Glasgow might be everyone's go-to for its architecture and thriving cultural scene, but there's plenty to explore in the surrounding region too, with a host of charmingly peaceful spots located just a stone's throw from the city. Less than an hour's drive from Glasgow you'll find lush green landscapes, rolling hills, tranquil lochs and some truly stunning scenery, not to mention many charming hotels offering all manner of nature, wellness and golfing retreats.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or simply a chance to unwind in a picturesque setting, the countryside around Glasgow promises a spectacular getaway. From cosy boutique hotels to grand estates, spa hotels to golf resorts, this region has something for every traveller. We invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of Scotland’s natural landscapes while being spoiled in some of Scotland's most luxurious hotels.
© Crossbasket Castle
© Crossbasket Castle
Crossbasket Castle
High BlantyreLocation: 25 minutes' drive southeast of Glasgow
Perfect For: A truly elegant country house or small group cottage stay
Rightly proud of its heritage, this refined country house will transport you back to the good old days with its timeless elegance. Lovingly transformed into a luxurious hotel, its original 17th-century architectural features are accompanied by plush furnishings and an exclusive feel. Behind the crenellated walls, the Castle bedrooms – each named in honour of the historical custodians of the castle – come with period windows and antique furnishings and include the four-storey Lindsay Tower Suite, while the Hotel bedrooms have been designed with luxury in mind and look out over the peaceful gardens. Two charming, multi-bedroom lodges, meanwhile, ensure complete privacy and lend your stay a somewhat exclusive air.
Activities: Enjoy scenic walks through their tranquil grounds; book a tour, including 'Castles & Historic Homes', 'Highland and Lowland Whisky', 'Lochs & Nature' or 'Wild Coast'; visit nearby nature attractions – Chatelherault Country Park, Strathclyde Country Park, the Falls of Clyde.
© Cameron House on Loch Lomond
© Cameron House on Loch Lomond
Cameron House on Loch Lomond
AlexandriaLocation: 45 minutes' drive northwest of Glasgow
Perfect For: Traditionalists, nature-lovers, wellness retreats and golf enthusiasts
Halls lined with oversized portraits of men in kilts and a seemingly infinite array of different tartans leave you in no doubt as to your location here at Cameron House. And the name is barely an exaggeration either – with its proximity to the most famous of lochs, you can almost reach out and touch the water from your bed; some guests even choose to arrive here via the hotel's cruiser. Surrounding the hotel, the scenic Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park takes in mountains (including 21 'munros'), forests, lochs and winding trails. When it comes to the bedrooms, there's plenty of choice, from rooms and suites in various buildings to apartments and lodges. A host of dining and drinking options includes a whisky bar with over 250 bottles.
Activities: Play a round of golf on their nine-hole 'Wee Demon' or 18-hole 'Carrick' courses; unwind in the top-class spa with its wide range of treatments, thermal and hydro experiences and infinity rooftop pool; sign up to shooting, falconry or 4x4 adventures; take to the water; explore the wonder of the National Park on a guided walk, by bike or on a pony trek.
© Cromlix Hotel
© Cromlix Hotel
Cromlix Hotel
KinbuckAward: One Michelin Key
Location: 45 minutes' drive northeast of Glasgow
Perfect For: Fans of tennis and outdoor pursuits; an intimate atmosphere
Cromlix was always a family favourite of the Murrays – who hail from the next town over – so when it came on the market, Andy Murray was quick to snap it up. Somewhat surprisingly to some, he didn't give it a full contemporary makeover, but instead simply pepped it up with some colourful modern furnishings and designer touches, all while maintaining its traditional 1880s country house air. From Estate Rooms and Turret Suites to Cottage Rooms and the Laurel Gate Lodge, bedrooms are designed to bring the outside in and promote rest and rejuvenation while being at one with nature. While the total number of rooms may be small, Cromlix certainly isn't lacking in activities and amenities.
Activities: Play tennis – either free play or coaching – on courts decked out in Wimbledon colours; play billiards, croquet or lawn putting; book an outdoor pursuit such as falconry, archery or shooting; indulge in an in-room treatment; go on a foraging excursion or sign up to a herbology class; and, for bigger groups, take part in a mini version of the Highland Games! Gleneagles, The King's Championship Golf Course, is also close by.
© Dumfries House Lodge
© Dumfries House Lodge
Dumfries House Lodge
CumnockAward: One Michelin Key
Location: 60 minutes' drive south from Glasgow
Perfect For: History-lovers, walkers
With just 22 bedrooms, staying at Dumfries House Lodge feels like being part of an exclusive club. Constructed in 1750 as the 'Garden Cottage', the building later became the factor's house and, today, it is a luxurious hotel with a laid-back feel. It sits on the same 2,000-acre estate as Dumfries House, one of the country's most beautiful stately homes (which is owned by the King's Foundation), and a house tour is a must while you're here. It's not just the house that boasts some marvellous antiques though – your bedroom will too! For those who prefer a little more seclusion, there are also two cottages available.
Activities: Take a guided tour of Dumfries House; wander the extensive gardens and grounds which include a walled garden, an arboretum, a maze, the lady's well, the dovecot, the temple gate and various bridges; sign up for horticulture or food lessons; take a dip in the local outdoor Tamar Manoukian New Cumnock Pool.
© Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa
© Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa
Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa
TroonLocation: 45 minutes' drive southwest of Glasgow
Perfect For: Golf-lovers, explorers
Ayrshire's magnificent coastline plays host to this splendid manor house which looks out over the Royal Troon Golf Club and the Firth of Clyde towards Arran. Its spacious rooms blend period architectural features with sumptuous soft furnishings and offer outstanding panoramic views. Bedrooms range from contemporary rooms with balconies to 'Original House' rooms which capture the spirit of the house's early days. For a more secluded retreat, there's also the Lodge House, a one-bedroom cottage in the grounds. The entire property is also available to book for private events. Their impressive art collection is worth exploring.
Activities: Unwind in the spa; wander the estate's colourful gardens and woods; visit Culzean Castle and Country Park, the Rozelle Estate or Dunure to take in natural beauty; explore Burns country and its museums; play one of three Open Championship or four Open Qualifier Golf Courses (Troon is Scotland’s golf capital); take to the water at Troon Harbour.
© Marine Troon
© Marine Troon
Marine Troon
TroonLocation: 50 minutes' drive southwest of Glasgow
Perfect For: Dog-owners, golf enthusiasts, relaxation
Sharing a similarly spectacular outlook as Lochgreen House, Marine Troon takes in breathtaking views towards the Isle of Arran. A self-described 'Seafarer’s Eden' that 'represents the nexus between land and sea, sport and soil, and man and nature', it offers something for one and all, be that golfing, wellness or exploration. Whether you're staying in a Classic Room or a coastal-themed Marine Room or Suite, there's the option to choose from a Sea or Golf View to suit your passion. Bedrooms are dog friendly, as is The Seal Bar, so you can even bring your four-legged friends along to enjoy the fresh sea air with you.
Activities: Take to the putting green before playing the neighbouring 'Old Course' or 'Portland' (golf club storage and rental available); make the most of the complimentary bike rental; enjoy spa treatments and relax in the steam room, hot tub and indoor pool with views of the coast; keep up your training in the fitness room and squash court; walk on Troon Beach or catch the ferry over to Arran; visit the Bachelors' Club Museum, the 1833 Glengoyne Distillery or join a tasting event at The Jar, a specialist shop boasting more than 300 single-malt whiskies and Scottish gins.
