CORNHILL CASTLE
About the Castle Hotel
Cornhill Castle, Biggar - A Scottish Romantic Escape
Cornhill Castle, perched discreetly beside the River Clyde and within easy reach of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, presents itself as a destination crafted for romantic interludes and indulgent escapes. This historic estate has carved a niche for itself as one of Scotland's most cherished locations for couples, offering a particular expertise in curating experiences that foster connection and create lasting memories. While it caters to various events, its heart truly lies in its ability to transport guests away from the everyday into a serene countryside retreat.
Location
The castle enjoys a secluded position along the banks of the River Clyde, offering spectacular panoramic views across the Lanarkshire hills and the Clyde Valley. This setting, just outside the 15th-century town of Biggar, provides a tranquil atmosphere underscored by the gentle sounds of nature. The location is ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in the Scottish countryside, with gentle walks, golf courses, and outdoor pursuits like horse riding and mountain biking readily available in the surrounding area. For a more vigorous challenge, the ascent of Tinto Hill offers remarkable vistas, a rewarding pursuit for the adventurous guest.
Style and Character
Cornhill Castle exudes a heritage charm, with the stately building retaining much of its original character. The architecture evokes a sense of stepping back in time, particularly in areas like the Ghillie Restaurant & Bar. While the original interior is generally well-maintained and tasteful, one might observe that the judicious addition of modern elements, particularly furniture and fixtures intended to meet fire regulations, occasionally introduces a subtle dissonance with the elegance of the period property. Nevertheless, the overall atmosphere leans towards refined comfort, particularly in the lodge accommodations.
Service and Facilities
The service at Cornhill Castle aims to provide a curated romantic experience, with attention paid to detail in guest stays. The staff are adept at managing private dining for a range of celebrations, from intimate dinners to larger family gatherings. A notable feature is the Whisky and Gin Keep, a thoughtfully stocked bar offering a fine selection of Scottish spirits. While the castle itself provides a historic backdrop, the accompanying lodges offer contemporary comforts. The sauna room, complete with a whirlpool bath, rainfall shower, and mini-bar, is a notable facility for relaxation, though it's worth noting the potential for modern fittings to feel somewhat at odds with the castle's heritage.
Rooms
The accommodation options range from suites within the main castle to the highly sought-after luxury lodges. The lodges, of which there are seven, are particularly designed for couples seeking a romantic escape, featuring private hot tubs and stunning views across to Tinto Hill and the River Clyde. Inside these lodges, guests will find a bright, spacious layout, often with large bay windows, a fireplace, a super king bed, and a luxury bathroom. Specific suite descriptions highlight amenities such as sitting areas, dining spaces, and garden views, ensuring a comfortable and private retreat. For a more inclusive experience, one might choose a suite with a whirlpool bath, rainfall shower, and even a fireplace for added ambiance.
Food and Drink
Dining at Cornhill Castle is centered around the Ghillie Restaurant & Bar, which offers a luxurious setting befitting a castle establishment. The menu draws inspiration from the location and heritage, with a focus on dishes that are both comforting and elegant. A signature offering includes a Whole or Half Roast Chicken, carved tableside, accompanied by traditional roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, gravy, and a selection of hearty sharing sides. For those opting for a romantic overnight stay, dinner for two is a key component, often with an allowance towards the meal, complemented by a nightcap at the bar. Breakfast is delivered to the lodges in a complimentary basket, featuring continental delights like granola, yogurt, croissants, meats, cheeses, and fresh orange juice.
Value for Money
The romantic lodge breaks are priced to offer a comprehensive and relaxing escape, with details meticulously considered to enhance the guest experience. The overnight stay packages, which typically include the private hot tub lodge, a bottle of Prosecco on arrival, dinner for two in the Ghillie restaurant, a nightcap, and a breakfast basket, represent a well-rounded offering. While specific pricing varies, the inclusion of these elements suggests a focus on providing significant value for couples seeking a special occasion or a restorative getaway, particularly given the Scottish countryside setting and the unique amenities offered.
Accessibility
While specific details on accessibility for the entire estate are not extensively provided, the modern upgrades in some areas, such as walk-in showers in suites, suggest an awareness of varying guest needs. However, the historic nature of the castle and grounds means that accessibility may be more challenging in certain sections. For those staying in the lodges, the private entrances and more contemporary layouts might offer a greater degree of ease of movement, but prospective guests are advised to inquire directly about specific requirements.
Family-Friendly
While Cornhill Castle is primarily marketed for romantic couples' retreats, it does offer experiences that can appeal to families. The castle has hosted various events, including a 'Family Festive Frozen Event' featuring entertainment, activities, a buffet lunch, and a visit from Santa Claus, indicating a capacity for family-oriented functions. Furthermore, the option to add a picnic basket suggests an openness to guests exploring the grounds, which could be enjoyed by families. However, the core offering of romantic lodge breaks with private hot tubs is clearly geared towards adults.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Allergy-free rooms
- Coffee shop
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Golf course
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
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