Barony Castle

Now privately owned, Barony Castle Hotel was originally a 16th century tower house built by the Murrays of Blackbarony.

Located in the Borders, just seventeen miles south of Edinburgh and within easy reach of Glasgow, the hotel is very convenient for a relaxing break.

h3. Barony Castle Hotel

Sitting pretty in 25 acres of lush gardens, the grand exterior of Barony Castle Hotel still looks like a fairytale castle but the hotel has been considerably altered since then.

Not least in the introduction of all the modern comforts which you would expect to find in a 21st century hotel. There is free WiFi in all of the hotel’s 78 ensuite rooms along with satellite TV and a hot drinks tray.

h3. Spa facilities

Guests can enjoy full use of the hotel’s leisure facilities including the thermal spa.

Featuring a swimming pool, heated loungers, experience showers, swan necks, sauna and a spa bath, it’s the perfect place to melt away the stress of everyday life.

From body polishes to facials and massages, the hotel’s team of spa therapists also offers a relaxing range of spa treatments using top quality Priadara skincare products.

h3. Dining options

There are several dining options for guests at Barony Castle Hotel.

The kitchens at Barony Castle Hotel are run by Chef William Thomson, a man with a good track record of winning AA Rosettes for the restaurants he works in.

The menu in Thomson’s @ the Castle, is seasonal and makes the best use of local produce.

Typical starters might be the Thai style steamed mussels or the mozzarella cheese tossed in a salad of herbs, sun blushed tomatoes and rocket, all dressed with basil dressing.

Popular main courses include the grilled breast of corn fed chicken with black pudding, wilted baby spinach, sun dried tomato, crushed baby potatoes and lemon butter sauce or, for a real taste of the Borders, try the roasted saddle of deer, cooked pink and served with potato gratin, curly kale and pickled walnut jus.

The hotel’s Blue Dug Restaurant is a contemporary space which plays with the building’s past history thanks to little touches like the antler light fittings.

Serving dishes from around the world, the restaurant has been awarded a Healthy Living Award.

The menu changes regularly but typical dishes include starters such as the wood pigeon on a bed of beetroot and morel mushrooms; the confit duck leg and the traditional prawn cocktail.

Among the main courses, the steaks are always a hit as are the Blue Dug burger and the seared fillet of sea bass on garlic crushed potatoes and steamed greens.

The hotel’s Murray Lounge, a new addition to Barony Castle has three 58” flatscreen TVs – perfect for viewing multiple sporting events – and use of a PlayStation 4 and Xbox. Food and beverages are served from the Blue Dug Bar.

h3. Things to do

Mountain biking fans will know the fantastic Glentress woodland trails are a short drive away from Barony Castle Hotel .