The Auld Kirk Bed & Breakfast Ballater Exterior photoThe Auld Kirk Bed & Breakfast Ballater Exterior photoThe Auld Kirk Bed & Breakfast Ballater Exterior photo

The Auld Kirk, Ballater

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From$191 /night
Check-in
02Sept
Check-out
03Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

31 Braemar Road, Ballater, Ballater
-
Close to The Ballater Gallery
Perfect
9.5
/10
4.8
4.8
/5

4-star family-friendly accommodation in Ballater

Accommodation

The Auld Kirk offers 7 comfortable guest bedrooms, including twin, double, and family room options. Each room features modern en-suite facilities with smart contemporary shower rooms, while one double room additionally includes a bath. Home-made shortbread and a complimentary dram of Royal Lochnagar 12-year-old reserve whisky welcome every guest upon arrival.

Family Friendly

Children are welcomed in family rooms, with babies staying free if guests provide their own travel cot. The accommodations cater to families looking to explore local attractions such as Cairngorms National Park or Balmoral Castle. This sincere hospitality creates a comfortable environment for families on short stays.

Guest Lounge

The ground floor guest lounge, located in the former side chapel, provides a cozy space for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a selection of beers, wines, and spirits, including a range of malt whiskies until 9pm daily. An external terrace area allows guests to appreciate the fine Scottish weather.

Dining

The Auld Kirk offers afternoon teas with a selection of homemade treats, adding a sweet touch to the stay. The lounge also provides light snacks and refreshments for guests looking to recharge after their daily activities. Personalized packed lunches can be discussed with staff to cater to individual needs while exploring the region.

Location

Situated in Ballater, the hotel is just a short drive from top attractions like Balmoral Castle and the scenic landscapes of Cairngorms National Park. Ballater Golf Course offers additional recreational options for guests seeking outdoor activities. This location allows guests easy access to local sights while enjoying a relaxing stay.

Highlights

Accommodation: 7 well-appointed guest bedrooms

Family Friendly: family room

Dining: afternoon teas

Guest Lounge: former side chapel

Must-do experiences

  • Hike in the stunning Cairngorms National Park nearby for breathtaking views.
  • Sample the local haggis at The Kirkside Restaurant for a true taste.
  • Visit the Ballater Crafts Centre for unique hand-made Scottish souvenirs.
  • Explore the historic Ballater Railway Station and its fascinating exhibits.
  • Join a whisky tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery for a special treat.

Select your room type

The Auld Kirk offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    15 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Coffee machine
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    12 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    15 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Auld Kirk offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score

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

  • Electric kettle

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
Experience Ballater
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Glenmuick Church
Glenmuick Church
5 minutes' walk
Glenmuick Church offers stunning architecture and serene surroundings, making it a peaceful stop for reflection.
The Ballater Gallery
The Ballater Gallery
5 minutes' walk
The Ballater Gallery showcases local art and photography, providing a glimpse into the region's vibrant creative community.
McEwan Gallery
McEwan Gallery
4 minutes' drive
McEwan Gallery features rotating exhibitions from renowned artists, making it a cultural highlight worth visiting.
Crathie Church
Crathie Church
3 minutes' drive
Crathie Church is famous for its royal connections and beautiful stained glass, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Hiking in the Cairngorms
10 minutes' drive
Hiking in the Cairngorms offers thrilling trails and breathtaking views. Guides are available for various skill levels.
Spa Treatments at Deeside Deli
8 minutes' walk
Relaxing spa treatments at Deeside Deli & Garden Shop provide an oasis of calm, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.
Victoria's
2 minutes' walk
Victoria's offers a casual atmosphere with a menu of traditional Scottish dishes, featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie
6 minutes' walk
Specializing in authentic Indian cuisine, The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie offers aromatic flavors and a cozy dining experience.
The Bothy
4 minutes' walk
The Bothy serves hearty Scottish fare in a rustic setting, renowned for its comforting stews and homemade desserts.
The Carriage
5 minutes' walk
The Carriage features live music events, making it a lively spot for enjoying local talent in a friendly atmosphere.
Local Festivals
drive
Seasonal festivals in Ballater, such as the Highland Games, offer family-friendly activities and a taste of local culture.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ballater 5 min  ·  1400 ft
  • Airports
    Aberdeen (ABZ) 95 min  ·  39.3 mi
    Dundee (DND) 164 min  ·  67.9 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 15 min  ·  6.0 mi
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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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Auld Kirk from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 296 verified reviews
9.6 /10
Perfect
98 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.9/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free WiFi
10.0/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.9/10
Staff
9.9/10
Value for money
9.2/10
Guest reviews
based on 296 reviews
9.6/10
based on 544 reviews
9.5/10
Nicholas from Australia
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 26, 2026
6/10

Not Quite Meeting Expectations

unreliable wifi persistent problem
I experienced some issues . The promised WiFi in my room did not work. This was very inconvenient as I needed it for work purposes. The staff tried to fix it, but the problem persisted throughout my stay. I found this frustrating after being assured the WiFi would be available.
0 Helpful
ella from united kingdom
Couple
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 08, 2025
9.6/10

amazing breakfast and charming details!

good hosts local advice lovely touch take away hot chocolate
helen and kevin were good hosts! they offered great advice about local places. a lovely touch was helen noticed my partner had hot chocolate with his previous breakfast so provided a take away hot chocolate. lots of lovely touches happened throughout our stay.
The location was mostly great, but i noticed some very slight street noise in the mornings. A minor thing.
Rooms
10/10
the room was beautifully decorated. lovely touches included a wee dram, shortbread, and locally bottled water. the bathroom was spacious. it included lovely products. we loved our double room!
Facilities
9/10
Afternoon tea was beautifully presented with lovingly made homebakes. It is a must. the building itself is beautifully maintained. the owners clearly have passion. they go the extra mile to.
Service
10/10
we received a very warm welcome on arrival. helen is a lovely lady to chat with! i immediately felt at home. kevin and the lovely waitress catered to our every need. both were very attentive.
Location
9/10
the location is great, with easy access to nearby shops and restaurants. the surrounding scenery is gorgeous, offering many options for outdoor activities! it's a very convenient spot.
Dining
10/10
breakfast was a definite wow! the spread included croissants, pastries, fruit, muffins, yoghurts and scones in the middle of the table. a freshly cooked breakfast followed. it was very tasty indeed.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Andrew from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 30, 2025
9/10

Wonderful Stay

fresh fruit cooked option informative host
The breakfast included pastries, fresh fruit, and a cooked option. I found the hosts Kev and Helen very cute and informative. The room had a dram of whisky and shortbread.
None
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Auld Kirk
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Auld Kirk?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is parking available at The Auld Kirk?
Free public parking is available nearby without the need for a reservation.
What room amenities are provided at The Auld Kirk?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
What dining options are available at The Auld Kirk?
Breakfast is cooked to order, made from local ingredients, and an on-site lounge bar offers a variety of beverages.
What activities can guests enjoy near The Auld Kirk?
Guests can engage in cycling, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding in the surrounding area.
What distance is The Auld Kirk from Aberdeen Airport?
The hotel is 65 km from Aberdeen Airport.
Which local attractions are close to The Auld Kirk?
Nearby attractions include Balmoral Castle (approximately 13 km) and Crathie Church (3 km).

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