Seek countryside solace just moments away from the city at Northern Ireland’s Culloden Hotel and Spa.
It’s no secret that times have become a little more penny pinching in recent years. However, one good thing to come from these slightly more austere times is that more and more people are swapping their far-flung, exotic holidays for more humble, homegrown destinations. From the Cotswolds to Cornwall, everyone seems to be holidaying here in Blighty, but one UK destination that may have slipped your mind is Northern Ireland.
Merely a hop across the water, Belfast city has the benefit of a thriving up-and-coming city, yet it’s only minutes away from some of the most beautiful scenery the UK has to offer. So we bridged the gap and headed off to the Northern Irish Capital for the weekend.
StyleNest arrived at our home for the weekend, Belfast’s five star Culloden Estate and Spa. Just six miles east from Belfast City Centre and a mere 5 minute drive from the airport, we actually arrived in better time than we would have reached many other sought-after destinations of the mainland.
Nestled in the Holywood Hills, over looking Belfast Lough, The Culloden is the family-run Hasting Group’s most luxurious hotel. Originally built for the Bishops of Down, The Culloden is grand but the service couldn’t be warmer or friendlier.
Set within 12 acres of secluded gardens and woodlands, inside The Culloden is grand with stained glass windows, sweeping staircases, breathtaking Lough-side views, grand reception rooms and a cosy tucked away bar – everything you want from a traditional stately home hotel.
The bedrooms are spacious with giant beds calling out for a well-deserved lie in, big tubs to soak your worries away, chocolates and fresh fruit on arrival and all the usual mod cons to make you feel at home. Everyone from Michael Jackson to Michel Douglas have stayed at the hotel, and given the secluded location and relaxing atmosphere it’s easy to see why.
We spent our first day indulging in The Culloden’s spa. After a sleep-inducing, muscle-soothing massage we wasted an afternoon away in the hotel’s pool and Jacuzzi. The spa menu is vast and varied with everything from ESPA treatments to signature treatments like Reiki.
Evenings at The Culloden give foodies a chance to explore their culinary side. Whether you fine dine in gothic grandeur at the renowned, Mitre Restaurant or choose a more relaxed, child-friendly environment in The Cultra Inn; there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. We sampled both restaurants and were impressed with the hearty Irish scampi in the Cultra and the decadent dishes of the Mitre – most notably the sea scallops with local black pudding and the guinea foul with salty bacon and sweet carrot and potato puree. Be sure to order the Cultra’s signature Causeway chips as a side too – delicious.
After a food induced slumber we awoke bright and early for a day of activities the city and countryside have to offer.
Belfast is buzzing with things to do, be it shopping or eating, or both at the famous old St. George’s market. One of the city’s newest and most impressive attractions is the Titanic Belfast – an interactive museum honouring the grand ship’s birthplace. Old and young will be equally impressed with what it has to offer but get there early as it’s hugely popular.
For those wishing to get outdoors, Northern Ireland’s east coast is breathtaking. Take a winding journey through the picturesque towns and villages to the Carrick Rope Bridge, the iconic Giant’s Causeway or Dunlace Castle. Even on a wet and windy day, it’ll be a memorable day out for the whole family. Be warned though, the scenery is so picture-perfect, especially for city dwellers like us, that you’ll want to stop the car several times for a photo op.
If you’d rather stay indoors, The Culloden’s drawing room and selection of afternoon teas is a good choice. If you fancy it, take a leisurely stroll around the grounds where you’ll find an outdoor exhibition of local sculptural artists, from the weird to the wonderful.
Our stay at The Culloden ended all too soon, but we left well and truly in love with the hotel, the city and the people. Northern Ireland might not be top of your holiday destination this year, but we urge you to take the chance.
Need to Know
Number of Rooms: 105 rooms and suits
Check Out Time: 11am
Facilites: Spa, pool and golf facilities, 12 acres of grounds and woodland, fine-dining restaurant, bar, bistro restaurant, coffee machine and flatscreen TVs in rooms and views over the Belfast Lough.
How To Get There: there are two airports. Belfast City, which is a 5 minute drive away and Belfast International, 45 minutes from the Culloden and served by EasyJet and Aer Lingus. Flights start from £25 one way including taxes.
Rates: Hastings Hotels is currently offering spring rates at The Culloden Estate and Spa from £65pp per night including breakfast.
For more information on what to do in Northern Ireland visit the www.discoverireland.com tourist information website.
To for more information or to book in at The Culloden Estate and Spa call 02890 421066 or visit www.hastingshotels.com.
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