Friars Carse Country House Hotel
About Friars Carse Country House Hotel
Set in a 45 acre estate amidst rolling hills, the grounds of this 3 star traditional 19th century country house hotel include beautiful woodlands and extend down to a private stretch of the River Nith.
Friars Carse Country House Hotel Description
The hotel’s Whistle Restaurant takes its name from a Robert Burns poem and is open daily for breakfast and dinner when guests are served excellent locally sourced cuisine to reflect the seasons. Afternoon tea can be taken each day and bar snacks are available from Monday to Saturday. There is also an extensive wine list.
Guests can soak up the atmosphere of the magnificent paneled entrance hall, elegant staircase and spacious lounge, enjoy a ‘wee dram’ in the comfortable bar or try their hand at snooker on the full size table. There is also a lift to all floors.
The 21 en suite bedrooms, each with a character of its own, have direct dial telephone, remote control colour TV with Freeview and radio, WiFi internet access, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer and hospitality tray. Many also offer spectacular views over our beautiful gardens leading down to the banks of the River Nith. Check in from 3pm and check out by 11am.
The hotel grounds are ideal for walking your dog although they are not allowed in the restaurant and we do make a charge.
What To See & Do
Walk through the hotel grounds to Robert Burns’ Hermitage and on to his home at nearby Ellisland Farm or book in advance for a spot of grayling, trout or salmon fishing on the hotel’s mile-plus private beat. With the dramatic Galloway Forest Park within easy reach this is also a great location for cyclists while shooting and golf can be arranged in advance through the hotel. And, if you prefer a day under cover, nearby Dumfries has a Leisure Complex including waterslides, fitness centre and health suite plus indoor ice skating.
Meetings & Conferences
It’s a real treat to hold a business meeting or conference in such glorious surroundings as Friars Carse. Just 6 miles north of Dumfries and a quarter of a mile off the A76, we’re ideally placed for informal meetings and the Nith Room is available for more formal events and conferences. Our friendly staff will ensure you have everything you need and that everything runs smoothly.
Weddings
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies, the magnificent castle-like Friars Carse Hotel and its outstanding riverside setting provide a truly Scottish backdrop for your special day. Or, if you are getting married at Gretna Green, let us help you celebrate afterwards - we are only 31 miles away. We can cater for up to 70 guests in our two function suites and up to 120 for wedding breakfasts or 200 for evening celebrations in the magical atmosphere of our marquee on the hotel lawns. We have a four poster bridal suite with the best view in the house and a further hotel 20 bedrooms.
Directions:
From London
Take the M1 to J19, then join the M6 (signposted The North West) for 235 miles. Alternatively take the M40 beyond J16 where it
then joins the M42 (follow the signs for The N West M6 Toll). At J7 join the M6 North for 214 miles. To avoid the West Midlands congestion use the M6 Toll which is clearly signposted on the M6 (J3a) and M42 (J3a) both to the east of Birmingham (visit www. m6toll. co. uk for prices). At Gretna Green leave the M6 and join the A74 to Dumfries, then follow signs for A76.
From Glasgow & The Highlands
Take the M74 then A74 south to J15. Follow the A701 to outskirts of Dumfries. Turn right onto A75, then follow signs for A76. The hotel entrance is signposted 5 miles outside Dumfries.
Parking:
Free onsite parking for residents
Reviews
We were there for the hogmany party last night and it was a fantastic night could not fault it. The food the staff and entertainment was second to none . Hope to be there next year x
We stayed two nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. Staff were professional yet very friendly. Food was very good. Only issue was bathrooms were a bit dated...never knew if toilet would flush or what temp the shower would stay at. But the atmosphere more than made up for it. Would love to go back when weather is better so I could see more of the outside scenery.
We stayed for a 2 night romantic weekend away and were not disappointed. The property and grounds are stunning, the food is absolutely top notch and the staff are warm, so friendly and very accommodating. We can't wait to come back and look forward to planning our 10th wedding anniversary here!
We had our wedding here on the 5th May 2018. Our day was fantastic!! The build up was amazing great contact with the staff, regularly checking in with us to make sure we had everything we needed. Everyone told me beforehand that my day would run late as all weddings do but nope. Everything was not only on time but early (well apart from me but as the bride thats allowed �). The food was amazing, we picked the choice menu and got to tailor everything to our own needs. We didn't have a single complaint. The grounds were stunning, perfect for our pictures. The rooms were perfect, we also hired out both of the cottages which were more than what we expected.
Honestly I cannot recommend this hotel enough. We have already booked to go back for our first anniversary, with the whole wedding party! Please be in no doubt this is a fantastic venue!! Thank you so much Friars Carse xx �
We had a couple of wonderful days at Friars Carse Country hotel for my son Pauls wedding on Friday 1st September. Staff were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble. The ceremony was stunning in front if the lake and the marquee was so beautiful. Thank you for an unforgettable wedding and photos of him with his gorgeous wife Romana are sensational.
Can't wait to go back . ��
We chose Friars Carse as our wedding venue for 7th July 2017 and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. From the planning of the day to the actual wedding celebration everything flowed so well, the staff at the hotel were super and always on hand to deal with our requests and queries to ensure we were at ease on our special day. We had the best day ever and our guests have had so many fab things to say about the venue too. Special thanks to Nick and Xavier for all their help and to both Wedding Planners x
Was there at the weekend for a wedding absolutely stunning hotel grounds etc would definitely come back again
This is going to be a long review but i think its important for to let people know how much the staff helped make all of our ideas come to reality. From the start we wanted to do something a little different and they allowed us to do all of them. You cannot have fireworks due to outside regulations at this time of the year so we thought about an outdoor laser show - the manager was fine with this however, we decided against it, we hired a bouncy castle which we were let down with last minute but the manager again was fine with it being allowed which was great as some venues do not allow them. We had the idea of having our first few dances in the woodland glade and putting fairy lights all around the trees and have the dj play there. The venue hired a generator for us, we hired a company to do lights and the whole area was stunning. There was a glitch with all of the power being used resulting in it all tripping so we expected the coordinator to cancel it, however instead of letting us down the staff ran around with multiple extensions to run the power from a nearby house, which worked perfectly and absolutely made our night! I had a very specific idea in mind for our table layout using vintage crockery and cake stands we bought, and made one table example for them to follow, which took me nearly an hour to do the night before, so i was worried they wouldnt have the time or patience to do this for 10 tables on the day. Again i had a specific idea for the outdoor ceremony which required a fair bit of work for them but they done all of it without any complaints. I must say they delivered on everything. The aisle was perfect and we were absolutely blown away by the amount of work every member of staff put into making it all so stunningly perfect. The marquee was amazing they set out the tables, the flowers, everything exactly, if not better, than we envisioned! All of their hard work was carried out with big smiles and they even took some photos and videos of our "rave hour" at the end of the night! We also used an outdoor caterer for the evening reception and the hotel were fine with this.
Every venue we looked at charged a huge extra charge for the use of a marquee, friars carse charge pennies compared to them. The hotel and grounds are spectacular and the food is delicious. We will never be able to thank all of the team enough for all of their help in making our day so amazing and we had nothing but praise from our guests about them. Very highly recommended to anyone considering being married there! We will definitely be back!
Stayed for one night on a Groupon Voucher. Dinner, bed and breakfast, couldn’t fault a thing. Great location, tranquil and beautiful surroundings. Staff very friendly and food was great. Would certainly visit again.
My husband and I stayed here for our wedding on 24.11.17. The day was just perfect and we would like thank Kelly, Christine, Nick and Xav for their patience and huge help over the time we were planning the wedding(just under 11 months). We couldn't have asked for more. On the night of the wedding we met Rebecca, who oversees the marquee. She was a gem throughout the night. The whole team of staff are brilliant and fantastic at their jobs. Having only stayed at the hotel twice prior to the wedding we would not hesitate to stay their again and if we were able to, we would re live our day again. A massive thank you to everyone!
Lovely small hotel in beautiful surroundings, with happy, helpful staff and great food. We have now used one of the self-catering cottages and stayed in the hotel for different events. I would say bottled water in the rooms would be a bonus. Efforts of updating rooms was evident. One small critic was the showers and lack of consistent temperature. I would stay again as I really like the relaxed atmosphere.
Great deal on Dinner B&B. Food fantastic, staff friendly and grounds/river beautiful.
Friars Carse made our wedding truly unforgettable..and saying our wedding vows in front of the lake made that extra special. The staff are fantastic, the wedding breakfast was so tasty. Hopefully we'll go back for our first wedding anniversary. x
Amazing estate. Fabulous original features in grand country home set in hugely impressive rolling acres of mature parkland. You really feel like country gentry, Lord or Lady of the Manor! Staff super friendly but unobtrusive so all needs met without feeling watched! Excellent breakfast, full continental plus cooked selection - I had smoked haddock with poached egg, both cooked to perfection. Fabulous walk along the river bank with stunning views over frosty fields. Couldn't recommend more highly, one of my best and most memorable hotel stays at an amazingly low price.
A fantastically beautiful and enchanting place. Jam-packed with charm and very friendly and attentive staff. It is a magical hotel with the most beautiful views just a stones throw away from the front door. Upgrade to the classic room and it has everything you’ll need. The food was delicious and the service outstanding.
The staff and grounds are great for a weekend away. With Dumfries museums and other shopping towns nearby there was enough to do.
However the building and room decor was looking a little tired and needs a spruce up and an update.
The room I was in was a bit on the small side, but was clean Which all that mattered as was only there 1 night. The grounds were lovely to go a wee walk and the food was really good especially dinner. Staff were all lovely too. Will defo be heading back again.
Stayed en route to John O'Groats (cycling). It's a lovely venue with friendly staff. The grounds by the river Nith are fantastic and the earlier reviews for the weddings clearly bear this out. I can only imagine that a wedding ceremony in the grounds overlooking the river must be brilliant. Dinner was very good. My room felt a little "tired" but the bed was very comfortable.
Absolutely amazing stunning setting, staff were really lovely. We got a base rate room which was comfortable but requires updating. Food was lovely but my steak was over done. More medium well done than medium rare. Was lovely nonetheless. Would definitely come back!
We were there for the hogmany party last night and it was a fantastic night could not fault it. The food the staff and entertainment was second to none . Hope to be there next year x
We stayed two nights and thoroughly enjoyed it. Staff were professional yet very friendly. Food was very good. Only issue was bathrooms were a bit dated...never knew if toilet would flush or what temp the shower would stay at. But the atmosphere more than made up for it. Would love to go back when weather is better so I could see more of the outside scenery.
We stayed for a 2 night romantic weekend away and were not disappointed. The property and grounds are stunning, the food is absolutely top notch and the staff are warm, so friendly and very accommodating. We can't wait to come back and look forward to planning our 10th wedding anniversary here!
We had our wedding here on the 5th May 2018. Our day was fantastic!! The build up was amazing great contact with the staff, regularly checking in with us to make sure we had everything we needed. Everyone told me beforehand that my day would run late as all weddings do but nope. Everything was not only on time but early (well apart from me but as the bride thats allowed �). The food was amazing, we picked the choice menu and got to tailor everything to our own needs. We didn't have a single complaint. The grounds were stunning, perfect for our pictures. The rooms were perfect, we also hired out both of the cottages which were more than what we expected.
Honestly I cannot recommend this hotel enough. We have already booked to go back for our first anniversary, with the whole wedding party! Please be in no doubt this is a fantastic venue!! Thank you so much Friars Carse xx �
We had a couple of wonderful days at Friars Carse Country hotel for my son Pauls wedding on Friday 1st September. Staff were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble. The ceremony was stunning in front if the lake and the marquee was so beautiful. Thank you for an unforgettable wedding and photos of him with his gorgeous wife Romana are sensational.
Can't wait to go back . ��
We chose Friars Carse as our wedding venue for 7th July 2017 and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. From the planning of the day to the actual wedding celebration everything flowed so well, the staff at the hotel were super and always on hand to deal with our requests and queries to ensure we were at ease on our special day. We had the best day ever and our guests have had so many fab things to say about the venue too. Special thanks to Nick and Xavier for all their help and to both Wedding Planners x
Was there at the weekend for a wedding absolutely stunning hotel grounds etc would definitely come back again
This is going to be a long review but i think its important for to let people know how much the staff helped make all of our ideas come to reality. From the start we wanted to do something a little different and they allowed us to do all of them. You cannot have fireworks due to outside regulations at this time of the year so we thought about an outdoor laser show - the manager was fine with this however, we decided against it, we hired a bouncy castle which we were let down with last minute but the manager again was fine with it being allowed which was great as some venues do not allow them. We had the idea of having our first few dances in the woodland glade and putting fairy lights all around the trees and have the dj play there. The venue hired a generator for us, we hired a company to do lights and the whole area was stunning. There was a glitch with all of the power being used resulting in it all tripping so we expected the coordinator to cancel it, however instead of letting us down the staff ran around with multiple extensions to run the power from a nearby house, which worked perfectly and absolutely made our night! I had a very specific idea in mind for our table layout using vintage crockery and cake stands we bought, and made one table example for them to follow, which took me nearly an hour to do the night before, so i was worried they wouldnt have the time or patience to do this for 10 tables on the day. Again i had a specific idea for the outdoor ceremony which required a fair bit of work for them but they done all of it without any complaints. I must say they delivered on everything. The aisle was perfect and we were absolutely blown away by the amount of work every member of staff put into making it all so stunningly perfect. The marquee was amazing they set out the tables, the flowers, everything exactly, if not better, than we envisioned! All of their hard work was carried out with big smiles and they even took some photos and videos of our "rave hour" at the end of the night! We also used an outdoor caterer for the evening reception and the hotel were fine with this.
Every venue we looked at charged a huge extra charge for the use of a marquee, friars carse charge pennies compared to them. The hotel and grounds are spectacular and the food is delicious. We will never be able to thank all of the team enough for all of their help in making our day so amazing and we had nothing but praise from our guests about them. Very highly recommended to anyone considering being married there! We will definitely be back!
Stayed for one night on a Groupon Voucher. Dinner, bed and breakfast, couldn’t fault a thing. Great location, tranquil and beautiful surroundings. Staff very friendly and food was great. Would certainly visit again.
My husband and I stayed here for our wedding on 24.11.17. The day was just perfect and we would like thank Kelly, Christine, Nick and Xav for their patience and huge help over the time we were planning the wedding(just under 11 months). We couldn't have asked for more. On the night of the wedding we met Rebecca, who oversees the marquee. She was a gem throughout the night. The whole team of staff are brilliant and fantastic at their jobs. Having only stayed at the hotel twice prior to the wedding we would not hesitate to stay their again and if we were able to, we would re live our day again. A massive thank you to everyone!
Lovely small hotel in beautiful surroundings, with happy, helpful staff and great food. We have now used one of the self-catering cottages and stayed in the hotel for different events. I would say bottled water in the rooms would be a bonus. Efforts of updating rooms was evident. One small critic was the showers and lack of consistent temperature. I would stay again as I really like the relaxed atmosphere.
Great deal on Dinner B&B. Food fantastic, staff friendly and grounds/river beautiful.
Friars Carse made our wedding truly unforgettable..and saying our wedding vows in front of the lake made that extra special. The staff are fantastic, the wedding breakfast was so tasty. Hopefully we'll go back for our first wedding anniversary. x
Amazing estate. Fabulous original features in grand country home set in hugely impressive rolling acres of mature parkland. You really feel like country gentry, Lord or Lady of the Manor! Staff super friendly but unobtrusive so all needs met without feeling watched! Excellent breakfast, full continental plus cooked selection - I had smoked haddock with poached egg, both cooked to perfection. Fabulous walk along the river bank with stunning views over frosty fields. Couldn't recommend more highly, one of my best and most memorable hotel stays at an amazingly low price.
A fantastically beautiful and enchanting place. Jam-packed with charm and very friendly and attentive staff. It is a magical hotel with the most beautiful views just a stones throw away from the front door. Upgrade to the classic room and it has everything you’ll need. The food was delicious and the service outstanding.
The staff and grounds are great for a weekend away. With Dumfries museums and other shopping towns nearby there was enough to do.
However the building and room decor was looking a little tired and needs a spruce up and an update.
The room I was in was a bit on the small side, but was clean Which all that mattered as was only there 1 night. The grounds were lovely to go a wee walk and the food was really good especially dinner. Staff were all lovely too. Will defo be heading back again.
Stayed en route to John O'Groats (cycling). It's a lovely venue with friendly staff. The grounds by the river Nith are fantastic and the earlier reviews for the weddings clearly bear this out. I can only imagine that a wedding ceremony in the grounds overlooking the river must be brilliant. Dinner was very good. My room felt a little "tired" but the bed was very comfortable.
Absolutely amazing stunning setting, staff were really lovely. We got a base rate room which was comfortable but requires updating. Food was lovely but my steak was over done. More medium well done than medium rare. Was lovely nonetheless. Would definitely come back!