Put the spring back in your step with a mini break at one of our favourite getaways around the country
Balbirnie
Balbirnie Park Golf Club, Markinch
balbirnie.co.uk
Built in 1777 in the heart of the Kingdom of Fife, Balbirnie offers a true country house experience. Full of snug corners and open fires, but with elegant, period décor, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to the pages of a historical novel. All the rooms have been individually designed, but for the full romantic experience, three of the rooms have four-poster beds. Until the end of February you can book bed and breakfast accommodation for £145 per room.
Barley Bree
6 Willoughby St, Muthill, Crieff
barleybree.com
Wine expert Alison Bouteloup and her husband Fabrice, a French-trained chef, bought Barley Bree in 2007 and have turned the 19th century inn into a modern restaurant with rooms. The charming stone building at the heart of the pretty conservation village of Muthill has just six rooms, so you’re assured of personal service. Until the end of March, you can book a three-course dinner, bed and breakfast for two people for £399 for two nights.
Bridge of Orchy
Bridge of Orchy, Argyll
bridgeoforchy.co.uk
Just two minutes’ walk from the Caledonian Sleeper line, Bridge of Orchy is the gateway to Glencoe with five Munros on the doorstep. Perfect for walkers or people wanting to discover the spectacular landscape of the Highlands, one of the hidden secrets of the hotel is the food. Chef David Hetherington appeared on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2012 and was named Provenance Chef of the Year by the Scottish Food Awards just last year. Known for eye-catching presentation and bold flavours, the restaurant is a must-try for foodies.
Knockderry
Shore Rd, Cove, Helensburgh
knockderryhouse.co.uk
Set on the banks of Loch Long, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque hotel than Knockderry. Extended by architect William Leiper in the late 19th century and featuring stained glass by Daniel Cottier, the house is a treasure trove of original features waiting to be discovered. Named Fine Dining Hotel of the Year 2018 at the Scottish Hotel Awards, Knockderry is currently running a special offer for a three-course dinner, bed and breakfast from £189 per night.
Macdonald Forest Hills Resort
Kinlochard, The Trossachs, Aberfoyle
resorts.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/resorts/
Whether you’re planning a walking tour of the Trossachs or just want a tranquil place to unwind, Macdonald Forest Hills Resort makes an ideal base. The resort has beautiful views of Loch Ard and is surrounded by scenic trails and waterfalls. For those looking to enjoy some pampering, or to simply relax by the pool, it also boasts four-star leisure facilities including an Elemis spa, large swimming pool, steam room and sauna. Guests can save 30% on spring getaways between 1st April and 25th June.
Roman Camp Country House Hotel
Off Main Street, Callander
romancamphotel.co.uk
Built in 1625 as a hunting lodge for the Dukes of Perth, Roman Camp has been a hotel since 1939. Clad in playful strawberry pink and wreathed in ivy, the hotel sits proudly in 20 acres of gardens by the banks of the River Teith. Particularly well known for fishing, Roman Camp has its own private beat with salmon, some over 20lb, as well as sea and brown trout. Stay for two nights or more and receive a free upgrade to a superior room or suite with dinner, bed and breakfast from £109 per person, per night.
Taychreggan
Kilchrennan, By Taynuilt, Nr. Oban
taychregganhotel.co.uk
With its position on a peninsula jutting out into Loch Awe, it’s easy to see why a drover’s inn was built here in the 17th Century to take advantage of the gorgeous views. It’s been so renowned for its appeal throughout history that Samuel Johnson rested here on his famous journey with James Boswell, and notoriously-hard-to-please Johnson enjoyed his stay. The rooms are Scottish-country-comfy and some feature four-poster beds, while the restaurant’s ‘Keep It Local’ campaign sees ingredients like wild garlic and their own kitchen garden produce on the menu.
The Torridon
Annat, By Achnasheen, Wester Ross
thetorridon.com
Feel the spirit of spring with a gin escape at The Torridon, a five-star hotel and inn tucked away in a secluded area of the Highlands. Learn about Arcturus gin on a personally guided walk around the blossoming Gin Garden with head gardener Tom, warm up in the library with a gin afternoon tea featuring Isle of Ewe smoked salmon wraps and homemade jam scones, then try various serves in the bar. The package, which also includes one night’s accomodation and breakfast, costs from £127.50 per person.
