I haven’t been able to get this hotel out of my head since I stayed there last weekend. I’ve told so many people about it and have spent the last week pricing up a stay for over the festive season. Just an hours drive from both Newcastle and Edinburgh, Schloss Roxburghe is the perfect hotel for a luxury stay in the Scottish Borders.

Disclaimer: My full stay was complimentary as part of a 3 day press trip with Scotland Starts Here. 

I arrived at Schloss Roxburghe at about 6:30pm after a busy day driving up to the Scottish Borders from Newcastle, exploring a number of towns in the area, and joining a sunset alpaca trek about 25 minutes from Roxburghe. I think all the activities of the day caught up with me as I got out the car, as tiredness hit and I was ready for a relaxing evening.

It was a gorgeous Autumn evening and the sunset had been beautiful over the hills, leaving a yellow glow behind the historical manor as I walked up to the entrance. It’s a fabulous setting, among the unspoiled countryside and close to the River Tweed.

As you walk in you’re hit with the unmistakeable smell of a log fire burning, I said on Instagram it was like walking into a hug off your mum and that’s exactly what it was like. It was so homely and welcoming, and the 24 hour reception staff were ready to check me in.

Like everywhere at the moment, all staff were wearing masks and guests are required to in the public areas too. I was offered help with my bags but I was fine to just carry them myself. I was shown where the bar, restaurant and downstairs lounges were, before being shown to my room up on the first floor.

The room was amazing, with a big feature four poster bed, and a chaise-longues in the big bay window overlooking the gardens. There was a big wardrobe, a TV, desk, complimentary mini bar and coffee making facilities. A full length mirror hung on the wall, with plugs next to it (girls will know the struggle in hotels with mirrors and plugs). 

The bathroom was also very luxurious, with a huge modern shower, Molten Brown toiletries and my favourite feature – heated tile flooring. Might seem like a small detail but it was so nice in the night going to the bathroom when you expect the floor to be cold. There were robes hanging up as well.

It’s probably worth noting at this point that there isn’t currently a spa at Schloss Roxburghe, but construction is underway out the back of the building for one which will be open next year. The windows must be sound proof because I didnt hear them at all, so don’t let it put you off a stay.

I freshened up and got changed, before making my way downstairs to the bar. I had a pre dinner drink included in my stay, which I chose to have in the bar but you can have it at your table in the restaurant, or in one of the lounges too. 

I love those atmospheric, dark wood bars in manor hotels like this, so chose to have it in the bar. The fire was burning in there too, smelling just amazing and people were enjoying relaxed drinks around me. There was even a chocolate Labrador snoozing on the floor by the fire with a couple too. 

So to my absolute delight, Schloss Roxburghe is dog friendly. I had a look on their website and if you book a room that allows dogs they get their own special treatment, with a warm rug and a bowl. I really want to take Arthur.

The bar menu was extensive, and was filled with some of the highest quality spirits and wines. I don’t drink whisky but as you would imagine there were many Scottish ones, and the same for gins. I went for one of my favourites, Edinburgh Gin with tonic.

The staff let me know when my table was ready, so I finished up and made my way through. The tables in the restaurant were set out with plenty space between them and there were no groups of more than four to comply with regulations.

There were a mix of couples, colleagues and the three gentlemen next to me must have been there as part of a salmon fishing trip, judging by their conversation. You can book this as a specific deal at Schloss Roxburghe, it’s just one of the outdoor pursuits you can enjoy from the hotel.

Dinner included a three course meal, but there were options for one or two courses, and a specials menu that you could mix and match from, you weren’t restricted to one menu or the other.

This meant there were plenty of choices to cater for all tastes, and it was very seasonal across the board often with local produce. Rustic game terrine, hand dive scallops, Rabbit and Hazelnut Crepinette, Black Forest Courgette & Kelso onion and Caramelized onion veloute all feature on the menu. 

I went for the haddock brandade fritters, which came in a creamy peppery sauce. It was really delicious, full of flavour and very comforting on an Autumn evening when the cold nights are beginning to creep in. 

Again there were plenty of choices for main course, including pan seared fish of the day, Scottish salmon fillet and the vegetarian option was arborio rice risotto with beetroot and Parmesan tuile. I had to go for the flat iron steak with mustard mash, glazed carrot and peppercorn sauce.

Cooked medium rare it was honestly perfection. The quality of the steak was beautiful, and I couldn’t get enough of the mustard mash. It really was superb food, and I couldn’t help hearing the tables around me discussing how good it all was too. Really excellent. 

The staff were lovely and the meal wasn’t rushed at all. I cant remember the last time I wasn’t clock watching with a time limit on the table. They also persuaded me to have desert despite how full I felt, and how difficult it was too choose from 7 options.

I went for the Bramley Apple crumble with vanilla ice cream, but other deserts included roasted pineapple with pinacolada sayce and vanilla chantilly, chocolate tuile, Ginger and orange pudding and a selection of Scottish cheeses. Of course the apple crumble was amazing, especially with the vanilla ice cream which I much prefer to custard or cream.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole meal, there wasn’t a single fault with any of it it was beautiful. 

Afterwards I went through to the lounge for a bit to sit by the fire with the rest of my wine, where the staff are happy to bring any drinks and service from the bar extends until 10pm to comply with the current guidelines. It was very peaceful, with the occasional deep woof from the Labrador next door in the bar, and the fire cackling away.

I was pretty sleepy after being fed and watered, and with another busy day ahead I wasn’t up long. I had the soundest sleep in the huge big four poster bed, before waking up to another bright Scottish morning overlooking the grounds.

I’d reserved a time for breakfast the night before, again compulsory at the moment to stagger guests through the dining room. I much prefer the set up of hotel breakfasts now, and I had a lovely window seat to watch the morning at Schloss Roxburghe unfold while I had my coffee. 

With no breakfast buffet to worry about I didnt have to get up at all. I was brought coffee and apple juice, and given the menu to browse. I had my go to, eggs royale with salmon on a breakfast muffin. Delicious.

As I ate I noticed all the golfers arriving to head up on the championship golf course. I don’t know much about golf but even I could tell how prestigious a course it must be, and I really think Kieran would love it if I took him up there and he could play a round. 

The Labrador from the bar the previous night was bounding around playfully, and the tree swing looked pretty tempting too.

The guys I was sat next to at dinner who I’m sure were on a fishing trip were next to me at breakfast, and they were discussing taking a packed lunch with them for the day, so the hotel must provide these on request. It really does cater for every need with a personalised service.

There are so many outdoor activities you can do from Schloss Roxburghe in addition to golf and fishing, including game hunting, clay pigeon shooting, archery and tomahawk throwing. The hotel staff would be happy to discuss these with any guests and more details can be found on the Schloss Roxburghe website here.

If you aren’t the outdoorsy type, then a wander around the gardens or a walk through the grounds is worth it, even to just see how impressive the place is. It really is stunning, especially if you spot some of the squirrels running about, or go see the fountain out the back.

There are a range of rooms available, including deluxe rooms, suites and even some bigger duplex suites that have their own separate living space. Whatever room you go for though they would all be lovely, and come with all the desired amenities.

I didnt need to leave straight away, so I enjoyed a walk around the grounds, as well as doing a bit of work by one of the fires downstairs, before I got my things together and checked out. 

Throughout my whole stay there the staff were excellent and the place ran like clockwork. I was genuinely really sad to leave Schloss Roxburghe, and would absolutely go back in a heartbeat. Like I said at the beginning I’ve already been having a look for over the Christmas break to go back with Kieran and Arthur next time. I think it would be magical at Christmas so hopefully we will get our holidays confirmed soon.

To book your own stay at Schloss Roxburghe, visit their official website here. 

Disclaimer: My full stay at Schloss Roxburghe was complimentary as part of a 3 day press trip with Scotland Starts Here. 

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