The Auld Kirk
31 Braemar Road, Ballater
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Why people book this hotel
“Very friendly hosts with a homey feeling and great breakfast”
“Don't forget to remember the friendly people as well”
“The breakfast was delicious, especially Helen's fluffy scones”
“Breakfast was nothing I’ve seen in my 4 weeks stay in Scotland Lisa was very wel…”
“The room was wonderfully spacious”
“Kev and Helen made you feel like it’s your home away from home, the introduction…”
“Good location, superb hosts and a breakfast to die for”
“Great location, friendly helpful hosts, delicious breakfast”
“Exceptionally clean bedroom”
“The Auld Kirk is a very clean and comfortable place to stay, really good cooked …”
Overview
This former church has been tastefully converted, enabling retention of the original features. Auld Kirk Hotel is situated 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 refreshment tray, an iron and an ironing boards, a hairdryer, a television and free Wi-Fi. The Royal residence of Balmoral castle is less than 8 miles away and Dufftown, part of the famous whisky trail, is just over an hour’s drive away.
Traveller reviews
George
couple
June 15, 2026
“Excellent welcome - including a wee dram waiting in the room. Friendly and helpful hosts. The facilities were superb and”
Good location, superb hosts and a breakfast to die for.
Bart
couple
May 29, 2026
Beautifully designed B&B in an old church with many old style elements still visible. Very friendly hosts with a homey feeling and great breakfast.
Daniella
solo_traveller
May 26, 2026
“Super!”
Our stay at The Auld Kirk was amazing. Helen and Kevin are incredibly hospitable. The room was wonderfully spacious. The breakfast was delicious, especially Helen's fluffy scones. Don't forget to remember the friendly people as well. 😉 We wish you all the best, even after The Auld Kirk era.
elaine
couple
May 19, 2026
“Excellent stay”
Great location, friendly helpful hosts, delicious breakfast. Exceptionally clean bedroom.
James
couple
May 18, 2026
Ten out of ten for eaverything
Dean
couple
May 14, 2026
“Amazzzzzzing!!!!!!”
Where do I start !!! Kev and Helen made you feel like it’s your home away from home, the introduction to the property was one of my highlights we talked for hours 😜 The room was amazing as you walk into the room you’ll find little surprises you need to try The bed was amazing 10/10 its like what you see in the pictures….Amazing!!! definitely recommend to stay there but you’ll need at least 3 night as you’ll never what to leave.. Breakfast was nothing I’ve seen in my 4 weeks stay in Scotland Lisa was very welcoming in her service. The town is a very cute small Village walking distance to everything 10/10
Lorri
couple
May 14, 2026
Beautiful property. Hosts are welcoming and friendly.. rooms are beautifully decorated with very thoughtful touches.
brian
couple
May 8, 2026
“Excellent place to stay in Ballater, ideally placed to explore Deeside.”
Received a warm welcome upon arrival, very friendly. The Auld Kirk is a very clean and comfortable place to stay, really good cooked breakfast. It is ideally placed only a couple of minutes walk from centre of Ballater.
Freda
solo_traveller
April 26, 2026
The room was comfortable, spotlessly clean and well furnished. The breakfast menu was extensive and very tasty. I am now a big fan of a scone at breakfast! Our hosts were friendly and available. Nothing seemed too much trouble.
Susan
couple
April 7, 2026
“A perfect place to stay - tasteful, comfortable and with lots of character. The hosts were exceptional.”
Friendly, welcoming hosts & staff, lovely touches which made the stay memorable and a great breakfast.
Denise
couple
April 2, 2026
The hosts were so nice and welcoming. Very nice B & B. The breakfast is outstanding, no wonder it wins awards. Such a lovely stay.
Morag
couple
March 30, 2026
“Just lovely”
Situated perfectly for meeting with friends. Beautiful building. Rooms are clean and spacious. A wee Lochnagar dram in our room on arrival. A lovely touch. Breakfast was very delicious. Hosts attentive and friendly.
Linda Alexander
couple
March 26, 2026
“Very comfy,friendly & cosy”
Breakfast 1st class.Ballater is always a favourite destination for us
KATHLEEN
couple
March 23, 2026
“Super - will be back.”
Top class.
Ian
couple
March 22, 2026
“First class accommodation in an attractive location for a short or longer stay”
Excellent breakfast
Matthew
couple
March 21, 2026
“Unique and memorable.”
This was an excellent location to stay and really made our holiday to Ballater something special. Everything about our stay here exceeded our expectations. Kev, Helen and Lisa were very welcoming and gracious. The breakfasts were delicious and generous and the hospitality top notch.
Michael
couple
March 5, 2026
“Exceptional hospitality.”
Exceptional hospitality: friendly, engaging hosts. I appreciated the gluten-free food specially made. We could see why they quite justifiably have won so many awards for their B&B accommodation.
Kwong Yau Kenneth
extended_group
February 18, 2026
Super friendly staff. Kevin and Helen are excellent.
Patrick
solo_traveller
February 17, 2026
“Very friendly, welcoming, comfortable and a pleasure to stay in a converted church”
Scott
couple
February 15, 2026
“although described as a B&B it feels far far more than that.”
Superb old church conversion, beautifully done with high quality furnishings & extras
Facilities
Activities
Golf course (within 3 km), Fishing, Hiking, Cycling, Horse riding
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Entertainment and family services
Board games/puzzles
Food & Drink
Special diet menus (on request), Breakfast options, Bar, Wine/champagne
Food & drink safety
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized, Physical distancing in dining areas
General
Family rooms, Non-smoking rooms, Non-smoking throughout, Heating, Bicycle parking
Internet
WiFi, Free WiFi, Internet services
Outdoors
Garden, Terrace, Sun terrace, Outdoor furniture, Picnic area
Parking
Parking, Free parking, Street parking
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed, Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
Carbon monoxide detector, Key access, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, First aid kit available, Face masks for guests available
Services
Shared lounge/TV area, Daily housekeeping, Private check-in/check-out, Packed lunches
Family Room
This room can accommodate a child in the existing single bed. An additional cot can be provided for a child under 2 years of age.
Double Room
Spacious yet cosy. Warm and welcoming, with all modern amenities.
Twin Room
Spacious, cosy and comfortable room.
Hotel Policies
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