Dogs journey free on U.Okay. trains, so this couple rode the rails with their pup up from London to Scotland to luxury-hop amongst pet-friendly resorts, lodges and castles. T+L tip: Keep eyes on the skies at locations recognized for falconry.
TOFFEE IS A THREE-YEAR-OLD Taiwanese mountain canine who we adopted as a pup from the nice folks on the animal rescue basis PAWS in Hong Kong. Following our recent relocation to the U.Okay., we embarked together with her on a weeklong practice journey exploring luxe, dog-friendly resorts and locations in Scotland, winding up in London.
Train journey would imply a low footprint, room for Toffee to sleep, and the prospect for us to marvel on the verdant fantastic thing about the gently rolling British countryside… not less than when it wasn’t raining. We’d travelled with Toffee on trains earlier than (you don’t pay for dogs within the U.Okay.), however a five-hour journey to Edinburgh with no breaks appeared to characterize one other, barely extra daunting degree of self-control, because it have been.
But she cherished sleeping underneath our chairs, sometimes stopping for a biiiiiiigggg stretch or to get pleasure from somebody stopping by to say good day. Although she’s a standard breed throughout a lot of Southeast Asia, within the U.Okay. she’s a uncommon sight—which really isn’t tough when each different canine appears to be a cockapoo (#controversial).
In a powerful journey planning fail, our first cease of Edinburgh was completely timed for the beginning of festival season, by far the busiest time of 12 months. However, the Athens of the North was extra compelling than ever with avenue performers at each flip, whereas Toffee’s introduction to the fragile, aromatic gourmand delight of haggis was a particular hit.
We stayed at Prestonfield House, nestled on the foot of the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park. This Sixteenth-century magnificence exudes historical past and allure, with its vintage décor, artwork, memorabilia and tartan which mix to create an endearingly romantic ambiance.
Toffee obtained a royal welcome, facilities galore and a luxurious mattress, whereas her favourite pastime shortly grew to become gazing longingly on the squirrels taunting her from the superbly manicured gardens. Sublime meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner made it tough to go away, however Edinburgh awaited.
There have been mountains to climb and historic cobblestones to navigate, however probably the most poignant second was a go to to the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, a tear-jerkingly loyal Highland terrier who spent 14 years by his grasp’s graveside. People nonetheless go to his statue to rub his nostril for good luck and go away sticks in his reminiscence. Aw.
Back on the practice with our personal loyal canine, our journey continued west via Scotland to the small city of Dunblane, home to the luxurious Cromlix House. This luxurious however understated nation home resort occurs to be owned by tennis famous person and all-round hero Andy Murray, alongside together with his spouse, Kim. If you possibly can fall in love with antiques, that is the place to do it. Rooms redefined charming and cosy, however the greatest hit was arguably the unbelievable shortbread constructed from the recipe of Andy’s grandmother. Butter was positively concerned.
The intensive grounds featured their very own tennis court docket, natch, in addition to a stunning wee loch. Creative cocktails—good day, whisky—adopted by superbly executed plates at dinner confirmed why this is likely one of the area’s hottest locations for locals and worldwide guests alike.
Early morning at Cromlix was an particularly magical time—thanks once more for waking us up at 6 a.m., Toffee—with wild deer grazing on the lawns and walks that confirmed the abundance of wildlife on this completely peaceable slice of central Scotland.
All aboard the following practice to Pitlochry, referred to as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, home to the dramatic Nineteenth-century Fonab Castle, for our remaining cease north of the border. This 42-bedroom red-brick magnificence overlooks one other outrageously fairly loch, this time backed by snow-capped mountains.
An uber-comfortable room in a up to date wing of the resort featured all of the facilities {that a} girl canine might want for, whereas the pleasant workers even insisted on taking her for a walk. We explored the luxurious pathways, rivers, and cosy pubs serving native beer whereas respiration within the purest mountain air. One spotlight was falconry on their immaculate lawns; we walked the loch because the falcon flew above us—this was a Toffee-less session for apparent causes.
Four Seasons Ten Trinity. Image courtesy of Four Seasons
Four Seasons Ten Trinity. Image courtesy of Four Seasons
Our remaining practice journey introduced us again to London, the place we spent two nights on the magnificent Four Seasons Hotel at 10 Trinity Square. This historic gem, positioned throughout from the Tower of London, served as a rare base for exploring the wealthy historical past, sights, and sights of the town.
Toffee was once more royally spoilt, full with magnificence merchandise and ‘Posh Pooch’—aka wine for dogs. Oh sure certainly. Market fiends will love the meals Mecca of Borough and funky designs in Spitalfields, each inside a straightforward stroll of the resort, however the greatest draw was Thames-side walks, taking within the metropolis’s unbelievable layers of historical past at each step.
Walks by The Tower of London and alongside The Thames
The Tower of London and alongside The Thames
Unseasonable, heatwave-esque climate added to the expertise, whereas eating within the resort’s superb Chinese restaurant Mei Ume evoked fond recollections of our former home in Hong Kong – the place Toffee had begun her personal exceptional journey.
Photographs by Chris Dwyer, until in any other case famous.
