Country House to Castle from £490 per person for 4nts
In a land of Scottish castles and country estates, what could be more perfect than a holiday based in two different such hotels? Your journey takes you from a magnificent baronial turretted mansion to a castle with 400 years of history - not to mention stone towers, battlements and suits of armour. Romance, history and luxurious living in unique surroundings.
Day One - The Scottish Borders
You start in the Scottish Borders, around 45 minutes south of Edinburgh and easily reached from the north of England.
Your Hotel
Situated high up on the sloping hills of the Scottish borders, with beautiful views of parklands and rolling countryside, your hotel is a restored baronial country house, complete with romantic towers and stone turrets. Designed and built in 1861 by Scottish architect David Bryce, the house was sympathetically and extensively renovated by the present owners to create a luxurious country hotel with a modern edge. The rooms are simply furnished, yet exude comfort and opulence. Paintings by Scottish artists adorn the walls adding a taste of local culture, and warm, earthy tones encourage an atmosphere of ease and well-being. With just twelve bedrooms and five sitting rooms all with glowing log fires, there is always a quiet corner in which to sit and relax. In the evenings, you will be drawn to the cosy lounge bar, maybe for a sample of local whisky, and then onwards to the ornate restaurant with its painted ceiling and impressively carved fireplace. You are welcome to meander through the extensive gardens here, and in springtime the lawns are dotted with daffodils and the woodlands are rich with bluebells. The 400 year old walled garden has a Victorian glasshouse, parterre and ancient yew hedge.
What to see and do
Renowned for its glorious rolling countryside and for a colourful, often turbulent history, the Borders boast an abundance of attractive towns and villages, many within convenient touring distance of one another. Nestling between the fertile hills which overlook the Tweed and Teviot Valleys, towns such as Peebles and Selkirk are bursting with character and charm, their streets lined with family-run shops and cosy inns. Great walking country surrounds you in every direction, St Mary's Loch is a particularly beautiful and remote spot, and be sure to visit some of the region's castles, abbeys and country houses, including Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, Floors Castle and Abbotsford House, home of Sir Walter Scott. If city life appeals, then Edinburgh is easily accessible by car for an afternoon's sightseeing.
Day Three - The Highlands
Your route takes you north through the highlands, passing Stirling, Pitlochry and on towards Inverness, with your destination just a few miles from the Highland capital.
Your Hotel
If you are looking for a real Scottish castle, search no further. As you arrive at your hotel and catch the first magical glimpse of its romantic turrets, stone towers and ancient battlements you will be transformed back into a distant time. Overlooking the Moray Firth, and standing close to Culloden Moor this 400 year old castle has been fully restored to its former glory and stands as a proud monument to its Scottish heritage.
If outside is impressive, inside is just as captivating. Large oak panelled halls hide secret doorways and spiral staircases, and alcoves and priest holes invite exploration. Shiny suits of armour stand silently beside roaring log fires, and dramatic paintings detail battles from a bygone era. Renovated to an atmospheric Jacobean elegance, the hotel is luxurious, warm and truly welcoming, and the service impeccable.
Your genial hosts are distant descendants of the original owners and are delighted to share the castle’s history with you. The 8 bedrooms, situated in either the East or West Tower, are named after the clans who fought and died for ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’ at Culloden and are decorated in the rich colours of each clan’s tartan to the very highest standards of comfort.
What to see and do
As well as Inverness, Loch Ness and Culloden, you are close to the famous Malt Whisky Trail and not far from Brodie Castle, Cawdor Castle and Urquhart Castle. From here you can also drive up to the lovely historic village of Cromarty to take a dolphin-watching trip and explore the Black Isle. Or head east to explore the Moray coast, including the stretches of wonderful sandy beach at Lossiemouth and Cullen, or the precarious fishing villages of Crovie and Pennan, nestling at the bottom of hazardous cliffs.
Day Five
Return home
With our suggestions to explore as you travel.
Prices & Dates
Price is £490 per person for February, November & December, £530 per person in March & April, September & October £549 per person in May to August. Add £30 per person if starting on a Friday or Saturday. Prices based on 2 people sharing, for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast.
All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value.
All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
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