Norton House Hotel & Spa

No one minds cold weather when they are cosied up inside an elegant country house enjoying a fizzy afternoon tea. In fact, being toasty indoors while it’s chilly outdoors is all part of the fun.

For this reason, today’s Big Deal for a luxury Prosecco afternoon tea for two at Norton House Hotel & Spa would make a wonderful gift.

The award-winning, four star hotel is just a twenty minute drive from Edinburgh city centre. Set in 55 acres of its own grounds, it’s full of charm and a great destination for a day out – especially when afternoon tea is part of the fun.

Sparkling afternoon tea

Available from noon to 5pm, seven days a week, today’s Big Deal is for afternoon tea for two accompanied by a chilled glass of Prosecco.

A real treat, afternoon tea at Norton House Hotel features freshly prepared finger sandwiches; warm scones with preserves and clotted cream; a selection of pastries and specialist cakes.

Also look out for whisky-infused delicacies, including Dundee cake and cranachan meringue – a modern take on a traditional Scottish dessert.

The food will be accompanied by your choice of fresh leaf tea: Assam, Earl Grey, peppermint, green, Darjeeling, decaffeinated and, of course, a traditional English blend.

There is a £7 supplement per couple for Saturday and Sunday bookings.

Fascinating country house setting

Built in 1840, the early years of Norton House are shrouded in mystery (oo-er). But the property was eventually bought by the wealthy Usher family, owners of Glenlivet Whisky.

They added on a Renaissance porch, marble pillars and an oak-panelled staircase, all of which can still be admired today.

This offer is the perfect excuse to have a nosy at a historic country house and grounds.

Happy customers

Visitors to Norton House Hotel & Spa have not been slow to tell others of their experiences. These are excerpts from longer reviews:

‘The staff could not do enough for us. Every member of staff made us very welcome… the food is amazing… clean, beautiful grounds… we enjoyed afternoon tea, lots of gorgeous teas to choose from. You will go a long way to find hotel as excellent as this one.’

‘I returned to the Norton Spa yesterday as a birthday treat for my friend. Once again I wasn’t disappointed. Staff from arrival were fantastic. Rodney served our coffees and afternoon tea, great service… once again everything was spot on… brilliant day.’

This guest enjoyed the parkland grounds:

‘The grounds are beautiful and we enjoyed strolling along the woodland walk.’

Perfect gift idea

Valid from January until late March, this Big Deal would make a lovely and thoughtful present.

Scotland looks beautiful in the wintertime, so guests can enjoy a bracing walk around the grounds of Norton House before settling down to a fizzy afternoon tea. Aah, perfect.