with exquisite bathrooms.
Smuggler's Inn
Ackergill Tower Estate
Historic pub on the estate for drinks and dining with a noble atmosphere.
The Tower Interior
Ackergill Tower
Explore historic sitting rooms, a drawing room, and a game room within the castle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Royal Retreat
Embrace the Estate Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Ackergill Castle - Caithness, Scotland - 15th century stronghold of the Clan Keith - Extensive renovations in the 17th century - Additions made in the 19th century - Currently a private residence
👑 Live Like Royalty
Book the Princess Royal Suite for ocean views or the unique Treehouse for an unforgettable stay.
🌊 Explore the Grounds
Allow ample time to wander the 3,000 acres, including the loch and beach.
🍻 Visit Smuggler's Inn
Enjoy a drink or dinner at the on-site pub for a taste of local history.
💧 Treehouse Hot Water
Be aware that hot water in the Treehouse may be limited; check instructions.
Tips
from all over the internet
👑 Live Like Royalty
Book the Princess Royal Suite for ocean views or the unique Treehouse for an unforgettable stay.
🌊 Explore the Grounds
Allow ample time to wander the 3,000 acres, including the loch and beach.
🍻 Visit Smuggler's Inn
Enjoy a drink or dinner at the on-site pub for a taste of local history.
💧 Treehouse Hot Water
Be aware that hot water in the Treehouse may be limited; check instructions.
🍽️ Dinner Menu
Dinner at the Tower is a pre-fixed menu; opt for Smuggler's Inn for more selection.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about the stunning accommodation, particularly the ocean-view suites and unique treehouse, and the magnificent grounds. The historic atmosphere and the charm of Smuggler's Inn are also highly praised. However, some visitors have noted inconsistencies in service, housekeeping, and maintenance that don't always align with a five-star luxury experience.
"This place is great! The price is right, and it’s an amazing. We got the Princess Royal suite and it overlooked the ocean, it was stunning! The staff were so helpful and friendly! We got to listen to the ocean crash against the rocks all night it was amazing."
Samantha S
"Beautiful location, stayed at the Tree house which would have been fabulous if all the plumbing worked and housekeeping was in keeping with a 'Luxury Estate'. Staff were very friendly but inexperienced. Nice little pub on the estate, however, service was slow and food average, service did not improve at breakfast. Unfortunately the standard of service, housekeeping and maintenance is not that of a five star luxury estate."
Susan Munro
"Stunning accommodation, venue, grounds, scenery. This is the complete package. Want to feel like a noble person from the old days? Stay here. Make sure you visit Smuggler's Inn, which is attached to the Tower for a drink and dinner."
Dwayne Birtles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ackergill Tower is located in Caithness, Scotland. The nearest major airport is Inverness Airport (INV), approximately a 2-hour drive away. Car rental is highly recommended for exploring the area and reaching the tower. Public transport options are limited in this rural region.
Yes, Ackergill Tower is accessible by car. The estate has ample parking for guests. The drive itself offers scenic views of the Caithness landscape.
A car is the most convenient way to explore Caithness and its surroundings from Ackergill Tower. This allows you to visit nearby attractions and enjoy the scenic routes at your own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ackergill Tower primarily operates as a high-end hotel and private residence. Entry is typically for guests staying overnight. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for any specific visitor access or tour information.
As a private residence and hotel, Ackergill Tower does not have traditional public opening hours. Access is generally for guests during their stay. For specific inquiries about visiting the grounds or Smuggler's Inn, it's best to contact the property directly.
While the primary access is for guests, it's worth inquiring with Ackergill Tower directly about possibilities for visiting parts of the grounds or the Smuggler's Inn. Some visitors have mentioned enjoying the pub without staying in the tower.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Guests can enjoy exploring the 3,000-acre estate, including its loch and beach. Boat rides are also available. The tower itself offers historic rooms to discover, such as sitting rooms, a drawing room, and a game room.
Accommodation ranges from luxurious suites like the Princess Royal Suite with ocean views to unique options like the Treehouse. Reviews highlight stunning views and exquisite bathrooms, though some mention maintenance issues.
Information regarding Wi-Fi availability is not explicitly detailed in reviews, but as a high-end establishment, it is generally expected. It's recommended to confirm Wi-Fi services directly with the property upon booking.
Yes, guests are encouraged to explore the tower, which can take 30 minutes or more. You can discover various rooms like sitting rooms, a drawing room, and a game room.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ackergill Tower offers dining experiences, including a pre-fixed menu for dinner within the tower itself. For a wider selection, the on-site Smuggler's Inn pub is recommended.
Some packages at Ackergill Tower include breakfast. Reviews mention booking rooms with dinner and breakfast included. It's best to check the specifics of your booking to confirm meal inclusions.
Smuggler's Inn is described as a nice little pub on the estate, offering drinks and food. While one review mentioned average food and slow service, it remains a popular spot for guests to enjoy a meal or a drink.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in the provided information. It is advisable to inform the staff of any dietary requirements when booking or upon arrival to ensure they can be accommodated.
📸 📸 Photography
The Princess Royal Suite offers stunning ocean views perfect for photography. The unique Treehouse also provides picturesque settings. Exploring the castle's historic rooms and the expansive estate grounds will yield many photographic opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tower. Guests are encouraged to explore the various rooms, including sitting rooms, a drawing room, and a game room, all of which offer interesting photographic subjects.
No specific restrictions on photography within guest areas or public spaces of the estate have been mentioned. However, as it is also a private residence, it's always courteous to be mindful of privacy and ask if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the luxury accommodation might be more suited for older children or those who appreciate a quieter experience, the unique Treehouse could be a memorable option. Parents should note that while the estate is beautiful, supervision is key, especially near the water. Dining at the Smuggler's Inn might be a more relaxed option for families compared to the formal dining within the tower.
💍 Couples and Romantic Getaways
The unique Treehouse accommodation also provides a secluded and enchanting retreat for couples. The historic ambiance of the tower itself, combined with the expansive and beautiful grounds, creates a magical backdrop for special occasions or a peaceful getaway. Enjoying a quiet drink at Smuggler's Inn or a pre-fixed dinner adds to the romantic atmosphere.
🏰 History Buffs
Guests can immerse themselves by exploring the tower's various rooms, including sitting rooms, a drawing room, and a game room, each offering a glimpse into its storied past. The entire estate, with its historical significance and expansive grounds, provides a rich tapestry for those who love to delve into history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Today, Ackergill Tower stands as a testament to its enduring legacy, offering a blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury. While it functions as a private residence and a high-end hotel, its historical significance is a key part of the guest experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a bygone era while enjoying contemporary comforts.
Exploring the tower itself reveals its architectural evolution. Rooms like the sitting rooms, drawing room, and game room provide insights into its past uses and the lives of its inhabitants. This historical exploration is a highlight for many visitors, offering a tangible connection to centuries of Scottish heritage.
Luxury Stays and Unique Accommodations
For those seeking something truly extraordinary, the Treehouse accommodation offers a unique escape nestled within the estate's natural beauty. These accommodations are noted for their exquisite bathrooms, featuring amenities like round tubs and double showers. However, potential guests should be aware that some unique features, like hot water systems, may require careful attention or may have limitations.
Beyond these signature stays, the overall quality of accommodation is described as stunning, with attention to detail in the venue, grounds, and scenery. While the luxury is evident, some reviews suggest that the standard of service and housekeeping might not always align with a five-star luxury estate, indicating a potential area for improvement.
Exploring the Expansive Estate
Activities available on the estate include boat rides, adding another dimension to the exploration of the loch and coastline. The natural beauty of the surroundings makes it an ideal location for leisurely walks, photography, and simply enjoying the tranquility. The sheer scale of the estate ensures that there's always something new to see and experience.
Within the estate, the Smuggler's Inn serves as a charming focal point, offering a place to relax with a drink or enjoy a meal. This historic pub adds to the overall atmosphere of the estate, providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploring the grounds.
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