After leaving Glencoe, we spent three nights at Schloss Roxburghe in the Scottish Borders. I first found this property through the points and miles world, where it’s a well-known redemption, but it turned out to be so much more than a good points deal. This is a castle hotel set on a sprawling estate, and it’s one of the most family-friendly luxury hotels we’ve stayed in.
We booked two rooms and emailed ahead to request connecting rooms, which the staff arranged without any hassle. Small thing, but it set the tone. The service here was warm and genuinely welcoming to families the entire stay, not just on paper.
Staying at Schloss Roxburghe with Kids
The castle itself sits on grounds where kids can run and explore safely, which matters more than people realize when you’re traveling with little ones who’ve been cooped up in a car seat. Onsite, there’s a kids club with actual creative activities, a playground, and plenty of open space.
There’s also a spa and swimming pool. Kids are welcome at the pool during designated morning hours, and the rest of the day is reserved for adults. That split worked well for us. We got family pool time in the morning and the spa still felt like an adult retreat the rest of the day.
Dining is a strong point here. There are multiple restaurants ranging from fine dining to more relaxed, kid-friendly options, and breakfast is included with a generous spread. We also booked an afternoon tea and a whiskey tasting through the concierge, both worth doing if you have the time.
Activities at Schloss Roxburghe
The resort has a solid lineup of outdoor activities for the adults in the group:
- Championship golf course
- Trout pond fishing and fly fishing on the river
- Archery
- Sporting clays with professional instruction
We did the clay pigeon shooting and it was a highlight of the whole trip. The instructor was patient and actually improved my technique instead of just handing me a gun and pointing. We’d also planned to fly fish, but the weather ran unusually warm during our stay and the resort canceled trips since the fish weren’t biting.
Things to Do Nearby in the Scottish Borders
This is one of the best reasons to stay here. The surrounding area has a lot going on:
- The Borders Distillery – A great tour, and kids are welcome.
- Scott’s View – A panoramic lookout that was a favorite of Sir Walter Scott.
- Beirhope Alpacas – Walk and feed alpacas, an easy win with kids.
- Floors Castle and Gardens – Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. There’s an adventure playground and a woodland trail out to the “Secret Falls.”
- Kelso & Kelso Abbey – The nearest town, with good shops and dining.
- Roe deer stalks, pheasant shoots, and similar guided experiences – A more unique option if that’s your thing.
- Melrose Abbey and the town of Melrose – A striking ruin with a lot of history behind it.
Day Trips from Schloss Roxburghe with Kids
If you’re staying multiple nights, this is a solid home base for day trips:
- Alnwick Castle – The Harry Potter filming location, and yes, it’s worth it if you have fans in the car.
- Bamburgh Castle – A coastal fortress in a dramatic setting.
- Lindisfarne (Holy Island) – A tidal island only accessible at low tide, so check the tide tables before you plan around it.
- Farne Islands – Boat tours where you can spot puffins, seals, and sometimes whales.
- St. Abbs & St. Abbs Head – A picturesque fishing village with good coastal walks.
FAQs About Schloss Roxburghe
Is Schloss Roxburghe family-friendly? Yes. The kids club, playground, family dining options, and connecting rooms all make it a strong choice for families. They also have cottages on the property if that fits your group better than a standard room.
How many nights should I stay at Schloss Roxburghe? Two to three nights is the sweet spot. That’s enough time to actually use the hotel amenities and still get out to explore the Scottish Borders.
Is the spa kid-friendly? Kids are welcome at the pool during designated morning hours. The spa itself is reserved for adults outside of that window.
Do I need a car to explore the Scottish Borders? Yes. The castles, abbeys, and viewpoints out here are spread out, so you’ll want a car or a driver to get the most out of the area.
Want to see exactly how we booked this entire UK trip on points, including this hotel, and saved over $13,000 doing it? Check out that breakdown here.
Before You Go
I put together a free Hotel Upgrade Guide with the exact strategies I use to get room upgrades, resort credits, and better rates. Grab it below.
Want Help Planning Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Schloss Roxburghe or anywhere else in the Scottish Borders and want help with accommodations, activities, or building out the perfect itinerary, I do this for families all the time and it costs you nothing.
Shoot me an email at [email protected] and tell me where you’re headed.
