The Auld Kirk

–Excellent location – show map
+72 photos
Scored 9.5
Rated exceptional

Free Wifi

10

This former church has been tastefully converted, enabling retention of the original features. Auld Kirk B&B is located in the heart of picturesque Royal Deeside. It features free Wi-Fi and free off-site parking. Breakfast is freshly cooked to order and made from local ingredients wherever possible, and Auld Kirk's chef has won numerous awards and accolades. Bedrooms are stylish and contemporary. The range of guest amenities in each room include a Nespresso coffee machine, homemade biscuits, an iron and an ironing boards, a hairdryer, a television and free Wi-Fi. There is also a dram of Royal Lochnagar whiskey. The Royal residence of Balmoral castle is less than 8 miles away and Dufftown, part of the famous whiskey trail, is just over an hour’s drive away.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.9 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
  • Bar

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.8)

Breakfast Info

Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

  • FREE parking!

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Select occupancy
Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 full bed
2 twin beds
1 twin bed
and
1 queen bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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See what guests loved the most:

Joanna
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The welcoming atmosphere and incredible comfortable rooms”
Erin
United States United States
“Small but lovely room and the first smooshy bed I found on my trip (smooshy is a good thing). Owners were divine, totally committed to making everyone’s stay lovely. Ballater’s a great town to visit, and I don’t think I would stay in any other inn.”
Diann
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“The property was unusual, being in a converted church. The owners and staff were lovely and very welcoming and super friendly.”
Lori
Canada Canada
“A unique place, that was very clean, had the friendliest owners and staff, and a very delicious breakfast. A real find and we felt lucky to find it!”
Alec
United States United States
“This beautifully renovated Kirk or church was the perfect spot to explore Royal Deeside. From our check in to check out, the hosts, Kev and Helen and the staff were excellent. They gave us recommendations of places to eat in Ballater, which was...”
Andrew
United Kingdom United Kingdom
“Very welcoming and friendly owners, comfortable rooms and very good breakfast!”
Gia
United States United States
“wow! truly a remarkable place to stay in, its an old church converted to a bed and breakfast. very comfortable rooms, mine had a beautiful glass stained window. the BB is run by an amazing couple who welcome you and make you feel like youre right...”
Susan
United States United States
“It’s a beautiful property both architecturally and historically. It was nicely decorated. The breakfast was excellent. It was spotless clean.”
Karyn
United States United States
“Kev, Helen, and Lisa were amazing. The location of the B&B in downtown Ballater put us within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and hiking/walking trails. The breakfast was over the top!”
Mark
Canada Canada
“Property is easy to find, and very walkable around town. The property was well Maintained and clean. The hosts were very helpful with local recommendations and ideas for the rest of our Scotland vacation”

Hosted by Kevin & Helen

9.9
Host Review Score
Kevin & Helen
Awarded Scotland's Best B&B of the Year 2025 by Prestige Hotel Awards and AA Bed & Breakfast of the Year for Scotland 2024, The Auld Kirk is a fine example of an early Victorian Scottish Free Church building that is set in the heart of Royal Deeside, within the Cairngorms National Park. Constructed from local granite, the Auld Kirk sits on the western edge of the historic village of Ballater, looking onto Craig en Darroch (the hill of Oaks), on the road towards Braemar. The Auld Kirk houses a comfortable and stylish coffee lounge that is popular with the local population and visitors alike. A great place to stop for a morning coffee, meet friends for a light lunch or linger over an indulgent afternoon tea. Fully licensed, our recently opened, fully stocked bar is a great place to relax with a beer or one of our fine selection of whiskies. The whole place was completely redecorated in early 2020 to give the place a bright and airy feel.
Owners Kevin & Helen bought The Auld Kirk in late 2018 and have undergone a programme of transformation to brighten place up and add a few stylish touches for guests to enjoy. A new bar with a wide selection of drinks is the latest addition to The Auld Kirk. Kevin & Helen look forward to welcoming guests both old and new to The Auld Kirk
Language spoken: English

Area info

Amenities of The Auld Kirk

Great facilities! Review score, 9.5

Most popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
  • Bar

House rules

The Auld Kirk takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 5 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

5+ years
Extra bed upon request
£25 per person, per night

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction
There's no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
VisaMastercardMaestroUnionPay credit cardCash
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Quiet hours
Guests need be quiet between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Payment Information:

Please note that the Auld Kirk Hotel does not accept American Express or Diners Club Cards.

An additional cot can be provided in the Family Room for GBP 10 per stay.

Please inform The Auld Kirk of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 08:00:00.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property currently isn't accepting guests from certain countries on dates where such guidelines exist.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), make sure you're booking this property in accordance with the destination's local government guidelines, including (but not limited to) the purpose of travel and maximum group size.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor common areas.

License number: AB-S-P053

FAQs about The Auld Kirk