The Great Gleneagles Getaway: Two Nights in Golf’s Grandest Playground

I was lucky enough to visit Gleneagles on a recent press trip, and when I say I’ve talked non-stop about it since, I’m genuinely not exaggerating.

So what’s it really like to spend a couple of days at Scotland’s most iconic estate? Let me take you with me …

48 Hours in the Heart of Scotland

There’s a reason Gleneagles is nicknamed the “glorious playground.” Yes, the golf is as brilliant as you’d expect from a venue that’s hosted both the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup. But truthfully, it’s everything else the Scottish country estate had to offer that makes me rank it as one of my favourite hotels in the world.

I know, that’s a big claim. But from the moment the tweed-clad doorman opened the grand doors to the moment I (reluctantly) left, I felt like I was somewhere truly special. This is the kind of place that lingers with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase at home.

As you’d expect from Scotland’s well-known heirloom country estate, it’s grand, of course – immaculate grounds, sweeping staircases, ultra-polished service, and dining experiences steeped in ceremony and style. But never in a way that feels intimidating. Somehow, it manages to be majestic and homely all at once. A rare and very welcome balance.

Living the (Very Plush) Country House Dream

The rooms are spacious, beautifully styled, and incredibly comfortable. All classic elegance with a modern twist – think soft tweeds, rich wood, plush armchairs and roll-top baths (I was in heaven). It’s the kind of room you genuinely look forward to coming back to after dinner (or after breakfast, after golf, or after a dip in the pool – you get the idea).

And the service is something else. Every single member of staff I encountered was warm, friendly and clearly proud to be part of the Gleneagles family. I chatted a lot (I know, shocking) with a lot of the team whilst I was there, and so many have worked at Gleneagles for years – that speaks volumes.

The estate itself spans 850 outstanding acres of manicured lawns, woodland trails, world-famous golf and views that go on for miles. It’s the kind of place that makes you breathe a little deeper and walk a little slower, just to take it all in.

If you’re an active holiday-goer, you’re completely spoilt for choice. There’s falconry, axe throwing, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, archery, tree-top adventures, tennis, padel, horse riding, croquet on the lawn – the list goes on. You can hire bikes (they’ve got child seats and tiny bikes for little legs too), or simply pull on your walking boots and head off for a wander.

Just make sure you leave plenty of time to unwind. The gym, pool and spa areas are as elegant as you’d expect – relaxing without being over the top. There’s a serene adults-only area with a lap pool, sauna, steam room, ice bath and ice shower. There are also beautiful indoor and outdoor heated pools, and a fully equipped gym if you want to squeeze in a workout.

Come Hungry (and Leave Happy)

Let’s talk food – because you’ll want to arrive at Gleneagles with an appetite. The bars and restaurants are so good, they’re reason enough to visit.

On our first night, we dined at The Birnam – a relaxed American-Italian grill with seriously cool interiors and an open fire pit centrepiece. It’s got that warm buzz of a place you instantly feel at home in, and the food is outstanding.

But the real showstopper? The Strathearn Restaurant. Old-school glamour meets modern Scottish fine dining, complete with candlelight, piano music, theatrical serving trolleys and the best Beef Wellington of my life (and I don’t say that lightly).

Opened in 1924 as part of the original hotel, The Strathearn hasn’t lost any of its charm. If anything, it’s only grown into its own history. It’s elegant and nostalgic, but still manages to feel inviting. And it’s not just for grown-ups either. With a special menu and even a dedicated sweetie trolley for younger diners, it’s the perfect setting for a proper family dinner with a side of sparkle.

A Mini Paradise for Kids

If you’ve got children, prepare to be seriously impressed. Gleneagles is unreal for families.

At breakfast, there’s a whole buffet station dedicated to little ones, complete with colourful plates, mini cutlery and low counters so they can help themselves. Yes, there are sweet treats (of course), but there are plenty of healthy options too, so everyone’s happy.

And the kids’ clubs are genuinely brilliant (why more UK hotels don’t have these is beyond me – thet are game-changing). Little Glen is a supervised crèche for younger children, decked out like a magical woodland adventure. Meanwhile, The Den is a cool hangout space for older kids.

The Main Event: The Golf

Playing golf at Gleneagles is like stepping into a golfing dream. Three championship courses, each with its own character, set against a backdrop of rolling hills, ancient trees and the occasional curious deer, hare or pheasant wandering by. It doesn’t get much more “Scottish golf” than that.

Our first round was on the PGA Centenary Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and host to the 2014 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Solheim Cup. It’s a long course (buggies are a must, and trust me, you’ll be grateful), but such a rewarding one to play. I even had a go at recreating Suzann Pettersen’s iconic Solheim Cup putt on the 18^th (spoiler: I missed).

Next up was the King’s Course – my personal favourite. Beautiful, challenging, and steeped in history as it hosted the very first match between the British and the Americans. It’s the kind of course that feels like it’s always been there, in perfect harmony with the land.

Finally, we tackled the Queen’s Course. It’s slightly shorter but still a brilliant test of golf. With more risk-reward holes and stunning scenery, it was a real joy to play and a very close second to the King’s for me.

A real highlight for me was how well the courses were set up for women. With four sets of tees – white, yellow, green and red – there’s real choice and flexibility. I mostly played from the green tees as they were usually on the same tee box as the yellows (where the guys played from), making it a bit more social. But wherever you played from, the positioning meant you never felt like you missed out on the best parts of a hole, which is so often the case when you play from the “women’s” tees.

There are two halfway houses – one for the PGA Centenary Course and one that’s shared by the King’s and Queen’s. They’re fully stocked, with the option to call ahead so your order is ready when you get there. And the toilets (yes, plural) were immaculate; a small detail, but a big win for women.

The pro shop is another gem, with an entire floor dedicated to women’s clothing and shoes. The women’s changing rooms are massive and, crucially, not hidden away in some back corridor. It’s clear Gleneagles takes its female guests seriously – and it shows.

Easy to Get To, Impossible to Forget

Here’s the cherry on top: Gleneagles is just a 45-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, making it an easy and accessible escape. But when you’re there, it feels a million miles away, in the best possible way.

I left feeling completely relaxed, wonderfully well-fed, and already plotting my next visit.

Whether you go for the golf, the food, the spa, the family-friendly activities, or simply to escape somewhere magical for a couple of days, Gleneagles delivers in every way. It’s luxurious without being over the top, elegant without being stuffy, and welcoming from start to finish.

Would I recommend it? In a heartbeat. But be warned: once you’ve been, nowhere else quite compares.

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