The Witchery by the Castle

We are just back from stay at The Witchery, we stayed in the Turret Suite, we only stayed one night and sure made the best of every minute, the suite itself takes you back in History I genuinely felt like a princess. We arrived 2 hours early and luckily the suite was ready, and we got to check in early. The two ladies at the front desk were lovely, wishing me a happy 50th birthday this was the reason we booked. Our cases were taken the room while they checked everything was ok. The 46 spiralling steps up to the turret suite just added to this magical experience. We were shown around the suite and then left to get used to our surroundings and take it all in. It was jaw dropping. We are just a normal couple who have never ever spent anywhere near what we did for a night away but it was a special occasion and a bucket list tick ✅ we never felt out our comfort zone or looked down on the staff were amazing. My first stop was to get in that amazing bath! Yes there is plenty room for 2. We only nipped out once and while we were out the turndown service had restocked and turned down our bed and set the mood for nighttime. We actually ordered in a pizza from pizza express later on at night when we both feeling slightly peckish. The whole stay was out of this world. It’s only fair that I add things that was less than perfect but I’ve not taken down my rating because for us it was a truly unforgettable stay. So the toilet I felt just looked out of place just a box standard toilet with black seat than I felt didn’t fit in with any of the decor, even a nicer toilet seat would change that. The double shower if your using the two then the water pressure is basically a drip and the Side Jets were useless they were less than a drip, and if you turned it to jets only the right side one just went thru the hole in the glass door and soaked the floor, but again it hasn’t made me take the ratings down because of the whole experience. We didn’t hear much noise from outside and it was quite busy with it being Easter weekend. We could hear the bagpipes if we left the shower door open which was lovely if it’s not your thing just keep the door closed. We were warm the whole time, you can control the heating in the rooms which is a nice touch. Two smart tvs and an Alexa which had lovely music playing when we arrived and then I changed to the brigerton soundtrack and I truly felt I was in that time! We chose to have our breakfast in the dining room, which was first class, the man (sorry I didn’t get your name) was lovely and nothing was a bother, we didn’t ask for anything extra but I overheard others and he was very attentive. One tip do not book thru a third party, I believe if you book direct you get champagne in the room, which we didn’t get despite paying just under £1000 for the room, hubby had panicked after book it or else I would love to go back maybe for my 60th and if we don’t get back then I have this wonderful memory that will last forever!

This is just the most exciting hotel - fun, historic, decadent luxury. Each of their rooms make you feel like the star of the greatest costume drama. But be warned- it does involve winding turret staircases, 4 poster beds that need the steps to climb in and deep slipper baths…..and you’ll need deep pockets. The memories will last a lifetime

My sister and I came for lunch on the 18th July. We had drinks in the courtyard to begin with which was lovely. She said she is never having a G&T without champagne again! My Bellini was far too easy to drink. Every room we walked through was amazing! For starters I had the Haggis. This was my first time trying it (that I can recall) and it was delicious. So were my sister’s scallops. The cherry Bakewell cocktail was scrummy! For main, I had the salmon, she had the duck. Both were recommended and both were fantastic. We then shared the apple tart which was a lot bigger than we were expecting but the best way to finish off the meal. Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. We loved it.

Where do I start? Well the girls on the cloakroom were charming, as was the sommelier. BUT, the waiters were snooty and arrogant. The food was good but the portions were just so small. I asked for my duck to be rare, it was so rare I only had two small slivers. Sorry folks but if you’re going to charge such prices then there has to be more on the plate. Then to contact me within an hour of leaving asking for a review was really quite presumptuous. Given the competition you have I really think you need to have a look in the mirror. I think one of the other reviews mentions the fact that her husband’s wine was on the menu but that she didn’t use her name to secure any preference was rather prescient. I hate giving bad reviews but credit where it’s due, and criticism where it’s not. Just not good enough, won’t be back.

We stayed in the Heriot Suite to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Most amazing room, best service and great vegan food. We can highly recommend the Witchery.

The Witchery is best suited for guests looking for a romantic stay in a storybook hotel. Settled on historically significant land, the owners have spared no cost to create an experiential stay that allows the guest a brief trip down memory lane into rooms decorated with imagination and splendor. My husband and I stayed in the library and were treated to champagne, chocolates and fresh flowers daily. I soaked in the clawfoot tub while gazing over the gothic rooftops. I would absolutely stay here again.