Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
This beautiful Scottish castle is available for long or short breaks in the highlands of Scotland. Ideally situated for all types of holidays. A magnificent setting for a wedding, Forter also has its own chapel. The Pooley family home is convenient for Mount Blair, Glen Isla and Glen Shee. Available for Summer, Winter, Spring and Autumn breaks. Local activities include walking, hunting, shooting, fishing, skiiing and flying. Forter Castle is also perfect for romantic luxury breaks.Surrounded by Glenisla's stunning scenery, Forter Castle was originally built in 1560 and enjoys a history as rich as the countryside in which it sits. Destroyed by the Duke of Argyll in 1640, it has been completely restored using traditional materials.Interior Designer Katharine Pooley has transformed the interior into one of luxury and comfort. Forter boasts all modern amenities and occupies five floors, each reached by a stone spiral staircase. There are 7 luxurious bedrooms sleeping 12-16 comfortably.
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
As if the autumnal Highlands were not spectacular enough, the added luxury of this beautiful family owned castle made for an exquisite stay for the 16 of us this November. We enjoyed pipers, a private Ceilidh in the Great Hall and the fabulous Charles for highland sports such as axe throwing and archery. These activities were an added bonus as the incredible walks this property has to offer and stunning warm interiors, means there is plenty to enjoy without organising specific activities.
From a catering perspective there is all the equipment and dinnerware needed for home cooking and chefs. The bedding is divine - like sleeping on a cloud, the showers are super and there are plenty of games and DVDs to keep the family entertained around the large fire. We also enjoyed toasting marshmallows around the fire pit.
This venue will not disappoint, whether a small group right through to a large gathering of family and friends.
Thank you Forter Castle it was amazing.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Voyce, General Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 24 Jan 2022
Thank you for taking the time to submit this review. We hope you come again sometime soon. Best wishes
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent a wonderful week at Forter relaxing with our 3 sons, their lovely wives & 3 young grandchildren. The kitchen is very well equipped including children’s plates & bowls, coffee machine, food mixer. All of the bedrooms are beautiful with very comfortable beds. Good water pressure in the showers. The Great Hall was perfect for playing board games by the fire once the little ones were in bed. Good wifi meant the child monitors worked well. The enclosed grounds allowed the children and dogs to play safely. We even found some sledges when we woke up to snow. Lovely local walks. Dan and his team provided excellent pre-arrival information and promptly answered any questions we had. We all loved our week at Forter and hope to return some day.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forter Castle is magnificent. The owners have lovingly restored and furnished the property to the highest possible standard. The rooms are supremely comfortable and there is an interesting artifact everywhere you turn. We had a great time there, helped by beautiful weather. The lack of a mobile phone signal and wifi is a bonus for some and a drawback for others, but a short ride on one of the castle bicycles takes the eager phone user to a signal if really needed. We had a day trip to Balmoral, driving through the Cairngorms and enjoying beautiful scenery all the way. We also enjoyed an excellent round of golf at the very friendly Blairgowrie golf club and a more casual 9 holes at the spectacular and private Dalmunzie, where we were the only people on the course. Altogether an excellent experience- thank you!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Voyce, General Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 26 Aug 2021
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at Forter. We are aiming to boost wifi/phone signal but as you mentioned a short drive/cycle/walk and you will pick up emails/phone. Best wishes Dan
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had my clan of 9 at Forter for Xmas 2019 and oh my! Magic happened within those walls. At the castle, we hosted a medieval feast and Scottish Castle Games - castle staff helped find the wild boar for the feast and sent Charles to lead the archery and ax throwing! We daytripped north to Cairngorms NP to hike with the reindeer, then easily east to the coast to explore castle ruins, and south to Glenturret Distillery for a fudge/whiskey tasting. Yes, it is perfectly located to see everything you want! From Daniel at reservations (who answered my 24 emails prior to arrival) to Denise the on-site ambassador who welcomed us, we were taken such good care of!
It was a splurge well worth taking, and for as long as I live, when I close my eyes, I will be able to conjure my family at Forter Castle.
DO IT! You will be so glad you did!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DanVoyce, Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 9 Feb 2020
Good Afternoon Thank for taking the time to write this review. We are delighted you had such a wonderful stay. We also will try the fudge and whiskey tasting next time we are near the Glenturret Distillery as that is one we ahve not tried recently. Best wishes Forter Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
INCREDIBLE. FAR EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS ! So wonderful to be in a 500 year old castle restored to perfection and with all the wonderful modern amenities of heating, hot water, dishwasher, washer/dryer and an amazingly equipped kitchen. How our distant ancestors would have loved this level of luxury ! We rented the castle for just our family of 5 so only used 4 of the 7 bedrooms, each one beautifully and tastefully decorated in its own unique style. Every room felt like the inside of a Ralph Lauren store with dark wood, gorgeous furnishings, artefacts, and luxurious beds and bedding. The attention to detail is breathtaking and we feel so blessed that the Pooley Family have created this masterpiece for others to enjoy. Best of all it was totally quiet and peaceful, at night not a sound could be heard anywhere. The local scenary is also breathtaking with endless walks in the glens and hills nearby. We would definitely love to come back again as a family or with other friends. We would finally like to thank Dan for his help and patience to make our visit so special.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The Master Bedroom is amazing but every bedroom is gorgeous. The only downside is that they...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Voyce, General Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 26 Aug 2021
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay its much appreciated. I am sorry its taken me so long to find this review and thank you for doing it!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Please make the effort and book a stay at this very special Scottish castle. The location is visually stunning, surrounded with nothing but farmland, big mountains and fresh air, you couldn't ask for a better place to get away from it all and decompress. The castle has been sympathetically restored to a very very high standard both externally and internally. Once you get inside it's just WOW. We stayed 7 days, not long enough in my opinion, could have easily stayed a month. We will be back !!!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Voyce, General Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 26 Aug 2021
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay its much appreciated. We do hope you come back again some day.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This enchanting castle is in a perfect setting surrounded by beautiful fields and distant hills. The great hall provides the period ambience for relaxing evenings with board games in front of the huge log fire. It is also ideal for grand banquets and parties. The castle is lovely and warm throughout with underfloor heating in the tiled bathrooms which is. an added luxurious feature. The spiral stone stairs gave us a real feel of time gone by in this ancient building which has sympathetically furnished to a very high standard. We admired the artwork and were particularly taken with the highly crafted collection of swords. We had a simply wonderful week with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you Forter for the perfect holiday.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Voyce, General Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 24 Jan 2022
Thank you for taking the time to submit this review. We hope you come again sometime soon. Best wishes
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The castle is like living in a museum, such an experience! All the details are amazing and make the place super comfy and homey. Everything is of a very good quality and very spacious. Plan to spend time indoors to really appreciate all the details and comfort. The kitchen is fully equipped, and more than enough crockery, cutlery, serving dished, pots etc for all guests. The surrounding area is beautiful, plenty of walking routes with views of the valley, loch, mountains and changing coloured trees. Ideal for some nature/landscape photography. I would highly recommend Forter Castle for any special occasion or family gathering.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Voyce, General Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 8 Nov 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay at Forter Castle its much appreciated. We hope you come back again sometime in the near future. Best wishes Forter Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked Forter Castle as a party of 16. The location is Scotland on a post card and the castle itself is superb. The bedrooms are very well decorated, comfortable and large. The master bedroom is essentially a flat.
The majority of our weekend was spent in the hall with its log fire, comfortable seating and large dinning table. The room is so well presented that I felt guilty we did not hire a chef to produce higher quality meals. The kitchen certainly provides the potential to create high quality meals.
All 16 of us had a great time and I would defiantly come back again.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Phone signal is poor as is 4G. Wifi in the castle which is ample for routine internet usage and...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forter castle is the perfect location for the ultimate escape; surrounded by hills. The castle itself is decorated to an incredibly high standard creating cosy rooms you don’t want to leave, the beds were particularly comfortable. Many hours were spent relaxing by the fire in the great hall, a room with an incredible ceiling. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and could easily have stayed longer!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel Voyce, General Manager at Forter Castle
Responded 24 Jan 2022
Thank you for taking the time to submit this review. We hope you come again sometime soon. Best wishes
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi the nearest pub is the Glenisla Pub approximately four miles away. The best way to stock up for food is as you drive up from Blairgowrie which is 30 minutes away and has a large Tesco's. Also a lot of people arrange delivery of food on your arrival day. The other option is Alyth again a 30 minute drive. The nearest restaurants that we recommend can be found at the Dalmunzie estate (20 minute drive), Glenisla Pub (as above), or Bridge of Cally (20 minute drive). I hope that helps if you need anything else please look at our website which has a list of eating/drinking options to download via PDF
Hi the nearest pub is the Glenisla about 10 minutes drive. The nearest shops are in Blairgowrie about 45 minutes drive or Alyth about 30 minutes drive. We normally get deliveries directly to the castle from the normal large supermarket chains. I hope that this information helps if you need anything more please do not hesitate to contact Forter Castle. Kind regards.
Good Afternoon
The lairds room is situated above the Great hall.
You would enter the castle climb one set of very wide stairs to reach the Great Hall. From here you would then take the very narrow stair case up past one room (Sebastians room) to the very next door which is the lairds room.
I hope that helps
Kind Regards
Dan
There are more places to choose from in the Glenisla area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
forter castle hotel glenisla
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandAngusGlenisla
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
