SHORT JOURNEY WELL WORTH THE TRIP
Set in over five acres of stunning scenery, the Tinto House Hotel in Symington, Biggar is a real gem waiting to be discovered. With a semi secluded entrance, it would be easy for the inquisitive traveller to miss out on this wonderful Hotel experience.
Surrounded by the inspiring beauty of the Upper Clyde Valley, The Tinto House Hotel does the location justice. Set on over 3 acres of well kept grounds, this impressive building is well presented, with more than ample parking available for motorists who have made the 45 minute car journey from either Edinburgh or Glasgow.
OLD INFUSED WITH THE NEW
On arrival, we were greeted by a very warm welcome. Both Lynn and Brian seem to be on hand throughout most of the day, working in reception, food service and the bar area. Nothing seemed too much trouble and they made us feel instantly at home.
On route to our double room (Number 14) you cannot miss some of the feature pieces of this beautiful Hotel. A stunning stained-glass window illuminated the large stairwell to the first floor, after which you cannot miss the quirky mounted penny farthing bicycle. It’s these old-world traits infused with a modern décor which really works for the Tinto House. And in reception, although no longer functional, the Victorian telephone booth reminds us of the rich heritage becoming of this classic building.
Our newly refurbished double room was of a good, clean standard and came with all the usual amenities – flat screen tv, tea and coffee, large spotless bath, shower etc. Views of the landscaped gardens added to the air of relaxation and calm.
SMALL TOUCHES MAKE FOR BIG TASTE
With such care and attention being put into the hospitality and the building itself, our expectations were high when it came to dinner – and we were not disappointed. We were presented with homemade bread while we were waiting for our starter, which was delicious. Neither of us are really big bread eaters – but needless to say there were few crumbs left on the plate.
For starters we opted for Haggis and potato scone, and a hearty potato and leek ‘soup of the day’.
For main, my partner selected char grilled steak served with grilled tomato, hand cut chips and a side dish of smoked bacon and blue cheese sauce. I chose the oven roasted lamb chump served with braised root vegetable puy lentils, crispy kale and sauce vierge.
The little touches such as the homemade bread, crispy kale, and rich smoked bacon steak sauce really made these dishes stand out. A small note – if rare is not your thing, specify otherwise when ordering the steak.
We retired to the small and cosy bar for a small refreshment afterwards, which offered a fine selection of draught and bottled beers, wines and of course malt whiskies as you would expect.
Full Scottish breakfasts the following morning set us up for the day ahead, with the haggis again stealing the show.
A BUSTLING QUAINT TOWN
Although technically located in Biggar, the Tinto Hotel is infact in Symington, which is roughly 3.5miles from Biggar Town Centre. It isn’t really practical to walk the 1hr 15 minutes from the Tinto House Hotel to Biggar on the road as there is no pavement for walkers. However, a quick 10-minute drive by car or via the local taxi firm (Big Red Taxis) takes you to Biggar Town centre. A bustling, quaint town situated in the Southern Uplands and along the A72 Clyde Valley tourist route, the town serves a large rural area. Here will find a nice selection of shops, and there’s also a museum at the far end of the town (where you will find significantly more parking that at the Symington entrance of the Town).
Once you have taken in the local amenities, feast your eyes on the spectacular views of Tinto Hill, which is the highest hill in South Lanarkshire.
If continuing your journey, you are only a short drive from Peebles and Lanark which are the closest towns to Biggar.
SUMMARY
All in, the Tinto House Hotel in Symington, Biggar really derives a visit. The rooms are of a high standard that are sadly so often lacking from other Scottish traditional Hotels, and it’s clear that some significant work has gone into the fabric of the building, while taking great care not to destroy the traditional value and heritage of it. The staff are a friendly, the food superb - and the local area has lots to offer.
All in all, a relaxing visit with lots to see, do and enjoy without having too far to drive in the process.
The Tinto House Hotel also cater for regular tribute nights, large groups and cater for guests with dogs.
THE SMALL PRINT
- Prices from £59.50 per person to include 2 course dinner, Minimum 2 night stay, subject to availability, available until 26th July 2018
- Address: 44 Biggar Rd, Symington, Biggar ML12 6FT
- Telephone: 01899 308454
- Online: www.tintohouse.com
- Email: stay@tintohouse.com
- Dog friendly rooms available on request – check in advance
- Free wi-fi available throughout
- Free and ample parking
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