
I feel like 2021 is the year of the staycation. I’m not brave enough to book a foreign holiday and hope for the best, so I’ve spent the summer exploring closer to home, and last month I headed out to Perthshire for a much-needed night away.

Just over an hour from Edinburgh, Perthshire is home to some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, and it’s the perfect destination if you’re in the mood for an outdoorsy break. My destination was Murrayshall House Hotel, a Perthshire icon which has been welcoming guests since the 70s. Boasting 40 bedrooms, a noted golf course, as well as offering a range of activities including fishing, kayak experience and food tours, it’s the perfect destination to head to if you’re looking to experience a truly Scottish getaway.

We weren’t feeling too adventurous, so we opted to just have an evening with a little indulgence. After arriving at about three, we checked in to our beautiful Deluxe Room and spent a few hours unwinding. With plenty of plug sockets and fast wifi, I could finish off a couple of work bits, whilst a roomy bath meant I could also spend a decent amount of time soaking with a bath bomb and a good book.
I loved the oversized headboard, and the touches of tartan sprinkled throughout the room gave it a real sense of being in the heart of some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside. Our room was right at the front of the hotel, which meant we enjoyed views stretching into the gardens, and at night baby bunnies hopped about – absolutely magical!

When it came to dinnertime, we headed downstairs to the Lynedoch Brasserie. Playing host to a birthday party and a number of couples, it was such a beautiful spot to spend a sunny evening. After grabbing a table by the window, it was time to deliberate over menu options. Dishes served present local Scottish ingredients with an international flair, so we tended to share, as they were just too delicious to keep to ourselves!
Rather impressively, you can enjoy two courses at the Lynedoch Brasserie for only £30 per person, which is great value with the quality of dishes on offer. We kicked dinner off with two of the fish options available – George Campbell & Sons Smoked Scottish (£3 supplement) and Andy Duncan’s Hand Dived Scallops served with a Thai-style bisque, fennel, crab bhaji (£6 supplement). Both were delicious, and I loved the attention to detail – capers and caviar with the salmon, and a rich bisque and crisp bhaji which contrasted perfectly with the buttery scallops.
Our main courses were equally delicious, as we opted for the Corn Fed Chicken Breast served with Haggis Bon Bon and and the Gressingham Duck. We couldn’t resist adding some broccoli and hand cut chips (£4 each) to try too. The chicken came with the most delicious, savoury wheat, whilst my duck was the perfect summer supper. Rich duck meat contrasted perfectly with the mouth-puckering kumquat, and it was potentially the prettiest meal I’ve had all year!

Whilst we were almost full to the brim thanks to such a delicious supper, we couldn’t resist trying a dessert. We opted to share the Rum and Raisin Creme Brûlée (£6) which comes serves with homemade shortbread. Rich, eggy vanilla custard sat beneath a perfectly crisp sugar crust, and the biscuits positively melted in the mouth. I loved the addition of boozy raisins too – it was a wonderfully fun update on a classic!

After such a wonderful meal, it was heavenly to be able to head upstairs and enjoy the comforts of such a cosy room. Summer temperatures meant we could fling open the windows and fall asleep to the sound of the surrounding countryside, and in the morning we woke to birdsong.

After enjoying a bit of a long lie, it was time to head down to breakfast – it was served in the Lynedoch Brasserie, so once again we got to enjoy the most perfect views. After a few cups of piping hot coffee and a cheese omelette, it was time to head home.

We enjoyed an absolutely wonderful stay at Murrayshall. Every member of the team was lovely and super helpful, whilst the hotel and grounds were an absolute delight to enjoy. It was exactly the staycation we both needed, and it was so very much appreciated!
You can enjoy to staycation with Murrayshall House Hotel for only £100 per person per night – more information is available here.