Dornoch Castle Hotel Highland Hotels

Steeped in Scottish history and fascinating legends, the 15th century Dornoch Castle firmly stands its ground opposite the inspiring 12th century Dornoch Cathedral. Set in private and beautifully manicured gardens, this Castle still bears an air of magnificence and grace, and is the perfect venue for your wedding and reception.

The Garden Restaurant One AA rosette. Our Head Chef, Brian Sangster, prides himself in using local Scottish Highland produce and there are always Scottish seafood dishes on the menu to make your mouth water as well as Aberdeen Angus beef, Highland Venison and Lamb.

We offer a Table d'Hote menu which is changed daily.
Whether you want that special candle-lit dinner in the Garden Restaurant which overlooks the formal walled gardens, or a more informal meal in comfortable surroundings in front of the roaring log fire, in the 11ft fireplace which was formerly the Bishop's kitchen in the 1500's there is an excellent choice of dishes.

This room has been transformed into a comfortable bar and reception and features 15th century stone walls with oak and Caithness slab flooring.

Our Sunday Lunch is extremely busy and booking is recommended.

On sunny days the garden is a sociable hive of activity with customers enjoying an open air dining experience on the lawns.

Dornoch Castle has an excellent reputation amongst the local populace and visitors alike and is now recognised as one of the premier dining venues of the north and has retained Rosette status for the past 3 years.
 

All 24 en-suite bedrooms are tastefully decorated with a strong emphasis on comfort, tranquillity but still having that Baronial home feel about it. There are Superior Castle Rooms, Castle Rooms and Garden Rooms, the latter were built in the late 60's and form the easterly wing of the Castle. The hotel has undergone some major refurbishment and there are several rooms of individual character. There are many rooms which overlook the formal walled gardens and have wonderful views of the Dornoch Firth and to the hills beyond.

Dornoch Castle lends itself particularly well to the Wedding 'House Party' atmosphere providing a cosy and intimate venue in the historical Royal Burgh of Dornoch and only an hour north of Inverness.

Dornoch Castle creates a wonderful backdrop for photographic opportunities, from our secluded walled garden, stone terrace and steps leading down to the gardens to an atmospheric shot in front of our roaring fires in the winter. And to enhance all this, Dornoch beach is a five minute walk away and lays itself well for a perfect natural backdrop whatever the weather!

We can cater for up to 90 guests in our Garden Restaurant, which opens out directly into our pretty walled gardens. For larger weddings (up to 150), we can attach a marquee directly on to this room to create a very large and interesting area. For small intimate gatherings we have our Terrace Lounge and this room is available for small ceremonies of up to 30 and for a private meal up to 10 persons.

Dornoch Castle offers complimentary Wedding Planning Services, provided by our expert in-house Wedding Planner. We invite our bride and groom to Dornoch Castle to meet and understand the detail and take in the atmosphere of the Castle.
 

Dornoch Castle is ideally situated for golfing enthusiasts and beginners alike with the famous Royal Dornoch Championship Golf Course only a stone’s throw from the Castle, it is the third oldest golf course in the world after St Andrews and Leith, and is still one of the finest. It runs along the curve of the coast behind the sand hills overlooking the great golden beaches around the bay. One of the top 20 in the world and only a 10 minute walk away.

Not to forget other spectacular links course on our doorstep, the local Dornoch Struie offering golfers a good alternative. Other local courses include the delightful Brora, Golspie, Fortrose, Tain, Nairn Championship and Nairn Dunbar.

The courses are extremely popular during April to September and booking would be advisable.

For Royal Dornoch bookings please telephone +44 (0) 1862 810219.

New for 2009

Golspie Golf Club is pleased to offer a discount of £5 per round of golf for all guests staying at Dornoch Castle. Available throughout 2009, including weekends. Phone ahead for tee times. Special group rates also available. Contact the course direct on +44 (0) 1408 633266.

For non-golfers there is a feast of interesting things to do within the local area

There is a squash court in the village and a swimming pool within 20 minutes away at Brora
Walking the hills or the long, golden beaches
High-quality retail therapy within the village
Pamper yourself with the local beauticians, masseuses and therapists
Exciting Dolphin and nature trips in the Cromarty and Moray Firths
Shooting, fishing, clay-pigeon shooting, quad biking and off road driving as well as nature trips with a local estate
Visit John O'Groats, Dunnet Head, Dunrobin Castle and Castle of Mey
Local distilleries (including Glenmorangie) and even a chocolate factory (Cocoa Mountain by Durness).
There is endless variety, and if you have a little extra time, why not try to spot Nessie at her favourite spot by Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness while taking the boat trip!
 

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