The Auld Kirk in Ballater: Photos and Reviews

The Auld Kirk offers free on-site parking and a bar serving wine and champagne. The hotel provides an outdoor terrace and a picnic area for relaxation in good weather. Guests also have access to a shared lounge with board games and a cosy coffee lounge popular among locals.

Each bedroom retains original church features like stained glass windows and comes with an en-suite bathroom. The room includes a Nespresso coffee machine, homemade biscuits, and a dram of Royal Lochnagar whisky. Smart TVs and unique decor are standard in all 8 spacious rooms.

Breakfast is freshly cooked to order using local ingredients and served on a three-tier cake stand with homemade pastries, scones, and fresh fruit. The hotel's chef has won multiple awards for this exceptional breakfast. The indulgent afternoon tea experience features homemade treats and is a popular offering for guests and visitors.

The Auld Kirk is less than 8 miles from Balmoral Castle, the Royal residence. The Cairngorms National Park is nearby for hiking and cycling, while the whisky trail in Dufftown is just over an hour's drive away. The hotel is within walking distance of Ballater's shops, restaurants, and the Ballater Golf Course.

The hotel offers board games and puzzles for children, as well as family rooms with ample space. Nearby activities include horse riding, fishing, and cycling in Royal Deeside. The outdoor terrace and garden provide a safe space for children to play while parents enjoy the picnic area.

Location: 8 miles from Balmoral Castle, walking distance to Ballater

Dining: Award-winning breakfast with local ingredients and homemade pastries

Rooms: Converted church with original features, Nespresso machines, whisky

Activities: Cairngorms National Park, whisky trail, golf, horse riding

Extras: Free parking, afternoon tea, coffee lounge