Gables Hotel

As romantic invitations go, ‘Fancy running away to Gretna Green with me?’ remains a classic.

Especially when followed by irresistible sweet nothings along the lines of for ‘a relaxing mini-break with dinner, within strolling distance of the outlet shopping village.’

Civilisation has come on leaps and bounds since the era when a Gretna break meant tipping the local blacksmith for a basic wedding package and staying one step ahead of an irate mob of pursuing relatives.

Today’s Big Deal keeps the romance and takes the stress out of a Gretna break, with an idyllic getaway in The Gables Hotel.

Border break

The Gables Hotel is an inviting, family-run detached property which unsurprisingly popular as a wedding destination.

The graceful Edwardian building enjoys elegant grounds with extensive lawns and attractive floral borders. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, encouraging return visits.

Do a bit of shopping

Valid until the end of August 2018, this is a very flexible offer. The hotel’s proximity to the Gretna Gateway outlet village means that you could use this Big Deal for some well-deserved shopping.

Of course, it would also make a romantic gift. With late check-out to noon, it’s ideal to stretch out the chill time.

Comfortably furnished rooms

Available Sunday to Thursday, the Big Deal option one is for a one night stay for two people in a standard double or twin room with breakfast and an £18 per person dinner spend.

Option two is for a two night stay in a standard double or twin room with breakfast both mornings and an £18 per person dinner spend on the first night.

Bedrooms at The Gables are comfortably furnished in a traditional style, with en suite bathrooms.

To make your stay extra-special, there is the option to upgrade to one of the feature rooms at The Gables, for an additional charge.

Seasonal dining

The spacious Gables restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine with a distinctive contemporary twist. Dishes change to reflect the availability of seasonal produce.

The Big Deal includes an £18 per person dinner spend on the first night. Typical dishes might include starters such as chicken liver parfait or twice-baked cheese soufflé and mains such as pan-roasted Scottish salmon or roast confit of duck leg with gnocchi, spinach and roast celeriac.

Gretna and around

Gretna Gateway outlet village is just a five-minute stroll from the hotel (although it might take ten minutes to get back, laden with all your bargains). Keen shoppers will find a diverse selection of great deals here from leading brands such as Marks & Spencer, Nike, Clarks and Cadbury.

Shopping aside, the obvious sightseeing highlight is the famous blacksmith’s shop on Gretna Green, where English elopers have been getting married since 1754.

Happy guests

The Gables has accumulated plenty of admiring reviews on TripAdvisor. Recent guests left the following reviews. We have edited for length:

‘Nice short break… Lovely hotel, nice easy check-in, large comfortable room. Food in restaurant was very good with great choice from menu… Would stay here again and also recommend to friends.’

‘Just spent three days on an autumn break… The room was clean and well furnished. The deal included an evening meal… The food was good with plenty of choice, the service was good as it was in the rest of the hotel. We used this hotel as a centre to explore the Dumfries & Galloway coast. There are plenty of attractions along this coast. We visited the castle at Caerlaverock, RSPB reserve at Mersehead (good coastal walk) and National trust at Rockcliffe.’

‘Another excellent visit. Just returned from another successful trip to this lovely hotel. Very warm, friendly welcome… The evening meals were beautifully presented and very good as were the good portioned breakfasts… Location great for the Gretna Green gateway shopping outlet and only ten miles from Carlisle. Planning another visit after Christmas. Thoroughly recommend for a good value trip.’

Romance and retail

Whether it’s shopping or the history of hasty matrimony that take your interest, Gretna is a fascinating destination for a mini-break.

Today’s Big Deal at The Gables in Gretna offers a great opportunity to enjoy a little quality time with your loved one, your credit card and your shopping bags.

It would make a fantastic present and would also be very welcome as a summer break.