The 20 Best Scottish Country Hotels

Edinburgh (Prestonfield)

Opulent extravagance at the Prestonfield just 5 mins from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Come for attentive service, divine bedrooms and spoiling galore. Fine dining is served in an ultra romantic setting. The concierge have a 'nothing's too much' attitude. Best for a truly indulgent stay.

• Romantic Break - This hotel oozes glammour, romance and seduction, with its wildly opulent canopied beds, rich fabrics and roaring fires.
• Local exploring - The best of both worlds- set in 20 acres of spectacular parklands, yet within spitting distance of Edinburgh.
• Great walks - Don't forget your welly boots, there are 20 acres of parkland to explore.
• Restrictions on children - Adults only

Dumfries and Galloway

An impressive country house set in a stunning location. Traditional rooms feature large sash windows and tastefully upholstered furniture. Good Scottish cuisine with award winning service. Plenty of country pursuits in the surrounding area. An ideal country escape with all the comforts of home.

• Country Escape - A charming country house set in 20 acres of woodland and lawns, with excellent walking and warm fires to great your return.
• Romantic Break - A cosy hideaway for two in this enchanting part of the country, with charming suites and romantic dining.
• Birdwatching - Pack the binoculars as there are two nearby reserves RSPB Mersehead and WWT Caerlaverock.
• Sights nearby - Explore the 17th century Drumlanrig Castle and the 13th century Sweetheart Abbey.

Fort William

Elegance, romance and old-school service in sublime surroundings at the foot of Ben Nevis. Imposing rooms with heavy curtains, chintz wallpaper, antique paintings and four poster beds. The bathrooms are the height of modernity. Plus there's a fine dining restaurant. The perfect country getaway.

• Families - Plenty of kit for the kids indoors including games rooms, DVDs, playstation plus endless outdoor activities.
• Foodies - This fantastic restaurant has been awarded 3 AA Rosettes- utterly delicious!
• Fishing - Fishing in Loch Na Marag in the Castle grounds or salmon and trout fishing further afield.
• Great walks - Stunning scenery to be explored starting straight from the property.

Perthshire (Fortingall)

Lovely country house in beautiful Perthshire. Traditional cosy rooms with large sash windows and oh-so comfortable beds. A sitting room with a roaring fire to sink into, with a whisky, after a day outdoors. Stunning cuisine with the emphasis on local produce. The perfect country escape.

• Active Holiday - At the gateway to Scotland and with ample choice of outdoor activities right on the doorstep from hiking to shooting and biking.
• Country Escape - Cosy up by the fire, eat hearty traditional fare, venture into the great outdoors and collapse onto your cosy bed.
• Fishing - Salmon fishing on the Rivers Lyon and Tay, and trout fishing on Loch Farleyer and Loch Kinardochy can be arranged.
• Great walks - Endless choices of walks whether it be an amble around Fortingall or a day excursion covering four Munros.

Skye (Sleat )

Stunning scenery, dazzling food and plenty of peace and quiet just a short drive from the Skye Bridge. The elegant and traditional rooms are filled with natural light. A cosy sitting room with an open fireplace is the ideal spot to unwind with a whisky, and the restaurant serves exceptional food.

• Foodies - Foodies won't be able to resist the stunning award winning restaurant — check out the taster menu with excellent wine pairings.
• Romantic Break - A picturesque south Skype romantic retreat offering excellent food, roaring fires, chic suites and long country walks.
• Great walks - Venture on a Wild Walk with resident naturalist Mitchell Partridge, packed lunches are provided on request.
• Fishing - The area won't dissapoint, keen anglers can fish for salmon, brown trout and rainbow trout.

Argyll (Kilchrenan)

A glorious country house hotel, touched with eccentricity and a little bit of magic. Luxurious decor, stunning views and wonderful food on the banks of Loch Awe.

• Romantic - Book the 'away from it all' boat shed.
• Restaurant - Award winning food with 3 AA Rosettes.
• Fishing - Superb angling for trout, salmon, sea trout and perch
• Views - Fabulous views across Loch Awe

Ross-shire (By Achnasheen )

Country escape on the shores of Upper Loch Torridon. 53 acres of park and woodland provide many outdoor activities. Scottish country house opulence twinned with contemporary designs. Seriously good restaurant and whisky bar.

• Bar - Over 300 Malt Whiskies available in the Whisky Bar not forgetting their very own Arcturus Gin and Cushie Doos Tonic.
• Restaurant - 3 AA Rosettes
• Sailing - Sailing tours on S/Y a 13 m sailing yacht both within the loch and to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides.
• Sights nearby - Boat cruises available off the west coast for dolphins and if you're lucky whale watching.

Perthshire (Perthshire)

Luxury grand dame resort hotel in the heart of stunning Perthshire countryside. With three championship golf courses, top notch spa and more activities than you can imagine, this is the perfect resort for all the family.

• Child friendly - Great facilities for children of all ages with organised activities and childcare available.
• Restaurant - Andrew Fairlie Restaurant is the only establishment in Scotland with two Michelin stars.
• Other Activities - Shooting, fishing, falconry, gun dog training, off road driving to name a few!
• Golf - Three championshire courses and PGA National Golf Academy on site.

Dumfries and Galloway (Thornhill)

Country house hotel in the heart of Borders country which prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The situation is brilliant for outdoorsy types and dogs are positively welcomed! A charming country escape with award winning rustic cuisine.

• Country Escape
• Fishing - Both trout and salmon fishing close by. A ghillie can be arranged for the day.
• Restaurant - Highly regarded rustic cuisine
• Great walks - Lovely walks on the doorstep

Glencoe

Once the home of Lord Strathcona, this handsome country house is set in ravishing Highlands scenery overlooking Loch Linnhe. Family and dog friendly, comfortable, spacious suites, some with open fires and superb in-suite dining. There is plenty to entertain the hearty from fly fishing to walking.

• Suites - The elegant suites with high celings and stunning views have separate sitting rooms and free standing baths
• Private dining room - Exquisite meals are served in the comfort of the guests suites, including afternoon tea
• Views - Wonderful views over the stunning countryside and lochs
• Back to Nature

Stirlingshire

This top of the range country house hotel in Dunblane has been refurbished with no expense spared. A low key feel, spiced up by a dash of glamour in the bar and restaurant. Family-friendly with lovely personal touches such as homemade shortbread from Andy's granny. 5-star luxury and 5-star service.

• Country House
• Restaurant - Superb food in the Chez Roux conservatory restaurant with open kitchen.
• Fishing - Trout fishing in the hotel's loch
• Tennis - Two courts on site

Dumfries and Galloway (Wigtownshire)

Steeped in history, this former hunting lodge has hosted Churchill and Eisenhower. Enjoy unspoilt views of the Scottish coastline from your cosy, warm palleted room, many of which have tiled fireplaces. There are 38 acres to explore and a Michelin star restaurant. Haute cuisine in the highlands!

• Great walks - Very close to the hotel begins the coastal Southern Upland Way. Galloway Hills & Glenkens also have excellent walking routes.
• Fishing - The hotel has its own fishing equipment. You can catch everything from cod, salmon to dogfish!
• Local markets - Art fans will enjoy a visit to Kirkcudbright, otherwise know as the 'Artists Town'.
• Seaside

Skye

Escape to this rural nineteenth century hunting lodge on Skye's stunning south-east coastline. Explore the extensive gardens and local beauty, before retreating back to cosy four poster beds in surprisingly modern interiors. Look out for statement wallpaper. Great for a romantic weekend away!

• Traditional - A nineteenth century hunting lodge that has been converted into a hotel
• Great walks - Skye is renowned for its fantastic walking for all abilities.
• Restaurant - The fine dining restaurant boasts two AA Rosettes
• Views

North Uist (North Uist)

A charming lodge set in a beautiful coastal spot in the Hebrides. Renowned for its restaurant that serves creative fare using the freshest local ingredients. Interiors are comfortingly traditional, all the family are very welcome (including the dog), and there's a multitude of activities nearby.

• Foodies - One of the best restaurants in the Hebrides - the chef uses the fantastic produce to create creative and delicious dishes
• Families - With large family rooms, plenty of activities for everyone and even the dog welcome - this is a perfect family escape
• Country Escape - Set in wild and rugged countryside, beside the coast, this is the perfect place to escape for a tranquil rural break
• Active Holiday - Fishing, shooting, stalking, surfing or cycling - you name it, they've got it

Edinburgh (Near Musselburgh)

A stunning mansion and estate perfectly positioned just outside Edinburgh. Elegant rooms are spacious and individually styled. Pick a suite and enjoy four posters, chandeliers and open fireplaces. An exemplary bistro and sumptuous private dinners are on offer. A spoiling country escape.

• Country Escape - A rural escape of grand proportions - an imposing 15th century mansion set in glorious parkland.
• Sights nearby - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Edinburgh Castle.
• Full of character
• Opulent

Islay

A chic property set in the dramatic landscapes of Islay. A recent renovation is a complete triumph with scandi-chic interiors offering light open spaces and maximising the epic views from large expanses of glass. Tee-off on the property's own golf course or simply unwind in the spa.

• Golf - Featuring its own 18-hole course along with a Wee course of 6 par-3 holes. Suitable for all abilities
• Country Escape - Modern facilities in a spectacular rural setting
• Great walks - Set off directly from the property and explore the island's dramatic landscapes
• Views

Aberdeenshire

High Victoriana meets modern luxury at the miraculously reinvented Fife Arms in Braemar. A destination as much as a place to stay, come here to celebrate and relax, or to walk, stalk or fish. Hotel of the Year, The Sunday Times.

• Other Activities - Stalking and shooting all available by arrangement
• Artworks - Picasso, Freud, Bruegel to name just a few
• Opulent - Check out the Royal Suites
• Fishing - Fishing on the Dee

Aberdeenshire

A stunning historic country house hotel in the heart of Aberdeenshire's whisky country. Smart rooms and suites: some traditional, others in the new wing totally contemporary. Atmospheric cave bar and 2AA Rosette Pineapple restaurant. Plus a highly recommended golf course. Simply superb!

• Golf - Meldrum House has its own superb 18 hole parkland golf course, and there are others nearby
• Local exploring - The ideal base for exploring Aberdeen's Whisky country
• Restaurant - Pineapple boasts 2 AA Rosettes and offers the freshest local seafood and meat.
• Great walks - There are fabulous walks for all abilities in the surrounding countryside.