Schloss Roxburghe: Hotel Review

Off the beaten track, in the countryside near the River Tweed, is the gorgeous Schloss Roxburghe hotel. A little downstream is the town of Kelso, a small distance from Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Carlise. A little upstream is Scott's View, one of the most stunning views of the Scottish Boarders. It’s easy to imagine that a trip to a stunning location such as this means the hassle of flights to Austria and Switzerland. But, if you know where to look, then the British Isles has scenery to compare, and resorts that may well exceed. The gorgeous manor was formerly owned by the Duke of Roxburghe. The approach down the main drive is very much fit for royalty. The inside of the manor has just the right amount of tartan to remind you of your unique location, but not so much as to become kitsch or ‘themed’. The taste of the interior is impeccable, from the wood panelled library to the cosy bedrooms with ever so subtle grouse wallpaper.

Aside from admiring the views what can you actually do at this destination? Well, happily, it has its own golf course, designed by Dave Thomas, the famous Welsh golfer who also designed the Brabazon, Derby and PGA National courses at the Ryder Cup venue The Belfry. The course runs by woodlands and the little River Teviot - a tributary to the Tweed - so it is a pleasure to take in the surroundings as you play the 18 hole, 7111 yard, par 72 course. The famous 14th hole, right by the viaduct, has been a favourite of many players since the course opened in 1997. For the beginner, or even the more experienced player looking to improve, tuition is available and well worth looking into. Their resident PGA Professional, Craig Grieve, has a motto, “Come as beginner. Leave as champion”. There are also a variety of other activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery, trout fly-fishing and of course just spending hours in their relaxing spa.

All this golfing and tourist-ing can make a man hungry. Fortunately, the Schloss Roxburgh will not leave you wanting with six options to choose from. First of all, Charlie’s which specialises in ‘Scottish bistronomy’. From their menu, I would recommend the ‘Tempest Beer Battered Eyemouth Haddock’, served of course with mushy peas, thick cut chips, tartare sauce. Always great to see the classics done to such a high standard, and the white fish was so fresh. The next restaurant is the Stateroom Lounge. This proved to be a more informal, relaxed environment, perfect at lunchtime for trying their Roxburghe club sandwich. After that, Sunlaw’s Restaurant, where you can try fine dining, especially with their 7-course tester option! Then there’s Bar 1745. This was perfect at the end of a long day of golfing. The bar staff were amazingly knowledgeable about whiskeys, and introduced me to some blends I’d never tried before. Fifthly (do keep counting), there’s the Drawing Room. This tartan carpeted room was perfect for afternoon tea. And finally, the Spike Bar in the Clubhouse. How many times did I try their liquid offerings on a long day on the golf course? Yes.