IN the beautiful lowlands of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway and the surrounding area is an outstanding location for an escape.
From the rocky and sandy Solway Coast to the lush green inland forests and hills, it’s the place that inspired writers such as Robert Burns, and with good reason.
Here are seven of the Good Hotel Guide’s most beautiful hotels in Dumfries and Galloway…
Trigony House, Closeburn
With ice blue skies and crisp frosty mornings, winter at Trigony House is a magical time of the year for exploring the rolling hills and farmland before settling in by the fire.
Wander around the country byways and footpaths before returning to the hotel for award winning rustic full-flavoured cooking to rejuvenate as you head into a new year.
Blackaddie House, Sanquhar
A warm and welcoming restaurant with rooms, Blackaddie House Hotel is situated on the banks of the stunning River Nith in South West Scotland.
The 16th century country house is a haven for foodies who are rewarded with a feast for the senses after a day exploring sandy beaches and hidden coves, heather clad hills and steep glens, waterfalls and sparkling mountain burns.
Wildlife is in abundance and any walk is nothing short of an adventure.
Knockinaam Lodge, Portpatrick
In a horseshoe of wooded hills, Knockinaam Lodge sits next to a private beach and is an idyllic former hunting lodge where guests have frequently praised the professionalism and attention to detail of staff and management.
The Churchill suite, where the former PM stayed while planning the D-Day landings in 1944, retains original features such as a beautiful fireplace and a 100-year-old enamelled bath, while the grounds make for excellent photo opportunities.
Balcary Bay Hotel, Auchencairn
In an idyllic setting on the water, Balcary Bay Hotel takes its name from its beautiful bay location, overlooking the Solway and in blissful isolation.
Romantic and secluded the area has a seductive history of smugglers and intrigue, but then again it’s also got all the elements of a peaceful country house complete with log fires and ample reading material available.
When the weather is fine, head out and explore the variety of scenery and terrain with miles and miles of rugged coastline and seashore, dense forests, and of course the Galloway hills. You can even bring the dog with you.
Hartfell House, Moffat
Traditionally decorated, this Victorian stone house is in a rural setting overlooking the surrounding hills.
Little details including beautiful toiletries and Scottish biscuits have been taken care of, and everything is done to a delightfully high standard.
Tuck into home-baked bread and preserves and all from £75 per night.
Glenholme, Kirkcudbright
There’s an array of panama hats in the wide, panelled hall, and a neat stack of antique steamer trunks; there are Victorian club chairs and framed photographs from the days of the Raj.
Here is a guest house as ‘idiosyncratic and characterful’ as its owners, Laurence Bristow-Smith, an author and retired diplomat, and his artist wife, Jennifer.
Cavens, Kirkbean
A winning example of the small “hands-on” country house genre, the Fordyce family’s 18th-century manor house on the Solway coast is charmingly run with old-fashioned joie de vivre.
Overlooking the gardens and countryside, immaculate, comfortable bedrooms are individually styled.
My large room had space to sit and enjoy the view. In the bathroom: a bath for a giant. Angus Fordyce’s frequently changing market menu is praised at dinnertime.
From a selection of hotels in Scotland
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