Find hotels near Balfour Castle, Shapinsay

Top reasons to visit Balfour Castle

• Historic Charm: Balfour Castle offers a blend of historical elegance and modern comforts, providing a unique accommodation experience.
• Scenic Ferry Rides: Enjoy picturesque ferry rides to soak in the stunning landscapes of the Orkney Isles.
• Marine Exploration: Dive into the local marine life, perfect for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Relaxing Beaches: Discover nearby beaches that invite relaxation and offer a serene atmosphere.
• Friendly Locals: Experience warm hospitality from the welcoming locals, enhancing your cultural getaway.

Find great hotels near Balfour Castle

Discover the charm of Balfour Castle, where unique accommodations blend historical elegance with modern comforts. Offering a range of options including hotels and guesthouses, this picturesque destination caters to every traveler's needs, from pet-friendly services to business amenities. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach getaway or a memorable vacation experience, Balfour Castle provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay.

• The Ayre Hotel: Nestled in a picturesque setting just 6.4km from Balfour Castle, The Ayre Hotel is a charming 3-star accommodation that welcomes both you and your furry friends. This pet-friendly haven is perfect for travelers seeking a cozy retreat without leaving their pets behind. The hotel features essential amenities such as a pet policy that permits dogs, with service animal fees waived, ensuring a worry-free stay for pet owners. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere that caters to both relaxation and exploration.
• Albert Hotel: Located a short 6.4km from Balfour Castle, the Albert Hotel offers a delightful mix of comfort and convenience in a vibrant environment. This 3-star lodging features an inviting restaurant where guests can indulge in a full breakfast, along with a cozy bar and lounge area for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Equipped with modern entertainment options like flat-screen and digital TVs, it provides a pleasant retreat where you can recharge for your next adventure.
• The Shore: Set just 6.4km from Balfour Castle, The Shore is a welcoming 3-star hotel that combines comfort with a lively atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a bar and continental breakfast service. The hotel’s entertainment amenities, featuring LCD and digital TVs, ensure you’ll always have something to watch while you relax. With nearby attractions such as shopping districts and city center sights, The Shore is an ideal base for exploring the local culture and charm.

Where to stay near Balfour Castle

Visitors to Balfour Castle can immerse themselves in a unique getaway filled with historical charm and natural beauty. Explore the enchanting Balfour Estate, where friendly locals welcome you to experience the serene atmosphere. A trip to Kirkwall offers a taste of culture and history, while the small harbor invites relaxation. Whether you seek romance or adventure, Balfour Castle and its surroundings promise an unforgettable experience in Scotland.

• Kirkwall: Located a mere 6.4km from Balfour Castle, Kirkwall is the largest city in Orkney and serves as a vibrant cultural hub. The city attracts visitors year-round, with peak tourist traffic occurring in April and during the summer months of June and July. Kirkwall offers a rich blend of outdoor activities, historic attractions, and stunning coastal scenery. Popular activities include taking ferry trips to nearby islands and exploring archaeological sites like the renowned St. Magnus Cathedral. Whether you are seeking a cultural experience or a relaxing beach day, Kirkwall has something for everyone.
• Shapinsay: As the home of Balfour Castle, Shapinsay is a charming island city that offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of outdoor adventures. Visitor numbers peak in April, July, and September, making it a perfect destination for those looking to explore unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Popular activities include birdwatching, guided tours, and local art exhibitions. Shapinsay is rich in history, featuring archaeological sites and symbolic landmarks that tell the story of the island's heritage, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors.
• Gorseness: Located 6.4km from Balfour Castle, Gorseness is a quaint city that offers a seasonal travel experience, with the highest number of visitors from July to September. Known for its cultural attractions, Gorseness provides a peaceful getaway with stunning views and local history. Although it may not be as bustling as nearby cities, the serene environment and close-knit community make it an appealing spot for those looking to unwind and explore the beauty of the Orkney Islands.

Things to do in Balfour Castle

At Balfour Castle in Shapinsay, Scotland, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including taking a scenic ferry ride, diving into the local marine life, and exploring the stunning landscapes through sightseeing. These experiences provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and charm of the area, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

Balfour Castle offers a charming shopping experience with local artisan shops for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit Kirkwall's St. Magnus Centre, featuring a variety of shops and cafes, or check out the Orkney Shopping Centre for more options.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Balfour Castle with rejuvenating spa treatments and serene yoga sessions in picturesque surroundings. Explore the lush gardens for peaceful walks or enjoy guided meditation sessions, allowing you to unwind while soaking in the natural beauty of Shapinsay.

Adventure

Balfour Castle offers a captivating blend of history and adventure. Explore the stunning gardens, embark on guided nature walks, or try birdwatching in the surrounding landscapes. Engage in local fishing experiences or enjoy cycling routes that reveal the beautiful scenery of Shapinsay, all while soaking in the castle's rich heritage.

Nightlife

Enjoy a cozy evening at the Balfour Castle Bar, savoring local whiskies and ales. For a lively atmosphere, check out the nearby Shapinsay Community Hall, where you can catch live music events and mingle with friendly locals.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Balfour Castle

To save money on your trip to Balfour Castle, consider visiting between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can also help you find cheaper options. Tuesdays are generally the least expensive nights to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Look for upfront pricing and additional fees to ensure you get the best deal possible.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Balfour Castle are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Balfour Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Balfour Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Balfour Castle is Friday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Balfour Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Balfour Castle

When visiting Balfour Castle in Shapinsay, Scotland, explore its historic ruins and enjoy the nearby beach for a perfect cultural getaway. Discover the charm of this island castle and its surroundings, including the rich history of Balfour Castle in Orkney and the scenic beauty of the Orkney Isles. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, the area offers a delightful blend of experiences for every traveler.

• St. Magnus Cathedral: This stunning cathedral, located 6.4km from Balfour Castle, showcases remarkable Norman architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Its rich history and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for those seeking cultural immersion.
• Earl's Palace: Just 6.4km away, these evocative ruins were once the residence of the Earl of Orkney. Explore the remnants of its grand design and imagine the life of nobility in the 16th century, all while surrounded by a captivating cultural vibe.
• Orkney Museum: Located 6.4km from Balfour Castle, this history museum offers a fascinating insight into Orkney's past, featuring artifacts that tell the stories of the islands’ inhabitants and their heritage.

Best time to go to Balfour Castle

The best time to visit Balfour Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Balfour Castle falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Balfour Castle falls in February, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
February	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
March	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	48.0°F (8.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
June	52.0°F (11.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Slightly High
August	56.1°F (13.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
September	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	High	Average
October	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Balfour Castle

Traveling to Balfour Castle in Shapinsay, Scotland, can be conveniently done by flying into Kirkwall Airport (KOI), located 8.0km away. Nearby hotel options include the 4-star Graemeshall House, situated 6.4km from the airport, and the 4-star Hildeval B&B, which is 4.8km away. The 3-star Albert Hotel is also a great choice, located just 4.8km from Kirkwall Airport. These accommodations provide easy access to transportation services, ensuring a smooth journey from the airport to your chosen hotel and onward to the majestic Balfour Castle.