Weekend Hotspot – Cally Palace from Mc Millan Hotels

Dumfries & Galloway is a treat for visitors providing inspiring landscapes with attractive towns and villages. On a visit here you can see some of Scotland's best landscapes and vistas. The town of Dumfries dominated by the tower of Midsteeple is a place where many Scots left their homelands in search of a better life in the new world. Dumfries is also famous for its association with Scottish poet Robert Burns who lived here and fans can take the Burn's walk, along the banks of the River Nith.  Gretna and the nearby village of Gretna Green are famous as a wedding venue for the young faced with resistance to their wish to get married.

The well known tradition for eloping to Gretna started in 1754 when an English law was passed stating that any person wanting to marry under the age of 21, required parental consent to do so. Local shopping facilities include the Gateway Outlet Village in Gretna offering a choice of leading brand names and cafes. One of my other favourite towns Kirkcudbright is a mecca for art enthusiasts with a range of art studios and galleries to explore. Local attractions include the Stewartry Museum that houses collections detailing the natural and human history of the area. Also in the Galloway heartland, Castle Douglas has gained the title of the Food Town. Stranraer located on the shores of Loch Ryan west of Dumfries is the second largest town in the region , local attractions include the Castle of St John, a 16th century townhouse located in the town centre, it is a museum telling the storey behind the castle.

Stranraer Museum is located in the 18th century Old Town Hall, with a number of displays and exhibitions showcasing the history of the area.  Also nearby expect to find some of the hotels that Scotland has to offer including the charming Cally Palace a former 18th century country mansion and now leading golf hotel. You can step back to a time of period style and elegance while enjoying all the modern comforts of a four-star golf hotel. The hotel’s 56 bedrooms combine spacious accommodation with views of the estate grounds and the Dumfries & Galloway countryside beyond. The restaurant offers an award winning, fine dining experience using the freshest of local ingredients. A breakfast, lunch and dinner menu is available, with an emphasis on seasonal game, fish and meat. There is also a pianist to accompany evening meals. Cally Palace with its own exclusive golf course, as well as an indoor leisure complex with swimming pool is about an hour from Cairnryan and just over a two hour journey across the Irish Sea on the Stena Superfast ferry from Belfast. This leading ferry company offers various onboard facilities including Stena Plus for those wishing to travel in style. The many extras include complimentary beverages and snacks, dedicated waiter service and use of touch screen PC's and Apple iPads. The food offering is also locally sourced with the highest quality ingredients. Also while onboard expect fantastic onboard shopping; free Wi-Fi, movies and kids play areas.  On this trip I quickly learnt that ferry travel is one of the most relaxing ways to holiday. It’s such a unique, enjoyable and stress-free travel experience and I intend to do it again soon. To book a car-cation click on www.stenaline.co.uk.

For best offers on weekly or weekend accommodation at Cally Palace visit www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk