Converted Victorian free church in Ballater, named AA B&B of the Year Scotland 2024, with seven en-suite rooms and a well-known afternoon tea.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Auld Kirk
The Auld Kirk is exactly what the name says: a Victorian Scottish Free Church on Braemar Road in Ballater, converted into a bed and breakfast that has become one of the most decorated small properties in the Highlands. It was named AA B&B of the Year for Scotland in 2024 and went on to take a Scotland's Best B&B title in 2025.
There are seven en-suite letting rooms plus a family room, all on the first floor, worked into the shell of the church so that original features — arched windows, high ceilings, exposed stone — remain part of the fabric. The conversion is contemporary rather than fussy, and the scale of the original building means the rooms feel considerably more generous than a typical village guest house.
Breakfast is the main event for residents, but the property is also known locally for its afternoon tea, served with sweet and savoury pastries, freshly baked filled rolls, cakes and desserts, and open to non-residents. Ballater is a short walk away, with its independent shops, butchers and restaurants, and the village sits at the centre of Royal Deeside: Balmoral and Crathie are ten minutes west, Glen Muick and the path to Lochnagar a little further, and Braemar around thirty minutes on.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Excellent overnight stay. Excellent hospitality and service. Please be aware that Helen and Kev are very rigid about check in / out times - one can see why - all their hard work and effort merits them being able to have their own free time and relax, without " stragglers" interrupting this. Breakfast was superb, table service by Kev. no buffet with jostling and bumping into people. Room was beautuful, spotless and a most welcome complimentary dram was provided. Altogether a great stay. Thank you Helen and Kev.
3 months ago · via Google
We stayed 2 nights in this excellent B&B, it’s really like a 5 star hotel. The Kirk has been converted with 7 gorgeous well equipped bedrooms, a dining room for breakfast & a sitting room/lounge area. The owners are extremely welcoming & very knowledgable about activities around Ballater & Braemar. For the breakfast that’s included in the rate there’s a cake stand with croissants, fruit, yoghurts, delicious home bakes made by the owner that you can have with your tea/coffee. Then you choose any hot item(s) from a large choice of extremely high quality range of cooked breakfast foods. The breakfast came beautifully cooked & hot temperature, really setting you up for the day. We will be returning again in coming months as the standard is extremely high & we had 2 extremely enjoyable nights there.
3 months ago · via Google
We had a lovely stay at the Auld Kirk. Helen and Kevin are incredible hosts. Our room was clean and cozy and breakfast was definitely a highlight. I am still thinking about the homemade scones and the best plum jam I have ever had. Thank you so much!
3 months ago · via Google
An exceptional and wonderful B&B with incredibly kind and charming owners. Auld Kirk is run by Helen and Kevin, and we were very sad that we could only stay one night. Everything is decorated with such care, and the breakfast is presented almost like a work of art. Lisa, who works in the front of house, is also a gem, and you feel right at home. A huge thank you to Helen, Kevin, and Lisa, and all the best. An exceptional and wonderful B&B with incredibly kind and charming owners. Auld Kirk is run by Helen and Kevin, and we were very sad that we could only stay one night. Everything is decorated with such care, and the breakfast is presented almost like a work of art. Lisa, who works in the front of house, is also a gem, and you feel right at home. A huge thank you to Helen, Kevin, and Lisa, and all the best.
2 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this bed and breakfast offers immaculately clean and comfortable rooms, along with a delicious breakfast featuring homemade scones and a wide selection of hot items. They also highlight the welcoming and knowledgeable staff, who provide helpful tips for local activities and dining. Visitors appreciate the cozy atmosphere and the convenient location for walking into town.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 31 Braemar Road, Ballater, AB35 5RQ Get directions
- Property type
- B&B
- Location
- Braemar Road, Ballater
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 9.6 / 10 (700 reviews)
- Prices from
- £125 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Cairngorms