A mini adventure to Edinburgh

Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, the Dalmahoy Country Club Hotel was nothing short of spectacular. The hotel beautifully combines modern amenities with historic charm, ensuring that our stay was both comfortable and memorable.

The facilities at Dalmahoy Country Club -

Swimming Pools - The kids absolutely loved the indoor swimming pool. It was spacious and well-maintained, offering a perfect way for them to burn off some energy each day. They even tried the sauna (strictly under my supervision!) and were completely fascinated by the experience. The pool was not particularly over-crowded and the water was temperature controlled which was perfect!

Golf Course - Though we didn’t play, the 18-hole golf course looked inviting and impeccably maintained. It’s a perfect spot for golf enthusiasts. Tennis Courts - We did enjoy some family time on the tennis courts. Rackets and balls were readily available, making it easy to just walk in and play. Spa and Fitness Center - A huge and well-equipped gym and spa treatments were available for anyone looking to indulge in ultimate relaxation (for me, on this occasion, was spending hours of fun in the pool with the kids!)

Play area - At the back of the hotel, there is a small play area offering swings, slide and climbing frame. With the vast amount of outdoor space, kids can easily keep themselves entertained by running around, a spot of footie or just exploring nature.

Dining Options at Dalmahoy. The dining options at Dalmahoy were diverse and delectable:

Pentland Restaurant - breakfast was served here and although the selection was not vast, everything tasted delicious. I discovered Potato Scones and definitely over-indulged (but couldn't quite bring myself to taste Haggis!) Breakfast times were busy which was reflected by the slow service we experienced daily. Nonetheless, staff we friendly and accommodating.

Brasserie - For a more casual dining experience, the Brasserie was perfect, very reasonably priced too with plenty of options. Try the Nachos, or Bruschetta for your starters and salads I tried were delicious. Kids were of course delighted with pizza, burger and mac n cheese options!

Cocktail Bar - Although primarily for adults, the cocktail bar had a peaceful ambience and kids were welcomed. We rushed there one afternoon, hoping for a quick bite for lunch and was pleasantly surprised with the small plate options. There is a outdoor seating area for guests to enjoy the views whilst sipping on a cocktail, or two.

A Day at Edinburgh Zoo (20mins cab ride from hotel)

Our first adventure took us to the Edinburgh Zoo, a place where my kids and I had an absolute blast. The zoo is home to a wide array of animals, and the kids were thrilled to see the giraffes, lion and the playful monkeys. The daily penguin parade was a highlight, as was the interactive “Wee Beasties” exhibit, which allowed us to get up close with some fascinating small creatures. The zoo is well-organized, with plenty of picnic spots, ice cream booths, and play areas. It is easy to navigate even with young children. Tip - it can be quite steep in some parts so be prepared to work your leg muscles and of course wear comfy shoes!

Discovering Edinburgh City Centre

Another day was dedicated to exploring the heart of Edinburgh. I decided to be adventurous and take a bus into town. Luckily the bus stop was right outside the hotel (by this, I mean a gorgeous 15 min walk from hotel reception to the main entrance). The bus journey into the city was approx. 40 mins. We started at the Royal Mile, a bustling street teeming with history, shops, and street performers. The kids were fascinated by the various street acts and enjoyed picking out some unique souvenirs. We even had the privilege of watching a bagpiper perform! Walking along the Royal Mile, we made our way to the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. This attraction was a huge hit with the kids. The five floors of optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits kept us entertained for hours. The rooftop terrace offered stunning views of the city, making it a perfect spot for some family photos. This was definitely the highlight for us!

If you are thinking of a trip to Edinburgh with little ones, I would highly recommend it. Dalmahoy Country Club hotel was stunning with great facilities but it does not offer close proximity to shops and restaurants. You may want to consider a hotel closer to the city centre if you prefer walking distance to other amenities. Needless to say, if you are golf lover this hotel is perfect and even the perfect setting for a wedding!