"We ate in the hotel restaurant and both agreed it was a particularly good meal."
Mike6258 from United Kingdom
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"The location is excellent, in the middle of the Main Street within easy walking distance of other restaurants and pubs."
Sheila from United Kingdom
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Location
Dornoch Castle Hotel stands opposite the historic 12th-century Dornoch Cathedral. Situated in the picturesque town of Dornoch, guests have easy access to nearby attractions and scenic landscapes. The hotel is located along Scotland's famous North Coast 500 route, enabling exploration of the stunning highlands.
Dining
The Garden Restaurant at Dornoch Castle Hotel serves a menu crafted from local produce, ensuring high-quality dining experiences. Guests can book the exclusive dining experience in the Vault, which offers wine and whisky pairings in an intimate setting. The hotel's whisky bar is acclaimed for its extensive selection of rare and unique whiskies.
Whisky Experience
Dornoch Castle Hotel is recognized as the number one Whisky Hotel according to whiskybase.com. The hotel offers whisky tastings led by knowledgeable staff, providing insights into each selection. The whisky bar contains one of the finest collections globally, curated by experts who are eager to share their passion.
Accommodations
The hotel offers a range of room types, including Four Poster Deluxe rooms with spa baths, Superior rooms with views of gardens or the Cathedral, and recently refurbished Standard rooms. Each room is ensuite, providing various configurations of showers and baths. Guests can enjoy unique character in rooms located in the castle's oldest sections.
Weddings and Events
Dornoch Castle Hotel offers a stunning backdrop for weddings, with a capacity for up to 90 guests in the Garden Restaurant. The hotel provides a complimentary wedding planning service, ensuring a seamless organization of ceremonies and receptions. Outdoor settings in the gardens and nearby Cathedral provide picturesque photo opportunities.
Highlights
Location: Opposite Dornoch Cathedral
Dining: Garden Restaurant with local produce
Whisky: No. 1 Whisky Hotel according to whiskybase.com
Rooms: Four Poster Deluxe rooms with spa baths
Weddings: Capacity for 90+ guests in the Garden Restaurant
Must-do experiences
Stroll through Dornoch's historic Cathedral grounds for stunning views.
Savor fresh seafood at the Dornoch Fish Bar, a local favorite.
Visit the quirky Dornoch Bookshop for rare finds and local literature.
Take a scenic walk along the Dornoch beach to spot local wildlife.
Explore the Royal Dornoch Golf Club for a world-class golfing experience.
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Select your preferred room
Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
Standard Double or Twin Room Garden View
2 persons
18 m²
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Standard Family Room Not Dog-Friendly
2 persons
18 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Superior Double Room Not Dog-Friendly
2 persons
18 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Deluxe Double Room Not Dog-Friendly
2 persons
25 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
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Hotel facilities and services
Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Horseback riding
Golf course
Fishing
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At Dornoch Castle Hotel, dining is a delightful exploration of local flavors and artisanal craftsmanship. With a renowned whisky bar and thoughtfully curated dishes, guests are invited to indulge in a rich culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Scottish hospitality.
Restaurant #1
Scottish contemporary dining
Ambiance
Nestled in the historic surroundings of Dornoch Castle, this restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with elegant decor that reflects its storied past.
Key Offerings
Among the highlights are the gin-cured salmon featuring local Thompson Bro's Gin and tender beef, enhanced by Instant Pot techniques for superior flavor. The menu also boasts exceptional selections from Highland Fine Cheese in Tain, along with curated wine and whisky pairings from one of the world's largest collections of old bottlings.
Reservation
Recommended.
Hours vary.
Location
Castle Street,
Dornoch,
United Kingdom,
Highlands
Map view
Castle Street,
Dornoch,
United Kingdom,
Highlands
City landmarks
Golf Course
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
1.5
km
Landmark
Dornoch Firth
4.4
km
Nearby
Church
Dornoch Cathedral
130 m
Museum
Historylinks Museum
140 m
Carnaig Street
Janet Horne Memorial Stone
510 m
Restaurants
Dornoch Castle Hotel
0 m
Castle St
Sutherland House Ltd
90 m
Argyle Street
The Coach House
50 m
Castle Street
Cocoa Mountain Dornoch
90 m
Castle Street
One up Restaurant
120 m
The Square
The Coach House Bar And Restaurant
140 m
Castle Street
Milk & Honey
130 m
High Street
Luigi's Restaurant
180 m
Castle Street
Harry Gow Bakery
160 m
2 High Street
Explore Dornoch
Explore Dornoch
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Dornoch Cathedral
2 minutes' walk
A stunning medieval building known for its intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Historylinks Museum
2 minutes' walk
Local history displayed through engaging exhibits, ideal for those interested in Dornoch's rich past.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
18 minutes' walk
One of Scotland's premier golf courses featuring stunning views and challenging holes, celebrated by golfers worldwide.
Dornoch Firth
11 minutes' drive
Beautiful sea views and wildlife watching opportunities make this an excellent spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Dornoch Beach
18 minutes' walk
A relaxing sandy beach perfect for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing, or a family day out by the sea.
Golfing at Royal Dornoch
6 minutes' drive
Experience world-class golfing at Royal Dornoch; tee times can be reserved in advance for unforgettable rounds.
Spa Treatments
5 minutes' drive
Unwind at local spas offering massages and treatments, with a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation.
Cocoa Mountain Dornoch
2 minutes' walk
Charming café famous for its artisan chocolates and hot chocolate; perfect for a sweet treat after sightseeing.
The Coach House
1 minute' walk
Relaxed atmosphere offering delicious Scottish cuisine and local ales; reservations are recommended for dinner.
Sutherland House Ltd
2 minutes' walk
A fine dining spot featuring seasonal dishes made with local ingredients; accommodates dietary restrictions.
Dornoch Cinema
5 minutes' drive
Local cinema offering a variety of films, including family-friendly options; check schedule for showtimes.
The Carnegie Hall
5 minutes' drive
Venue for live music and theater performances; hosts various events suitable for all ages throughout the year.
Getting around the city
City Centre
Dornoch3 min
·
200 m
Airports
Inverness Airport (INV)120 min
·
80.0
km
Wick John O'Groats Airport (WIC)154 min
·
102.6
km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:30-21:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
22
FAQs
About Dornoch Castle Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Check-in is from 14:30 and check-out is by 10:30.
How far is Dornoch Castle Hotel from Inverness Airport?
The hotel is 80 km from Inverness Airport.
Is parking available at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Public parking is available on-site for free, and no reservation is needed.
Are pets allowed at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Pets are allowed on request in ground floor Garden Standard Rooms for an additional charge of £15 per dog, per night.
What are some nearby restaurants to Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include Sutherland House Ltd, Grant MacNicol, The Coach House, and Castle Whisky Bar & Bistro, all within 0.5 km.
What dining options are available at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
The hotel features an award-winning restaurant known for traditional Scottish dishes and a bar/lounge area.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and private bathrooms, with some offering views of the garden or cathedral.
What activities can guests participate in at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Guests can enjoy fishing, golf, and horseback riding on-site.
What unique features does Dornoch Castle Hotel possess?
The hotel is located in a 15th-century converted castle, offering a historic ambiance and an extensive whisky collection.
What is the distance from Dornoch Castle Hotel to Dornoch Cathedral?
The hotel is directly opposite the 13th-century Dornoch Cathedral.
Does Dornoch Castle Hotel offer breakfast?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of £15.