Friars Carse Hotel

With its origins in a 13th-century friary, Friars Carse was the home of the Riddell family who regularly hosted a lively local bard called Burns, despite his penchant for rowdy behaviour. The house was remodelled in Victorian times and became a hotel in 1938.

It’s an imposing and classically-elegant building, set in a woodland estate close to the river Nith, ideal for a romantic break.

The house has many links with the Bard but, from wildlife watching, fishing and clay pigeon shooting to bike trails and castle visits, the surrounding area has much to offer the visitor.

Individually styled rooms

All of Friars Carse’s 21 ensuite bedrooms are individually styled and most have views over the surrounding farmland or the gardens and river.

Due to the layout of the building, all rooms vary in size and layout giving each a unique character. All the rooms have WiFi.

Whistle Restaurant

The scene of a famous drinking competition between Burns and Fergusson of Craigdarroch, the hotel’s Whistle Restaurant now has a reputation for great food which uses the best fresh and local ingredients.

Expect seasonal Scottish fare with a nod to the hotel’s rich heritage.

See & do

If you want to pursue the Burns theme, there are plenty of local associations with the poet in the vicinity. These include a Burns Trail, an easy walk taking in the Hermitage, within the hotel grounds, and nearby Ellisland Farm where he wrote works including Tam o’Shanter and Auld Lang Syne.

Swapping stanzas for salmon, anglers may want to take advantage of the Friars Carse lengthy fishing beat on the Nith, accessed by paths direct from the hotel, with numerous spots to go after salmon and trout.

Under two hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh, Friars Carse combines historic character and atmosphere with all the contemporary comforts of a country house hotel.