Members-only rates
4.8 / 5 Excellent

The Auld Kirk

The Auld Kirk
The Auld Kirk – Ballater, SC
The Auld Kirk – Ballater, SC
Check in 4:00 PM
Check out 10:30 AM

About The Auld Kirk

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. License Number(s): AB-S-P053

Amenities

  • On-site dining
  • Bar / lounge
  • Breakfast available
  • Dry cleaning
  • Family friendly
  • Smoke-free property

Reviews

4.8 / 5
Excellent 267 reviews
  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    Decent breakfast Reception was to personal and too intrusive. We like our privacy.

  • Engine customer Jul 2026

    Everything was perfect

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    The welcoming atmosphere and incredible comfortable rooms Nothing

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    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.

  • Engine customer May 2026

    The property was unusual, being in a converted church. The owners and staff were lovely and very welcoming and super friendly. Nothing to dislike at all.

  • Engine customer May 2026

    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! All was good!

  • Engine customer May 2026

    Nothing it was perfect

  • Engine customer May 2026

    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 appreciated. The room was spotlessly clean and a nice touch was the dram for each of us in the room on arrival. Breakfast was amazingly set out with homemade pastries, muffins and scones and the cooked breakfast was delicious. A great place to stay. Nothing. Clean, comfortable with a homely feel.

  • Engine customer May 2026

    Superior breakfast, best scones, great choices Nothing

  • Engine customer Mar 2026

    Very welcoming and friendly owners, comfortable rooms and very good breakfast!

  • Engine customer Oct 2025

    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 at home. in the morning they cook you breakfast and give you all the recommendations you need. truly one of the most magical places I have stayed in , and the couple that runs it made it even more magical. n/a

  • Engine customer Sep 2025

    It’s a beautiful property both architecturally and historically. It was nicely decorated. The breakfast was excellent. It was spotless clean. The owners were a little rude and inflexible. The room was a little warm.

  • Engine customer Sep 2025

    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!

  • Engine customer Sep 2025

    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

  • Engine customer Sep 2025

    Kevin and Helen were fantastic hosts , we enjoyed every bit of our stay.

  • Engine customer Sep 2025

    Great B&B! Kev and Helen are gracious hosts. The Auld Kirk is beautiful, clean, and comfortable. The breakfasts were the best we had in Scotland. Highly recommended.

  • Engine customer Sep 2025

    Breakfast was delicious and a beautiful presentation. The overall experience was fantastic. We will definitely stay there again on our future vacations. Nothing to report.

  • Engine customer Sep 2025

    Great hosts and breakfast. Comfortable and quiet room.

  • Engine customer Aug 2025

    Short window for check-in (16:00-19:00). We got there early but explored the town while we waited.

  • Engine customer Aug 2025

    Kev and Helen are the absolute best hosts, and Auld Kirk is one of the most interesting, comfortable, and delightful B&Bs where we have ever stayed. It’s historic, beautifully restored, and very true to Highland hospitality in every respect. Fantastic breakfasts and great bedrooms with very modern bathrooms. Easy free parking on street. 5 minute walk to town and lots of choices in inviting restaurants. Other interesting guests rounded out the perfect experience in this charming small town, just a couple miles from Balmoral and the Lochnager distillery.

Frequently asked questions about The Auld Kirk

Does The Auld Kirk have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, The Auld Kirk offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Does The Auld Kirk offer parking?
Yes, The Auld Kirk offers free parking on-site.
Does The Auld Kirk have meeting spaces, conference centers, or conference rooms?
The Auld Kirk does not list dedicated meeting or conference facilities. For business event venues in Ballater, see business hotels in Ballater.
Does The Auld Kirk have a fitness center?
The Auld Kirk does not list an on-site fitness center. Some properties partner with nearby gyms — check directly with the hotel.
Where is The Auld Kirk located, and how walkable is the area?
The Auld Kirk is located at 31 Braemar Road, Ballater, Ballater, SC AB35 5RQ. With a Walk Score of 67, the area is rated Somewhat Walkable. Some errands can be done on foot, but a car or rideshare is helpful for most trips.

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