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 - 4-Star Hotel in Ballater

Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From$191 /night
Check-in
30May
Check-out
31May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Rooms

The Auld Kirk offers seven bedrooms inside a former church, retaining original stained-glass windows and high ceilings. Each room has a Nespresso coffee machine, homemade shortbread, and a complimentary dram of Royal Lochnagar whisky. En-suite bathrooms include heated towel rails and strong showers with rainfall heads.

Breakfast & Dining

Breakfast is cooked to order using local ingredients and includes a three-tier cake stand with homemade scones, muffins, croissants, fresh fruit, and yoghurts. An award-winning chef prepares the hot dishes, with options like Scottish smoked salmon and haggis. Afternoon tea is available with homemade pastries and scones, served in the lounge or on the outdoor terrace.

Location & Activities

Balmoral Castle is 8 miles from the hotel, and the Cairngorms National Park offers hiking, cycling, fishing, and horse riding. Ballater town centre is a five-minute walk, with golf course access at Ballater Golf Club. The whisky trail in Dufftown is just over an hour's drive, and the hotel provides personal recommendations for local activities.

Facilities & Services

Free on-site street parking is available, with a picnic area and outdoor terrace for relaxing in good weather. The coffee lounge is popular with locals and offers board games and a shared lounge area. Packed lunches are available on request, and the hotel provides a takeaway bag for leftover breakfast pastries.

Host Experience

Hosts Kevin and Helen greet guests personally and provide local advice on restaurants, walks, and attractions. They offer recommendations for avoiding crowds at Balmoral and booking dinner reservations in advance. A welcome screen with the guest's name and a choice of whisky or juice for children are included in each room.

Highlights

Rooms: Converted church with original stained-glass windows

Breakfast: Award-winning chef, local ingredients, three-tier cake stand

Location: 8 miles from Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms National Park nearby

Dining: Afternoon tea with homemade pastries

Service: Personalised recommendations from hosts Kevin and Helen

Parking: Free on-site street parking

“The Auld Kirk stands out for its deeply personal approach; the owners, Helen and Kevin, imbue the converted church with a genuine warmth, evident in the thoughtfully appointed rooms and the exceptional, made-to-order breakfasts that guests consistently praise. Its location in Ballater proves convenient for exploring the town, yet the real draw is the attentive care and those delightful extras, like a welcoming dram, that elevate the stay.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at 4shotels

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!
May 2026 - May 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
May 2026
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
June 2026
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
July 2026
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
Choose dates to see prices
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
Historic church with stunning architecture, offering a peaceful atmosphere and lovely scenery in its surroundings.
The Ballater Gallery
5 minutes' walk
Contemporary art gallery featuring local artists, regularly hosting exhibitions and events to appreciate Scottish talent.
Larks Gallery
5 minutes' walk
Charming gallery showcasing fine art and handcrafted items, ideal for art lovers and those looking for unique souvenirs.
Crathie Church
20 minutes' walk
Historic church known for its connections to the Royal Family, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and tranquil grounds.
Discover the local attractions near The Auld Kirk
Explore the nearby landmarks near The Auld Kirk Ballater to discover local culture and history.
Ideal for art enthusiasts: The Ballater Gallery
Great for appreciating local craftsmanship: Larks Gallery
Perfect for quiet reflection: Crathie Church
Well suited for art lovers: McEwan Gallery
Suited for historical exploration: Glenmuick Church
Best for peaceful walks: St Kentigern's Church
Hiking at Deeside
15 minutes' drive
Scenic hiking trails suitable for all levels, offering breathtaking views of the Cairngorms and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Spa Day at The Royal Dee
12 minutes' drive
Relaxing spa with wellness treatments and yoga sessions, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating after a day of exploration.
Victoria's
2 minutes' walk
Cozy café offering homemade cakes and hearty lunches, renowned for quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Bothy
4 minutes' walk
Traditional pub featuring local specialties, a warm ambience, and a selection of craft beers and whiskeys.
The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie
6 minutes' walk
Authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist, known for flavorful dishes and friendly service in a vibrant setting.
Deeside Deli & Garden Shop
8 minutes' walk
Charming deli serving fresh local produce, sandwiches, and gourmet products in a delightful garden shop environment.
Discover dining options near The Auld Kirk
Savor the dining options available near The Auld Kirk Ballater to enhance your stay.
Ideal for quick meals: New Shanghai Chinese Takeaway
Perfect for casual dining: The Balmoral Bar
Great for relaxed dining: Glenaden Hotel
Well suited for gourmet sandwiches: Gow Delicatessen
Suited for traditional fare: The Bothy
Best for flavorful curries: The Lochnagar Indian Brasserie
Great for fresh baked goods: Chalmers Bakery Ltd
Perfect for local delicacies: Deeside Deli & Garden Shop
Ballater Community Centre
10 minutes' walk
Community venue hosting various events, from cinema nights to live performances, catering to all age groups.
The Old Royal Station
10 minutes' drive
Historic railway station featuring exhibitions and events, offering an insight into the local history and culture.
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
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
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
Unique church conversion
Delicious breakfast
Comfortable beds
Cons
Inconsistent hospitality
No WiFi in room
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 from 16:00 to 19:00, and check-out is by 10:30.
What dining options are available at The Auld Kirk?
The property features an on-site coffee lounge serving light meals and sweet treats, and breakfast is also available for an additional charge.
What amenities can guests find in the rooms at The Auld Kirk?
Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, Nespresso coffee machine, homemade biscuits, and a hairdryer.
What nearby attractions are easily accessible from The Auld Kirk?
The hotel is located less than 13 km from Balmoral Castle and is near Cairngorms National Park.
What activities can guests participate in while staying at The Auld Kirk?
Guests can enjoy hiking, cycling, fishing, and horseback riding in the surrounding area.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Auld Kirk?
Staff members primarily speak English.
What kind of breakfast is offered at The Auld Kirk?
Breakfast is made to order, using local ingredients whenever possible.
Is there a bar available at The Auld Kirk?
The hotel features a lounge bar serving a selection of beers, wines, spirits, and malt whiskies.
What recreational facilities does The Auld Kirk offer?
The hotel provides access to a golf course nearby as well as beautiful outdoor areas for relaxation.
What is the distance of The Auld Kirk from the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Aberdeen Airport, located 66 km from the hotel.
Are there any family-friendly amenities at The Auld Kirk?
The hotel offers cots and board games for families with children.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
30May
Check-out
31May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room