Roman Camp Hotel, Callander, Perthshire

This lovely retreat lies just off the main street in the charming town of Callander, down a tree lined driveway and right at the heart of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Hills crowd all around while the River Teith meanders through the 20 acres of grounds in this bucolic corner of Scotland.

A Luxurious Retreat with an Excellent Restaurant

The Roman Camp Hotel may be just off the main thoroughfare, but it feels a million miles away. The guestrooms are cosily luxurious and the restaurant is worth the visit alone. The cosseted experience today could not be any more different than the privations the legionnaires endured when there was once a Roman camp on the site. Eric and Marion Brown have been at the helm since 1989 and their experience shows in what is a slick and smooth operation.

Individual and Charming Guestrooms

There are three room types – standard rooms, superior rooms and suites. Given that the building dates back to 1625 and only opened as a hotel in 1939 the rooms have all had to charmingly weave themselves around the historic building. They all boast comfy beds, lush fabrics and the sort of individual touches that make rooms really special. Our room boasted a spa bath, ideal for lounging in after dinner.

Eating and Drinking at The Roman Camp Hotel

The plush restaurant shuns minimalist décor. The highlight in this old world oasis is the lavish Oval Room, a grand setting for a feast that explores the best of Scottish meat and seafood. Dinner is the star, a four-course extravaganza featuring the likes of local lamb loin with artichokes and coriander alongside red wine poached turbot. Make sure to allow time to enjoy an aperitif by the roaring fire in the drawing room beforehand and then there are plenty of whiskies on hand afterwards for a relaxed digestif.

A Relaxing Retreat at The Roman Camp Hotel

There is not much in the way of facilities at the Roman Camp Hotel, but that is not what people come for. You can choose just to laze in the Drawing Room or relax over a good book in the Library, which really comes into its own in winter when it is warmed by an open log fire. Its expansive grounds are awash with little trails, gardens, benches, sculptures and quiet spots where you can really relax. Our favourite was the walled garden. Afternoon Tea is a real temptation too inside or out.

Explore Callander

Callander itself is a pretty little place for strolling around. The main street offers plenty of tearooms, souvenir shops and outdoor stores. Mhor Fish is a brilliant seafood restaurant and chippie. Delve further west and the hills tempt. Little Ben A’an is a gem that may be less than 500m high, but which offers sweeping views towards the Highlands and over Loch Katrine. A more sedentary escape is on offer on Loch Katrine in the form of the SS Walter Scott, an old steamship that plies tourists up and down the waters in a swirl of nostalgia.

Roman Camp Hotel, Callander, Stirlingshire,FK17 8GB. Tel: +44 (0)1877-330003. www.roman-camp-hotel.co.uk

InsiderScotland Rating

For Families 6/10

For a Romantic Break 8/10

For Food 7/10

For Business People 7/10

InsiderScotland Rating 7/10