HOTEL REVIEW: The Dunkeld House Hotel, Blairgowrie Road, Dunkeld, Scotland

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There is something quite magical about a hotel that is at the end of a long and beautiful driveway and the Dunkeld House Hotel in Dunkeld, Scotland, is that hotel. Originally a country retreat for The 7th Duke of Atholl and set in 280 acres of Perthshire’s finest landscape, with the mighty River Tay running alongside, the four-star hotel is just perfect for a getaway break.

With Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Perth nearby, it’s positioned in a great place to access some of Scotland’s best attractions.

Locally there is the Dunkeld Tree Trail which gives the chance to stroll through the estate and admire the woods which were created by the Duke in the 18th century and changed Perthshire forever. The walk takes you from the hotel and into the pretty village which was named the “best place to live in Scotland” in a 2023 poll and past the historic romantic cathedral, which is partially in ruins.

The main street is home to independent shops and businesses and the houses are part of a conservation area with blue plaques to mark the famous people who have lived there.

Who for

The Dunkeld House Hotel is for people who want to relax and recharge in tranquil surroundings and have a chance to enjoy the beautiful Perthshire countryside. With a health club and spa connected to the hotel, it’s a great place for all ages and archery and pigeon shooting is available in the grounds, along with quad biking and fishing on the River Tay or off-road Land Rover experiences for the more adventurous. Dunkeld has a golf course and cyclists can enjoy the 100-mile non-stop path.

Accommodation

A hundred bedrooms of the highest standards are to be found in the Grade 2 listed building. All our ensuite and elegantly furnished in soft colours.

Non-smoking and with Free View television channels and Wi-Fi, the rooms are spacious and well furnished with comfortable beds and seating such as chaise longue to encourage relaxation.

Well-stocked tea and coffee stations served with shortbread are in the room and the bathroom has Arran Aromatics “After the Rain” toiletries with lime, rose and sandalwood aromas.

Dog lovers and big parties are catered for in The General Wades or The Fisherman’s Cottage which are both in the grounds.

Facilities

The old-fashioned reception area complete with a roaring log fire welcomes you in and you can enjoy a spot of window shopping with a series of display cabinets showing off high-range country goods.

A well-appointed lounge is open to residents to relax in and the dining room has a bar as well as a large restaurant, with a pianist on hand to entertain as you eat.

The adjacent spa and health club has a large swimming pool, steam and sauna rooms and a Jacuzzi and there is gym too. Opening times vary for adults and children and treatments are available from the trained therapists.

Food and drink

Breakfasts are buffet style with a good selection of cold and hot food and a menu to choose from a full Scottish to haddock and poached eggs.

Dinner is a more formal affair and a table by the window looking out to the River Tay is highly recommended.

Starters range from Scottish pigeon with barley risotto and wild mushrooms to Orkney scallops served with Stornoway black pudding and pea puree.

Mains include steaks and lamb cutlets from the grill or Loch Duart salmon and leek, Ayrshire goat’s cheese and beetroot tart. And to round off the meal, the tasty Cranachan cheesecake is worth a try, as well as the smooth chocolate fondant.

How much

The hotel has a number of special offers on, with the winter escape running until February 29th and includes midweek stays from £139 per night to weekend breaks from £164 per night.

For more information, see https://dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk

What’s nearby

Historic Blair Castle is a stone’s throw from the hotel and has been the family home for the Atholls for more than seven centuries.

With a diverse history, witnessing both turbulent and peaceful times, it has been enlarged and adapted over 750 years to suit the needs of the family and the day.

The great outdoors rewards with beautiful walks and on entrance to the village, a spectacular stone bridge designed by Thomas Telford.

Birnam is the next village and was home to the writer JM Barrie who penned Peter Pan. Tourist information is available via visitscotland.com

Verdict:

The Dunkeld House Hotel is a fabulous hotel set on immaculate grounds and with beautiful bedrooms and fine dining. It’s a hotel not to be missed and ideal for individuals and families.

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