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

Welcome to The Auld Kirk - Your Cozy BnB in Ballater, England

Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From$191 /night
Check-in
27May
Check-out
28May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

31 Braemar Road, Ballater, Ballater, true
-
Close to Cairngorm
Perfect
9.6
/10
4.8
4.8
/5

The Conversion

The Auld Kirk is housed in a former church that has been converted into a guesthouse, retaining original features such as stained glass windows and high ceilings. The property offers seven bedrooms, a dining room, and a lounge area for guests. Free on-site parking is available on the street outside.

Dining Experience

Breakfast is freshly cooked to order using local ingredients and includes a cake stand with homemade pastries, croissants, scones, fresh fruit, and yogurts. The chef has won numerous awards and accolades for the breakfast offerings. Afternoon tea is also available, featuring homemade treats and served in the dining room.

Guest Rooms

Each bedroom includes a Nespresso coffee machine, homemade shortbread, and a dram of Royal Lochnagar whisky. Rooms are en-suite with heated towel rails and strong showers. Additional amenities include a smart TV, iron, and hairdryer.

Location & Surroundings

The Auld Kirk is less than 8 miles from Balmoral Castle, the Royal residence. It is a 5-minute walk from the centre of Ballater, which offers shops, pubs, and restaurants. The Cairngorms National Park and the whisky trail, including Dufftown, are within a short drive.

Local Hospitality

Hosts Kevin and Helen provide personalized recommendations for dining, walks, and sightseeing, including tips to avoid crowds at Balmoral. They offer a welcome chat in the lounge upon arrival and are available to answer questions throughout the stay. A coffee lounge is also open to locals and visitors for a relaxing break.

Highlights

Location: 8 miles from Balmoral Castle

Dining: Award-winning breakfast with local ingredients

Rooms: Whisky dram and Nespresso coffee machine

Hospitality: Personalized local activity recommendations

Activities: Hiking, horse riding, fishing in Cairngorms National Park

“The Auld Kirk truly stands out, masterfully converted from its ecclesiastical origins into a charming B&B. My exploration revealed a deep commitment to guest comfort, evident in everything from the thoughtful room appointments to the exquisite, a la carte breakfasts. The hosts, Helen and Kev, infuse the experience with genuine warmth and personal touches, making a stay here feel both special and deeply welcoming.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Bnbrental

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 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Coffee machine
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    15 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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

Facilities

The Auld Kirk offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.5/10Review 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, true
Explore Ballater
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Glenmuick Church
5 minutes' walk
Glenmuick Church features stunning architecture and beautiful grounds, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
The Ballater Gallery
5 minutes' walk
The Ballater Gallery showcases local art with rotating exhibitions celebrating Scottish talent.
Larks Gallery
5 minutes' walk
Larks Gallery presents unique art pieces and crafts from local artisans, offering a glimpse into regional creativity.
Crathie Church
20 minutes' walk
Crathie Church is known for its rich history and connections to the Royal Family, providing serene surroundings and charm.
Discover the local attractions near The Auld Kirk
Venture through the local attractions near The Auld Kirk Ballater for a deeper connection to the community and its history.
Ideal for a quiet reflection in a peaceful setting: Glenmuick Church
Perfect for appreciating historic architecture: St Kentigern's Church
Well suited to art lovers looking to discover local talent: The Ballater Gallery
Best for experiencing contemporary art showcases: McEwan Gallery
Great for scenic walks in a tranquil environment: Crathie Church
Suited for a casual visit to observe unique artworks: Larks Gallery
Mountain Biking
5 minutes' drive
Mountain biking trails abound in nearby Glen Muick, offering thrilling rides amid stunning landscapes.
Wellness Retreats
10 minutes' drive
Relaxation-focused wellness retreats in the area provide yoga sessions and spa treatments for rejuvenation.
Victoria's
2 minutes' walk
Victoria's offers hearty local dishes with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a family meal or quick snack.
The Bothy
4 minutes' walk
The Bothy specializes in Scottish comfort food with a cozy vibe and exceptional homemade desserts.
The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie
6 minutes' walk
This Indian restaurant serves authentic dishes in a vibrant ambiance, catering to various dietary needs.
Discover dining options near The Auld Kirk
Dine at some fantastic places near The Auld Kirk Ballater, with options that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Ideal for quick and flavorful meals: New Shanghai Chinese Takeaway
Perfect for a relaxed drink and light bites: The Balmoral Bar
Well suited for hearty traditional fare: Glenaden Hotel
Best for fresh local produce and snacks: Gow Delicatessen
Ideal for a cozy dining experience: The Bothy
Great for savoring rich Indian flavors: The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie
Suited for delightful pastries and coffee: Chalmers Bakery Ltd
Perfect for a casual lunch with fresh ingredients: Deeside Deli & Garden Shop
Local Pubs
5 minutes' walk
Local pubs feature live music events and a laid-back vibe, perfect for enjoying a drink and mingling.
The Ballater Comedy Club
10 minutes' drive
The Ballater Comedy Club hosts weekly shows with local talent, providing laughs for all ages.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ballater 5 min  ·  400 m
  • Airports
    Aberdeen (ABZ) 95 min  ·  63.2 km
    Dundee (DND) 164 min  ·  109.2 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 15 min  ·  9.7 km
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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
At the hotel The Auld Kirk guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.
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 302 verified reviews
9.6 /10
Perfect
98 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.9/10
Cleanliness
9.7/10
Comfort
9.7/10
Facilities
9.5/10
Free WiFi
10.0/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.2/10
Pros
Personable hosts
Comfortable room
Excellent breakfast
Fabulous location
Cons
Aggressive welcome
Unreliable WiFi
Uncomfortable bed
Vieillot accommodation
Guest reviews
based on 618 reviews
9.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About The Auld Kirk
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Auld Kirk?
Check-in is available from 16:00, and check-out is required by 10:30.
What amenities are included in the rooms at The Auld Kirk?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a hairdryer.
Is parking available at The Auld Kirk?
Free public parking is available nearby without the need for a reservation.
What dining options are available at The Auld Kirk?
Guests can enjoy freshly cooked breakfast available for an additional charge, as well as beverages and light bites in the coffee lounge.
What nearby attractions are accessible from The Auld Kirk?
Notable nearby attractions include Balmoral Castle (approximately 13 km) and Cairngorms National Park (1 km).
What activities can be enjoyed near The Auld Kirk?
Guests can participate in hiking, cycling, golfing, and horseback riding within the surrounding area.
Does The Auld Kirk offer any special experiences or services?
The Auld Kirk provides an indulgent afternoon tea experience featuring homemade pastries.
Is there a lounge area at The Auld Kirk?
The hotel features a comfortable guest lounge located in the former side chapel of the church.
What type of hotel is The Auld Kirk?
The Auld Kirk is a historical guesthouse situated in a former church, offering a unique and cozy accommodation experience.
What restaurants are nearby The Auld Kirk?
Nearby dining options include New Shanghai Chinese Takeaway, The Balmoral Bar, and The Bothy, all located within 0.5 km.

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