There's something quite magical about a hotel at the end of a long, beautiful driveway. That hotel is the Dunkeld House Hotel in Dunkeld, Scotland. Originally a country retreat for the 7th Duke of Atholl, set on 280 acres of some of Perthshire's best scenery, alongside the mighty River Tay, this four-star hotel is the perfect place for a holiday.
With Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth nearby, you'll be well placed for access to Scotland's best attractions.
Locally, the Dunkeld Tree Trail allows you to walk the grounds and admire the woodland created by the duke in the 18th century and forever changing Perthshire. The walk will take you from the hotel to the picturesque village, voted “best place to live in Scotland” in a 2023 poll, and past the historic, partially ruined, romantic cathedral.
The main street has independent shops and businesses and the house is part of a conservation area with blue plaques marking famous people who lived there.
for whom
Dunkeld House Hotel is for those who want to relax and rejuvenate in a quiet environment and enjoy the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Perthshire countryside. With a health club and spa attached to the hotel, it's a great place for all ages, archery and pigeon shooting are available on site, quad biking and fishing on the River Tay and off-roading for the more adventurous. A Land Rover experience is also available. . Dunkeld has a golf course and cyclists can enjoy a 100-mile non-stop route.
lodging
The Grade II listed building has 100 bedrooms of the highest standard. All bathrooms are elegantly decorated in soft colors.
The spacious, non-smoking rooms feature free-to-air TV channels and Wi-Fi, and are well-appointed with comfortable beds and lounge seating for relaxation.
The room has a well-stocked tea and coffee station with shortbread and the bathroom has Arran Aromatics “After the Rain” toiletries scented with lime, rose and sandalwood.
Dog lovers and larger parties can all be catered for at The General Wades or The Fisherman's Cottage, both located on site.
facility
A quaint reception area with a roaring log fire welcomes you, and you can enjoy window shopping through a series of display cases displaying fine country products.
A well-appointed lounge is open for residents to relax in, while the dining area has a bar and large restaurant with a pianist to entertain you while you dine.
The adjacent spa and health club has a large swimming pool, steam room, sauna room and jacuzzi and also includes a gym. Opening times vary for adults and children, and treatments are provided by trained therapists.
food and drinks
Breakfast is buffet-style with a selection of cold and hot dishes, with options ranging from Scottish cuisine to cod and poached eggs.
Dinner is a more formal affair so a table by the window overlooking the River Tay is highly recommended.
Starters range from Scottish pigeon with barley risotto and wild mushrooms to Orkney scallops with Stornoway black pudding and pea purée.
Main menu items include grilled steak and lamb cutlets, Lake Doire salmon and leeks, Ayrshire goat cheese and beetroot tart. To finish your meal, try the delicious cranachan cheesecake and soft chocolate fondant.
how much
The hotel is offering a range of special offers, including a winter holiday offer until February 29, with midweek stays ranging from £139 per night to weekend break rates from £164 per night.
For more information see https://dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk.
What's nearby?
The historic Blair Castle is just a short distance from the hotel and has been the home of the Atholls family for over seven centuries.
With a diverse history that has witnessed both turbulent and peaceful times, the museum has been expanded and renovated over 750 years to suit the needs of families and times.
The great outdoors is rewarded by beautiful walking trails and the entrance to the village, a stunning stone bridge designed by Thomas Telford.
Birnam is the next town and was the hometown of author JM Barrie who wrote Peter Pan. Tourist information is provided through Visitscotland.com.
verdict:
Dunkeld House Hotel is a stunning hotel set in immaculate grounds, with beautiful bedrooms and a fine restaurant. This is a hotel not to be missed and ideal for individual and family travel.
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