Dumfries
Friars Carse
Travelzoo Staff
Why We Love It
- This historic property is set amid "the gentle hills and lush valleys of Dumfries and Galloway," close to "some of southern Scotland's finest attractions" (Lonely Planet)
- The hotel is part of a 45-acre estate beside the River Nith and has its own private fishing beat
- Poet Robert Burns lived on a nearby farm and was a regular visitor
Map & Directions
Rooms & Rates
Overview
Set in 45 acres of tranquil parkland and woodland, Friars Carse is a country estate within the grounds of what was originally a 13th-century friary. The poet Robert Burns spent much of his short but eventful life in the vicinity of Friars Carse -- even engraving lines with his diamond-point pen on the summer-house windows. The stencil is now on display at Ellisland Farm Museum, which is a short walk away.
The hotel is on the banks of the River Nith, and offers seasonal angling opportunities exclusively for hotel guests (supplements apply). There is also tackle storage, a drying room and freezing facilities on site.
From the hotel, Sandyhills Beach is a 40 minutes' drive away, while Sweetheart Abbey is 20 minutes' drive. The ruins of Dundrennan Abbey -- where Mary, Queen of Scots spent her final night in Scotland -- and the moated triangular Caerlaverock Castle are both less than 50 minutes'drive.
The Whistle Restaurant uses seasonal produce and offers an extensive wine list. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, and many have views across the well-maintained lawns.
Amenities
Policies
Have a Question? Contact Travelzoo.
- 1-877-966-0000 U.S. and Canada (toll-free)
- +44 (0) 20 3564 9000 U.K. and Europe
Customer Service available Mon-Sun, 9am-9pm ET
Rates may vary by date, are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until your purchase is complete.
The room rates listed are for double occupancy per room unless otherwise stated and exclude tax recovery charges and service fees.
It is the responsibility of the hotel chain and/or the individual property to ensure the accuracy of the photos displayed. Travelzoo is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the photos.
*Unless otherwise stated, Travelzoo-exclusive extras are valid once per stay (based on two adults sharing). Value is an estimate based on double occupancy. Extras are only included with Member Rates and may not be available on all dates. Extras are non-transferable and have no cash value. Total value may vary depending on time of booking and availability. When included, breakfast may be limited to 2 guests per stay subject to hotel’s discretion. Other restrictions may apply; see our T&Cs for details.
Please note: Some amenities and services may not be available in all rooms or may incur an additional charge. All prices stated have been verified at the time of publication and may vary at the discretion of the hotel.
Enjoyed This
(15 Member Ratings)
(15 Member Ratings)
Enjoyed Most
The History and the setting
Other Comments
Need to pay more attention to the cleanliness of rooms dust on TV and glasses had someone else's toothpaste still in one. Also bread at breakfast had mold on it.....very off putting. Not worth the price paid. View from window overlooked staff entrance and was quite noisy at times. This asside we enjoyed the break away. Shame as has potentail to be a brilliant place to stay. A little more cleaning and attention to detail is needed.
Helen
Nov 02, 2018
Wetherby, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The room we were given was excellent.
Other Comments
The dinner and dining scene was very disappointing. Didn't help that the dining room is so dismal and outdated.
Rosalind
Nov 01, 2018
Oban, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
After the initial mix up with my booking the hotel arranged for us to stay in one of the cottages. This was lovely, very home from home.
Other Comments
The hotel needs to be more up to date with the Travelzoo booking process. It was very disappointing that the rooms we booked were not available.
I was also advised that the cottage had two double bedrooms, it was actually a double and a twin, which again was not what I initially booked. The restaurant staff were very helpful. Maybe the restaurant could have some ambient background music.
Zoe
Oct 26, 2018
Stranraer, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The room was beautiful and had a gorgeous views over the grounds
Emily
Oct 23, 2018
Chester le Street, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The staff ,food and location
Phyllis
Dec 08, 2017
Chorley, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Relaxing atmosphere.
John
Dec 04, 2017
Troon, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Relaxed atmosphere
Other Comments
I called in advance to enquire about vegetarian dinner options. The lady I spoke to could not have been more helpful and passed our preferences on to the chef. We enjoyed a lovely meal.
Janet
Nov 27, 2017
Chester, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The helpfulness of staff; the food; the atmosphere and the beautiful view
Other Comments
Best hotel experience ever!
Bernadett
Nov 24, 2017
Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The location and the staff were fantastic.
Anne
Nov 18, 2017
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
