Comlongon Castle (Hotel)

You'll spot the tower before you see the castle itself - a proper five-storey sandstone keep that's been standing guard over the Nith Valley since the 1420s. These days, Comlongon functions as a hotel, so you're not wandering through as a day visitor like you might at Caerlaverock Castle down the road. Instead, you're either bedding down for the night or popping in for a meal in the dining room, which does give the place a rather different feel from the typical Scottish castle experience.

The building itself is genuinely impressive. The thick stone walls and narrow windows tell you everything about medieval defensive thinking, and the restored interiors manage to feel both period-appropriate and actually comfortable - a balance many castle hotels miss entirely. If you're staying over, you get the run of the grounds and the chance to properly absorb the history without fighting crowds. Even from the outside, it's worth a photograph or two if you're passing through Annan.

This works best for couples or small groups after a proper night away rather than families wanting a quick historical tour. There's nothing wrong with that - it's just a different proposition to a castle ruin you can freely explore. The location, between Annan and the surrounding caravan parks like Hoddom Castle and Caerlaverock Corner Camp Site, makes it a reasonable detour if you're already in the area. Worth checking if you fancy swapping a standard hotel for something with actual character, though expect to book well ahead during summer.