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December 4, 2019

That's a rhetorical question. Obviously, nothing beats a cosy getaway in a castle. Whether you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift or a relaxing pre-Christmas break, check these fantastic Big Deals.

Kincraig Castle Hotel, Ross-shire

1 or 2 Night B&B Stay with Late Check-Out & Optional Dinner from £79

Here at 5pm, we have a few requirements for the perfect Scottish Highland break.

First of all, we like to stay in a castle. A castle that was home to one of Scotland’s most formidable clans, preferably.

We’d like the castle to be in the countryside, surrounded by the spectacular Highland scenery. And inside the castle, we like roaring log fires, four-poster beds and sumptuous tartan decor.

Today’s Big Deal for a stay at Kincraig Castle Hotel meets all those requirements.

Kincraig Castle Hotel is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands just off the A9 near Tomich by Invergordon, 25 minutes from Inverness.

For centuries, Kincraig Castle was home to generations of the Clan MacKenzie who fought with Robert the Bruce.

Now the magnificent building is a cosy hotel which hosts guests looking for a romantic Highland break.

Today’s Big Deal is for a one or two night stay in an estate room at Kincraig Castle Hotel with breakfast each morning and option of dinner on the first night.

The estate rooms at Kincraig Castle Hotel have cosy, traditional Scottish decor and windows with views onto the estate lawns. All estate rooms are en suite and have WiFi, flat-screen television, hairdryer, desk, telephone and daily room service option.

The Deal is available seven days a week in December. Note, there is a £20 per room supplement for Saturday night stays.

The AA Rosette-awarded restaurant at Kincraig Castle Hotel serves dishes created using produce from local suppliers the hotel knows and trusts.

Due to Kincraig Castle Hotel’s close proximity to the Dalmore Distillery in Alness and the Glenmorangie Distillery in Tain, they have a whisky snug which pays homage to Scotland’s national drink, with over 100 malts to choose from and knowledgeable staff to advise. The snug also serves wines, craft beers, spirits and cocktails.

Valid until 29th December 2019 (seasonal shut-outs apply), this Big Deal at Kincraig Castle Hotel is the perfect opportunity to make all your Highland castle dreams come true.

Stonefield Castle Hotel, Argyll

1 or 2 Night B&B Stay + Optional £50 Food & Drink Spend from £59

Fancy a romantic castle break?

Situated close to the pretty fishing village of Tarbert, Stonefield Castle Hotel in Argyll offers woodland gardens and AA Rosette dining as well as amazing views over Loch Fyne.

With this Big Deal, you can enjoy a one or two night stay for two in the comfort of an upgraded Garden View room.

Set within 60 acres of woodland gardens, the four-star Stonefield Castle Hotel was built in 1837. Many of the beautiful period features, such as the wood panelling, ornate ceilings and marble fireplaces, have been retained.

Guests are encouraged to stroll through the hotel’s mature woodland gardens with its exotic rhododendron and spot red squirrels or the resident roe deer.

At dusk, it is sometimes possible to catch sight of seals swimming by the jetty or an otter playing on the rocks.

Available seven days a week from January until the end of March 2020, this offer would make for a truly dreamy winter break. You have three options to choose from:

Option one is for an overnight stay for two in a twin or double Garden View room, with breakfast included. As an added perk you can check out late at noon, meaning that you can enjoy a lazy morning enjoying the full Scottish breakfast selection then strolling around the grounds.

Option two adds on dinner to the package and option three is for two nights, with dinner on one night only.

Dinner will be a £50 food & drink spend per couple.

Each of the 36 rooms at Stonefield Castle is individually decorated with a traditional Scottish feel. All are en suite with digital TVs, hairdryers and hot drinks making facilities. The hotel offers WiFi and free on-site parking.

Your upgraded room will have a view over the hotel’s beautiful gardens, which look particularly lovely in winter.

Please note that there is a £30 supplement for Saturday night stays.

The hotel restaurant is well known for the high quality of its cooking, and locally sourced beef, game and seafood take pride of place on the menu.

The only thing that may distract you from the food is the breathtaking view over the loch.

After dinner, guests are encouraged to enjoy a drink in front of the log fire in the bar.

Exceptional scenery, old-world charm and wonderful food – Stonefield Castle Hotel has everything you need to make a short break truly memorable.

So why not treat yourself to a cosy break at Stonefield Castle Hotel on the shores of Loch Fyne?

Melville Castle, Edinburgh

Overnight B&B Stay with Option of Dinner from £89

Melville Castle could claim to be by royal appointment, having hosted both Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Victoria over the centuries.

These days it’s a luxurious country house hotel, handy for the capital, and the perfect spot for today’s Big Deal – an overnight stay with option of dinner.

Although it is just 20 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, Melville Castle provides a peaceful and relaxed setting in parkland grounds. The hotel, rebuilt in the Georgian era as a grand, gothic Playfair-designed country house, combines period atmosphere with contemporary comfort, making it the perfect choice for a stylish escape, or romantic break.

Available seven days, the Big Deal option one offers an overnight stay for two in a classic double or twin room, with continental or full Scottish breakfast.

Option two offers an overnight stay for two in a classic double or twin room, with continental or full Scottish breakfast and a main course dinner.

Both options offer late checkout so you can enjoy a lie-in or a relaxing stroll after breakfast.

Classic rooms at Melville Castle offer sumptuous traditional décor, graceful furnishings and period details, alongside all the modern touches of a fine hotel.

Melville Castle has picked up numerous accolades over the years. Queen Victoria’s TripAdvisor review is unavailable, but these are some more recent comments:

‘The castle looks phenomenal on the drive up, the staff are superb, food is good, and that, coupled with a great night’s sleep, made it a perfect stop over.’

‘The lobby area is lovely with a crackling fireplace, beautiful chandelier and mandatory impressive staircase. We stayed in a gorgeous room on the top floor and it was perfect.’

Valid until the end of March 2020 (seasonal shut-outs apply), today’s Big Deal at Melville Castle is a great Christmas gift idea, but could also serve as a welcome pre-Christmas getaway.

Fernie Castle, Fife

£159 for an Overnight B&B Stay in Monarch Suite with Dinner & Prosecco

When you need a romantic getaway, you can’t beat a castle.

Write your own fairytale with today’s Big Deal on an overnight stay with dinner at Fernie Castle by Letham in Fife.

What’s more, you’ll also get receive a bottle of Prosecco on arrival – winner!

Sitting pretty in seventeen acres of woodland, the castle’s origins go all the way back to the 14th century.

And, as is the rule for old castles, it is said to have its own spectral presence: the Lady in Green.

Fast forward to the 21st century and Fernie Castle has the modern conveniences and comforts that today’s travellers expect while retaining its period charm and character.

Soak it all in with today’s Big Deal.

Available from 3rd February to 31st March 2020, this offer is ideal for a wonderful present for anyone who would appreciate a romantic night away after Christmas.

Available seven days a week, the offer is for two people to enjoy an overnight stay in the Monarch Suite with a full Scottish breakfast in the morning, a four course table d’hôte dinner with tea or coffee for each guest, and a bottle of Prosecco on arrival.

All rooms are individually designed and have en suite facilities with bath or shower, digital TV, trouser press, hairdryer, alarm clocks, direct dial telephone and courtesy tea tray.

There is a £20 supplement for Saturday night stays, payable direct to Fernie Castle.

Whether you have dinner in The Turret Bistro or the Georgian Splendour of the Auld Alliance Room, you are in for a gastronomic treat.

The table d’hôte menu changes regularly but typical starters might be the smoked Scottish salmon or the haggis bonbon wrapped in filo pastry and served with a whisky mayonnaise.

Popular main courses include the breast of chicken with an onion and mustard cream sauce and the grilled lamb chops in a minted gravy.

After dinner, many guests like to drop by The Keep Bar. Dating back to 1530, it has a large range of malt whisky and many other drinks.

If you want a romantic night away, this Big Deal from Fernie Castle in the Kingdom of Fife offers an atmospheric break away from the everyday.

Knock Castle Hotel & Spa

£139 for Suite Stay with Breakfast, Egg Relaxation Treatment & Late Check-Out

The perfect, romantic getaway is different for everybody.

Whatever your preferences, staying in a castle seems like an excellent starting point.

This offer means you can sweep your Prince or Princess off their feet for a fairytale getaway in a real-life castle.

Enjoying panoramic views of its woodland grounds and Perthshire hills, Knock Castle Hotel and Spa is only a short drive from Glasgow or Edinburgh but its tranquil surrounds mean that it seems worlds away from the stress of the Central Belt.

Valid Sunday to Thursday until 13th February 2020 (seasonal shut-outs apply), this Big Deal is for an overnight stay in a Junior Suite. A full Scottish breakfast and a late check-out at noon are part of the deal.

The offer also gives guests a 15-minute session in the Egg Relaxation Capsule.

Designed to deliver the benefits of a full body massage whilst remaining completely clothed, the Egg Relaxation Capsule was created for people with a very busy schedule to provide 15 minutes of stress relief. Now at Knock Castle’s Spa, you can enjoy a totally private, fuss-free and relaxing massage experience.

As mentioned, a full Scottish breakfast is included in the deal and, if you also decide to take other meals at the hotel, then you can enjoy the superb views from the new Rooftop Restaurant.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy an informal meal in the Knock Castle Bar.

Freshly cooked, local produce takes pride of place on the menus.

Weather permitting, guests may also venture out onto the Rooftop Terrace to enjoy a pre or post-dinner drink.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or simply searching for a tranquil overnight break, today’s Big Deal with Knock Castle Hotel and Spa is the ideal way to relax.

With a luxurious suite stay, relaxing treatment, full Scottish breakfast and a late check-out included, it makes an ideal romantic Christmas gift.