It looks like staycations will be popular again this summer. I really didn’t think we’d be booking another UK holiday in 2021, but it’s looking very likely again. We visited Scotland last summer and stayed at the luxurious Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder. Gleneagles has been on my dream destination wish list for ages, but I just couldn’t justify the long trip from London . We decided to break up the journey and stay in the Lake District for few nights. We absolutely adored the Lakes and I wouldn’t mind staying at Linthwaite House again.
Our trip to Lake District (by car) took about 6 hours (we only stopped once) and then another 4 hours to Scotland. I’m so glad we weren’t travelling to Scotland on the same day. The trip was quite tough (especially with children) but the views were absolutely breathtaking. We saw mountains, wild animals, waterfalls etc. It felt like being abroad which I didn’t expect from our UK holiday. We were so lucky though as it only rained once while we were driving (which was pretty incredible considering where we were).
Gleneagles exceeded all my expectations. It felt like a dream from the moment we arrived. We got a last minute cancellation at Andrew Fairlie’s (it’s been on my husband’s hit list for ages!) The hotel organised a babysitter for us with only 4 hours notice which I was super impressed with. They have a great kids club as well (my girls only used it once but absolutely loved it). I didn’t really get to take as many photos during our stay as I would have liked. The two days we stayed there were pretty action packaged. The hotel was quite busy too, but because it’s massive it didn’t feel too crowded. You do need to book the restaurants in advance (especially for dinner). We dined at their signature restaurant Strathearn and Andrew Fairlie’s and you can’t go wrong with either. If you’re dining with very young children maybe try the Birnam Brasserie which is a bit more casual.
I was so tempted to buy fresh flowers from their in-house florist but I knew the flowers wouldn’t have made it home. They were absolutely stunning though.
How cute is this little Toylander?
You can’t go to Gleneagles and not check out their pink powder room. It was pink, bold and feminine. Definitely one of those powder rooms where you’d just like to hangout with your friends. Funnily enough, I thought it would be too much for be but I loved it. It was so flamboyant but elegant at the same time. I loved the monochrome marble flooring and gold taps too. I wasn’t the only person taking pictures of the interior either!
So, would I go back? Absolutely. I would love to go back when the girls are a little older and when the spa is open again. Due to covid-19 restrictions we weren’t able to use all the facilities. The spa was closed which we knew at the time of booking. I’d love to go back and stay a bit longer too. Two days wasn’t enough. I think three days would be ideal, especially if you want to do some sports or other activities. There is so much to do that you won’t have time to do it all. I also want to be able to relax and feel like I’m on a holiday (I hate having a strict schedule when staying at hotels). We did manage to squeeze in a lot. We did afternoon tea, horse riding, cycling and my husband went to the golf course. Gleneagles is a destination on its own and it was truly one of those experiences that we’ll never forget.
Do you have any holiday plans this summer?
