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Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
From luxury castles to rustic brochs – seven of the most unique overnight stays across Scotland
Scroll down to find the seven most unique overnight stays across Scotland RELAXING RETREATS From luxury castles to rustic brochs – seven of the most unique overnight stays across Scotland Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER has officially arrived, and if a trip abroad isn't in the cards, then there are plenty of unique staycations to choose from. With the season starting off rather dreich, a getaway is often the perfect remedy for the June gloom. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 15 If a trip abroad isn't on the cards, then a staycay is often just as good Credit: Alamy From luxury castle stays to rustic brochs or even monasteries, here are seven of the most unique overnights across the country. Fingal Hotel, Water of Leith, Edinburgh 15 Fingal Hotel is a Northern Lighthouse Board Ship turned floating hotel Credit: Alamy 15 Each room is beautifully decorated Credit: Visit Scotland This former Northern Lighthouse Board ship, now a floating hotel, features 22 luxurious cabins that promise an unforgettable stay. Permanently berthed along the picturesque Leith waterfront, this five-star vessel offers breathtaking views of twinkling city lights as you drift off to sleep. Each room is beautifully decorated and comes equipped with a lavish king-size bed and rain showers. The onboard Lighthouse Restaurant is a culinary gem, recognised with 2AA Rosettes. The Brochs of Coigach, Achiltibuie, Highlands 15 The Brochs of Coigach are situated in one of Britain's most stunning National Scenic Areas Credit: Visit Scotland 15 Both properties feature saunas and expansive panoramic observation areas Credit: Visit Scotland Nestled in one of Britain's most stunning National Scenic Areas, The Brochs of Coigach offer an unparalleled luxury getaway. These roundhouse buildings are modern interpretations of ancient brochs, offering views of the rugged coastline and majestic highland mountains. Set on four acres at the end of a private farm track, each broch is decorated with original works from renowned contemporary Scottish artists. Inside Binky Felstead's getaway to Spencer Matthews' lavish Scots family estate Both self-catering properties feature saunas and expansive panoramic observation areas, ideal for wildlife watching. Despite their secluded setting, the charming retreats are conveniently close to a highly-rated restaurant. You can also enjoy various activities such as hill climbing, sea kayaking, sailing, surfing and motor cruises. The Monastery, Fort Augustus, Highlands 15 The Monastery in Fort Augustus is a the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge Credit: Visit Scotland 15 It is a spacious one bedroom apartment Credit: Visit Scotland Situated in a striking monastery building in Fort Augustus, this venue is an exceptional retreat to unwind and recharge. The spacious one-bedroom apartment boasts a double-height living room with Gothic-style windows, an open-plan kitchen and a stunning master bedroom offering breathtaking views over Loch Ness. The luxurious bathroom features a soaking tub and underfloor heating for added comfort. On-site amenities include a heated indoor pool, a games room, and captivating vistas. Guests can explore nearby whiskey trails, take scenic countryside walks to the local pub or even try their luck at spotting Nessie. The Suites at Urquhart Church, Elgin, Moray 15 The Sanctuary Apartments at the Suites at Urquhart Church sleep up to 11 guests Credit: Visit Scotland 15 Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with cosy furnishings Credit: Visit Scotland The Sanctuary Apartments at the Suites at Urquhart Church are the perfect place for a bit of peace and quiet. The apartments sleep between two and eleven guests, making it an ideal retreat for couples, families or groups of friends. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed with cosy furnishings and modern amenities. The converted church is surrounded by nearly two acres of rolling farmland. The picturesque gardens include a pond, a charming waterfall, and a stream that meanders through the landscape. In the Moray region, there are plenty of attractions to explore, such as centuries-old whisky distilleries, the historic Elgin Cathedral and beautiful white sandy beaches. Chaffeur's Apartment, Lochinch Castle, Stranraer 15 The Chaffeur's Apartment is located in the Victorian Stable Courtyard of Lochinch Castle Credit: Alamy 15 It was originally the residence for the Earl and Countess of Stair's chauffeur Credit: Visit Scotland The Chaffeur's Apartment, located in the Victorian Stable Courtyard of Lochinch Castle in Stranraer, is a newly refurbished three-bedroom self-catering accommodation. Originally serving as the residence for the Earl and Countess of Stair's chauffeur, it maintains some of its historical features while incorporating modern upgrades. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the White Loch and the turreted Lochinch Castle. The apartment includes three spacious bedrooms, an open-plan living room with a log fire and all essential amenities. Guests have unlimited access to the stunning Castle Kennedy Gardens, which are open to the public from 10am to 5pm, February to October. Visitors can partake in a variety of activities, such as pony riding, exploring a nearby chocolate factory or mountain biking in the surrounding area. Rua Reidh Lighthouse, Gairloch, Wester Ross 15 Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located at the entrance to Loch Ewe Credit: Alamy 15 The former Keepers' Quarters have been converted into a cosy retreat Credit: Visit Scotland Rua Reidh Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse located at the entrance to Loch Ewe - making it perfect for a secluded getaway. First lit in 1912, this Stevenson lighthouse provides breathtaking views across the Minch to Skye, the Shiants and the Outer Hebrides. The former Keepers' Quarters have been converted into a cosy retreat featuring two ensuite bedrooms, both with stunning sea views. It's a dream destination for nature lovers as sightings of whales, dolphins and basking sharks are not uncommon. Bracken Treehouse, St Andrews, Fife 15 Bracken Treehouse is a romantic adults-only hideaway Credit: Alix McIntosh 15 It features a stargazing window and is designed to maximise natural light Credit: Visit Scotland Nestled among the treetops, Bracken Treehouse is a romantic adults-only hideaway set in an ancient 36-acre woodland. It sleeps two guests and features a stargazing window and is designed to maximise natural light. Modern amenities include a fully equipped kitchen, a flushing toilet and a shower with panoramic views of the surrounding canopy. While it offers a serene and tranquil retreat in the beautiful Fife countryside, there's easy access to the picturesque East Neuk, St Andrews, and Dundee is just a short distance away.
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Watch as newlyweds depart Edinburgh after unique wedding day celebrations
An English couple celebrated their Edinburgh wedding in style today, travelling from Liverpool to the capital in a vintage train with 42 wedding guests ahead of their ceremony at the Fingal Hotel. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ben Miller and Lorenzo Garafolo, who got engaged in 2021, decided to tie the knot in the capital after falling in love with the city several years ago. Ben Miller and Lorenzo Garafolo shared a special moment at Edinburgh's Waverley Station | NW Following their ceremony, a piper welcomed the wedding party at Waverley Station ahead of their outbound train. The happy couple plan keep the celebrations going on their way back – cutting their cake on the Northern Belle train and having their first dance in the aisle. Watch the video to see the Ben and Lorenzo's special moment at Waverley Station.
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Couple travel to Edinburgh in 1930s vintage train to celebrate wedding in style
An English couple will celebrate their Edinburgh wedding in style today, travelling to the capital on board a 1930s Pullman-style train before getting married on a luxury cruise ship. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ben Miller and Lorenzo Garafolo, who first met in 2018 and got engaged during the pandemic, will travel in a private carriage on the Northern Belle from Liverpool to Edinburgh with 42 wedding guests dressed in 1930s attire ahead of their ceremony at the Fingal Hotel - a luxury floating hotel berthed in Leith. The Greater Manchester couple first travelled to Edinburgh on the luxury train three years ago and after falling in love with the city, decided to tie the knot in the capital. But their plans to have a 1930s themed wedding were first put in motion after a 'throwaway comment'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ben Miller and Lorenzo Garafolo will celebrate their wedding in style in Edinburgh | Ben Miller Speaking to the Evening News, Ben said: 'We wanted to do something that was completely unique to us and something that really meant something to us as people and as a couple. 'We were travelling on the Northern Bell to Edinburgh last year and Lorenzo made this throwaway comment, 'I wonder if we can get married on this'. But we ran with it and later found out we can't get married on the train because it crosses different regions. But we knew we wanted to find a wedding venue in Edinburgh where we could all take the train up, get married and then take the train back down. 'We looked at a lot of different venues that were walking distance from the station but didn't see anything that we really liked. And then we visited the Fingal Hotel and the minute that we stepped on board the boat, we realised, oh my god, this is it, this is the venue.' The wedding party will travel on the Northern Belle from Liverpool to Edinburgh on Thursday | Ben Miller The couple and wedding guests will make the 400-mile round trip dressed in elegant 1930s attire to celebrate the occasion, and after a unique ceremony at the Fingal Hotel, the wedding party will return to Waverley Station where a bag piper will welcome them on to their return train to Liverpool. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ben said: 'We want to embrace this kind of 1920s / 1930s-esque vibe for the day - it's got that over romanticized vibe with a cinematic glamour lens on it. So we're really encouraging our guests to dress up in 1920s outfits and wear whatever sequins or bling they want. The overarching theme is to go as big and eccentric as you want and live out your golden age fantasy as part of our day. 'On the train back down to Liverpool we're going to try and have our first dance in the aisle of the carriage because they've got the live musicians on board the train. And we're also going to do the cutting of the cake and everything on the train as well. 'I think a lot of weddings follow a structure of what people feel obliged to do, but we wanted to do things that really meant something special to us. And everything we've planned has a meaning and a connection behind it, so I think we've managed to achieve that with our day.'
The Sun
29-04-2025
- The Sun
Tripadvisor's best UK hotels revealed – including a huge ship, old train station, safari park and a prison
THE best hotels in the world as well as the weird and wonderful have been revealed by Tripadvisor. There are lots of quirky stays around the country including one on a boat, a converted train station and a wildlife park that will make you feel like you're on safari in the UK. 10 10 Fingal Hotel in Edinburgh topped the list when it came to Tripadvisor's 'One of a Kind' category. The ship that's permanently docked in Edinburgh's Leith neighbourhood has been transformed into a five-star floating hotel. It's described as being in the style of a superyacht, but with an old-world elegance. Guests can choose to stay in the classic cabin, luxurious suites, a penthouse, or a duplex cabin which is spread out across two floors. Onboard is The Lighthouse Restaurants & Bar that's been awards 2 AA Rosettes. Over in Kent is the Port Lympne Hotel where you're likely to spot lions, tigers and rhinos. The hotel doubles as a wildlife reserve so you'll be on safari - but in the middle of the English countryside. The park has over 900 animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, as well as gorillas, giraffes, leopards and bears. The hotel itself is four-stars and rooms vary from the Tiger Lodge - where you can wake up with a tiger at your window. You will also get your own golf buggy and can race off to the safari park at your leisure. New English hotel named among best in the world despite being open less than a year - with incredible secret spy bar 10 10 Guests can also choose from the Treehouses to Forest Hideaway cabins and Leopard Creek - where you can sleep metres away from the rare cats. One reviewer wrote: "We stayed in Leopard Creek and were lucky enough to see the leopards up close on the first evening. "The bottle of Prosecco and range of teas and Nespresso coffees meant that we were looked after as well as the animals." Another unique stay in the UK is The Old Railway Station in Petworth. Petworth Railway Station was originally built in 1892 and closed to passengers in 1955 and has been open as a guest house since 1995. There are 11 rooms to choose from, all of which are en-suite You can enjoy breakfast in the former train station's original waiting room which has a 20ft high vaulted ceiling. In the summer, you can eat out on the platform in front of the exotic garden. 10 10 Meanwhile, St. Ermin's Hotel in London has been crowned as the sixth best hotel in the world, it has children's concierge, and is home to thousands of worker bees. Tripadvisor has put together a list of the 'Best of the Best Hotels ' all based on customer reviews and ratings. St. Ermin's Hotel was revealed to be the sixth best in the world, and the second best hotel in Europe. It's part of Marriott's Autograph Collection and is found in the heart of St. James. What travellers love the most about the hotel is the butler service, restaurant and bar. What visitors might be most surprised to find at St. Ermin's Hotel is that it's home to 35,000 bees. They are up on the third floor in what they call the 'bee hotel' where they go about their business of making honey - which is used in the hotel kitchen. Guests can observe them safely from behind glass. The hotel also has a Kids Concierge service which is dedicated to keeping children entertained. This includes activities like being a spy for the day and using codes to crack clues around the hotel - at the end they get a mocktail in Caxton Bar. St. Ermin's is also dog friendly and has some hotel rooms that allow them. 10 10 In the hotel are is a restaurant called the Caxton Grill where you can enjoy the buffet breakfast or in the evening, enjoy a three course meal for £45. The Terrace offers small plates like cheese and charcuterie boards along with a huge selection of champagne, wine, beer and cocktails. As well as the Caxton Bar, there's also a Tea Lounge where afternoon tea is served daily between 12 noon and 5.30pm. The rooms vary from a superior double to suites which have separate sitting areas and a marble bathroom. Lots of the reviews on Tripadvisor say the concierge gives 'first-class' service, from getting theatre tickets to giving local recommendations and travel tips. Another wrote: "Truly one of the best hotels we ever stayed in London." The hotel that topped the list and is Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best Hotels' in the world is Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya in Tulum, Mexico. The hotel also secured the number one spot in two other categories: All-Inclusive and Treat Yourself. The resort is perched on the edge of the Caribbean sea, and has earned complimented by reviewers for its impressive spa and wellness centre and selection of pools.
