Sleeping in a Castle is on most people’s bucket list, and as there is no opportunity for such history in Australia, I booked 4 experiences during my drive around the UK.
Glengorm Castle
1st Sleep in a Castle experience booked was Glengorm Castle on the Isle of Mull, just outside of Tobermory. And I could not have wanted a better experience to start.
The Isle of Mull requires access by Ferry, and as I was arriving on a Sunday, off season, I discovered the most convenient ferry to Tobermory was not operating, requiring a drive further south to Lochaline to catch the ferry and then drive an hour back up to Glengorm.
This diversion however had me passing another famous film site, the Glennfinnan Viaduct of the Harry Potter film. Only a few minutes off the route, and then a short walk to this location.
Continuing on along often single lane roads, with some pretty landscape, I pulled into Glengorm mid-afternoon. The driveway set the tone, majestic Castle surrounded by lush green lawns and the Sea behind.
Pushed open the huge entry door, and first impression was everything. Fireplace and huge wooden staircase, and the smell of old timbers was intoxicating. It was what I expected of a castle; age, heritage, and grandeur.
Checking in, I was met by a charming young lady on the staff, who gave me a good orientation of the rooms and services available, before showing me my room. In particular, the fireplace lounge beckoned for an evening, but the Library, with its sea view and excellent collection of Complimentary whiskeys was the highlight. Yep, about 20 bottles of Whiskey, some quite special, were complimentary for the houseguests, with glasses, an ice bucket, and a jug of water. I mention elsewhere, I am not a whiskey drinker, but, when they are free to indulge, I enjoyed an hour or so by the Library window, trying a CL of a few types. Can’t say I am a convert, but it was interesting to discover the variety of tastes, not easily experienced elsewhere without a significant cost.
Glengorm is about 20 min from Tobemorey, when considering dinner options, and the final roads are fairly narrow, so I opted to have an early meal at the very nearby Glengorm Coffee Shop, and that was fantastic. A Hearty meal, allowing e more time to re to Castle and take a walk on the grounds. I regrettably only booked 1 night, but I could have easily enjoyed 2 or 3 at this location.
Night settled in, and I set myself at the fireplace to catch up on emails and blogging, enjoying a little more of the Whiskey. Early evening, the other guests gravitated to this room, and it was the start of a great evening of conversation with fellow travellers.
Retiring to my room, the claw foot bath was too enticing. By the time I called it a night, I was well relaxed and ready for one of the most comfortable sleeps of my travel. Breakfast the next morning did not disappoint.
I could only hope the next 3 booked Castle stays met this experience.
WILT – What I am listening to ?
Don’t try to read too much into these WILT’s, it’s often just that earworm from my music library