What are the check-in and check-out times at The Auld Kirk?
Check-in is between 16:00 and 19:00, and check-out is by 10:30.
THE AULD KIRK, Ballater
Key details
About the Hotel
31 Braemar Road, Ballater, Ballater,
- Close to Glenmuick Church
Perfect
9.5
4.8
4.8
Converted Church B&B in Royal Deeside with Award-Winning Breakfast
Former Church Setting
The Auld Kirk occupies a former church, with original elements retained throughout the conversion. The building is set in Royal Deeside, with
Amenities
Each bedroom has en-suite facilities, a smart TV, and a
Dining
Breakfast is freshly cooked to order and made from local ingredients wherever possible. The Auld Kirk's chef has won numerous awards and accolades for breakfast, and special diet menus are available.
Leisure
Balmoral Castle is less than 8 miles from the hotel, and
Highlights
Building: Converted church with retained original elements
Breakfast: Award-winning chef, local ingredients
Dining: Afternoon tea with homemade pastries
Rooms: Royal Lochnagar whisky, Nespresso, homemade biscuits
Location: Balmoral Castle less than 8 miles away
Activities: Cycling, fishing, horse riding, and golf nearby
Must-do experiences
- Visit Balmoral Castle's gardens for stunning views and history.
- Enjoy a fresh salmon dish at The Bothy, a local favorite.
- Hike the scenic Lochnagar trail for breathtaking Highland scenery.
- Explore the Ballater Museum to learn about royal history.
- Join the weekly local market for artisan goods and treats.
Select your preferred room
Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
- Twin Room2 persons15 m²2 Single bedsHeatingCoffee machineroom details
- Double Room2 persons12 m²1 Double bedBathtubHeatingroom details
- Family Room2 persons15 m²1 King-size bedBathtubHeatingroom details
View our calendar
Check prices and secure your dates today
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Check-in/ Check-out
Hotel facilities and services
Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Golf course
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.
Services
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Children
- Cots
- Board games
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- 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
Show more
The Auld Kirk Location
31 Braemar Road, Ballater, Ballater,
Explore Ballater
Local Highlights
Glenmuick Church
5 minutes' walk
Glenmuick Church features stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection.
The Ballater Gallery
5 minutes' walk
The Ballater Gallery showcases local art and hosts frequent exhibitions, appealing to art enthusiasts.
McEwan Gallery
4-minute drive
McEwan Gallery presents a collection of contemporary art, with an emphasis on local artists and beautiful settings.
Crathie Church
3-minute drive
Crathie Church is renowned for its historical significance and picturesque location, often frequented by the Royal Family.
Hiking Trails
10 minutes' drive
Various hiking trails around Ballater cater to different skill levels, with breathtaking views of the Cairngorms.
Yoga Classes
5 minutes' walk
Local yoga studios offer classes focusing on relaxation and mindfulness, suitable for all skill levels.
River Rafting
15 minutes' drive
Thrilling river rafting experiences nearby provide excitement and adventure for adrenaline seekers.
Victoria's
2 minutes' walk
Victoria's offers a cozy atmosphere with classic British dishes and locally sourced ingredients, reservations recommended.
The Bothy
4 minutes' walk
The Bothy serves traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist, featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie
6 minutes' walk
The Lochnagar offers a vibrant dining experience with authentic Indian cuisine and various vegetarian options.
Local Pubs
5 minutes' walk
Various local pubs feature live music and a friendly atmosphere, offering a taste of Scottish nightlife.
The Barn at Ballater
10 minutes' drive
The Barn hosts monthly comedy shows and live performances, providing fun for all ages in a relaxed setting.
Getting around the city
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-19:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 0.1 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
8
Guest ratings and detailed reviews
Feedback about The Auld Kirk from previous guests about their experience.
Show more
Pros
Comfortable beds
Rich breakfast
Perfect hosts
Unique experience
Local information
Cons
Early shop closing
Late check-in
Briefing chat
Guest reviewsbased on 7 reviews
Jayden from Australia
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 10, 2026
10/10
auld kirk stay
whisky welcome homemade scones local restaurants
the whisky welcome was a great touch. the breakfast included homemade scones and fresh ingredients. the owners offered excellent advice regarding local restaurants.
0 Helpful
John from United Kingdom
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 31, 2025
9.5/10
Really good Stay
helpful host whisky dram
the owners were very cute and helpful. they provided great advice on local dinner options and served a beautiful breakfast. i particularly enjoyed the blueberry scones and the little dram of whisky waiting in my room.
the wifi signal was weak in my room. this.
Dining
10/10
the breakfast included a variety of options such as croissants pastries fruit muffins yoghurts and scones. a freshly cooked breakfast followed this initial offering and catered to my every need. the waitress was very attentive.
Location
9/10
the location provided convenient access to local attractions. it was easy to explore the surrounding area. the hotel was quiet.
Rooms
9/10
the room was beautifully decorated with lovely touches. i found locally bottled water shortbread and a wee dram of whisky. the bathroom was spacious and included lovely products.
Service
10/10
helen provided a very warm welcome upon arrival. she. the hosts went beyond expectations making the stay feel personalized.
0 Helpful
|
Emily from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 28, 2025
9.7/10
a nice stay!
local walks generous breakfast fresh pastries
I found the owners helpful. They provided excellent advice on local walks. breakfast was generous and made to order. pastries were fresh and tasty. i really liked that leftovers were offered in a doggy bag.
the tv remote control did not have batteries, though this was resolved quickly.
Facilities
9/10
The building has been beautifully restored, retaining its original character. It features well-kept gardens, and offers a peaceful atmosphere. there is a cosy lounge area with comfortable seating. It is perfect.
Location
10/10
The location was central and within easy walking distance to restaurants. i noticed that the hotel is situated close to several local attractions, including balmoral castle. The train station is a short drive away.
Dining
10/10
Breakfast featured a wide selection of items. Fresh local produce was served, and the presentation was excellent. tea and coffee were available throughout the day. Snacks were also offered in the afternoon!
0 Helpful
|
Scarlett from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 15, 2025
6/10
Acceptable Stay with Issues
clean room comfortable room
The room was very comfy and tidy.
The Wi-Fi was unreliable in my room. I was really frustrated. The signal kept dropping, it was so annoying. I needed it for work, and it was a HUGE inconvenience.
0 Helpful
Christopher from United States
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: November 04, 2025
9/10
warm welcome lovely lady shortbread touch
kev provided a very warm welcome on arrival. a lovely lady chatted to me. i immediately felt at home. a shortbread and a wee dram were lovely touches in the room.
the room was not large.
0 Helpful
Charlotte from United Kingdom
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: October 21, 2025
7/10
freshly baked scones friendly staff delicious breakfast faulty wifi musty smell non-functional wifi
The room was a lovely Family Room. The breakfast was delicious. Freshly baked scones were a highlight (I especially loved the jam!). The staff was very friendly.
The WiFi was unfortunately not working in the room. It meant I had some trouble staying connected (I really needed it for some work). I also noticed a slight musty smell in the hallway.
0 Helpful
Mike from United States
Family with children
Family Room
3 nights in June 2026
|
Reviewed: August 15, 2025
9/10
pastry selection fresh fruit local sights
The breakfast selection included a cake stand with pastries. Fresh fruit accompanied yoghurts. Staff offered recommendations for local sights.
The building had an ever so slight musty scent.
0 Helpful
Show more reviews
FAQs
About The Auld Kirk
How far is The Auld Kirk from Aberdeen Airport?
The Auld Kirk is 65 km from Aberdeen Airport, which takes approximately one hour by car.
What dining options are available at The Auld Kirk?
The Auld Kirk features an on-site coffee lounge that serves a selection of pastries, cakes, and afternoon tea.
What popular attractions are near The Auld Kirk?
Balmoral Castle is located less than 8 km away, while Dufftown, part of the famous whisky trail, is just over an hour's drive.
Is parking available at The Auld Kirk?
The Auld Kirk offers free on-site parking for guests.
What room amenities can guests expect at The Auld Kirk?
Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, homemade biscuits, and free Wi-Fi.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at The Auld Kirk?
Guests can engage in activities such as cycling, fishing, golf, and horseback riding in the surrounding area.
Is breakfast included at The Auld Kirk?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge and is freshly cooked to order using local ingredients.
What languages do the staff speak at The Auld Kirk?
The staff at The Auld Kirk communicate primarily in English.
Does The Auld Kirk have a lounge or common area for guests?
Yes, The Auld Kirk features a comfortable ground floor guest lounge situated in the former side chapel.
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