Balcary Bay Hotel, Castle Douglas

Under the personal supervision of Graeme Lamb, the 3 star, pet friendly Balcary Bay Hotel has a warm, friendly and efficient service.

Traditional Scottish hospitality can be found in the provision of comfortable facilities within the reassuring intimacy of a family-run hotel, creating a quite unique atmosphere.

The Hotel takes its name from the beautiful bay on which it stands, in an area of Galloway that is romantic in its isolation, and which was once full of intrigue. Hestan Isle, the hide-out of 17th century smugglers, fronts the hotel's view across the Solway coast, while beyond rise the majestic peaks of the Cumbrian Lake District.

There are twenty well appointed bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities. Many enjoy magnificent views across the bay with the remainder overlooking the gardens. There are also three superior seaview rooms situated on the ground floor with their own patio overlooking the bay which are extremely suitable for those guests less able to climb stairs.

Originally owned by a shipping firm, the house was known to harbour illegal loot in its secret underground passages. Nowadays, whilst the hotel has been modernised and tastefully decorated, it still retains much of its old character (minus the smuggling, it has to be said!)