Country houses, spa hotels and castles to stay in Scotland

Riddell House

Sleeps: up to 10

Where: Melrose, Roxburghshire

Price: from £1,395 for three nights (based on a party of 10)

Dog-friendly: Yes

Riddell House is a guaranteed hit with the more active among us. Outside, the property lays claim to its own private tennis court and gardens with a croquet lawn, so a little healthy competition is never far away.

And, as you’re located right at the centre of fantastic hiking and cycling country – complete with the excellent golf courses, Olympic-standard equestrian facilities, a clay pigeon shooting school and sporting dog training – you’ll never be at a loss for how to spend your days.

All that fun sounds a little tiring, which is why Riddell House plays host to a range of therapeutic spa treatments, which can be administered within the property.

Known as the ‘Grand Old Lady’, Marine North Berwick is a beloved, luxury landmark on Scotland’s famous golf coast.

With sensational views over the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock, the boutique spa hotel Scotland calls its own rises from the landscape to offer guests a quietly elegant escape.

The thoughtfully-curated rooms and suites here pay homage to the ancient Scottish Linksland, with warm woods intermingling with heathery hues to create a relaxing space for holidaymakers to unwind.

Cringletie House Hotel

Sleeps: up to 4

Where: Peebles

Price: from £309 per night

Dog-friendly: Yes

Not that you’ll want to look away from the grandeur inside this four-star hotel; with elegant rooms and suites (some even complete with their own Jacuzzis), Downton Abbey-style lounges, a sumptuous dining destination and innovative solutions which have earned the hotel a Catey Award for accessibility, ultimate comfort is the name of the game at Cringletie.

With 13 guest rooms and suites to choose from – not to mention a self-catering guest cottage in the grounds, if you prefer a little more privacy – you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to castles to stay in Scotland.

Each room has its own characteristics, with romantic turrets and feature fireplaces waiting to be explored. Better still, many of the rooms are dog-friendly – so no-one in the family need miss out.