What the Papers Say about Fernhill Hotel
Liverpool Echo, "Hidden Scots gem worth discovering" by Andrew Edwards, June 2007
"If you promise not to go blurting it to everybody and ruining it all for the rest of us, I will tell you where it is. Quiet, unspoiled, beautiful and just a few hours away, the village of Portpatrick is waiting for you to discover it. This spectacularly pretty harbour town, built into the cliffs on the south westerly tip of mainland Scotland, is the stuff of rural detective dramas and romantic novels.
"And to reach this utopia? Basically head for the M6, drive until you get to the 'welcome to Scotland' signs, turn left and keep going until you run out of road. We (that’s mum, dad, a 17-year-old son and daughter aged 10) based ourselves for our short weekend at the Fernhill hotel, perched high above the village and looking across at the harbour, the rugged cliffs and the rolling sea.
"What a sight greeted us from the huge picture window in reception as we arrived after a drive of just over four hours from Liverpool. As usual with an Edwards adventure, it was a case of get into our rooms, dump our stuff and explore.
"In our case we had a family room in an adjoining lodge at the hotel, which gave us our own space – one room upstairs for the grown-ups and another below for the kids. The Fernhill boasts plenty of rooms which enjoy spectacular balcony views across the sea.
"Our first port of call (just to build up the energy for a good walk, you understand) was the hotel’s restaurant for a spot of lunch. Then it was off for the first of three walks which we crammed in during our two-day stay. There are literally dozens of walks you can take around Portpatrick, ranging from a leisurely two-mile stroll to the gardens of Dunskey castle, to a day-long clifftop yomp to Ailsa Craig.
"You can start most of them from the hotel, as well, which means you can forget about the car for the day. If you are really clever you can make sure that the round trip takes in a well deserved drink at one of the excellent pubs in the village ... The Fernhill hotel specialises in local produce, including locally caught seafood, game and poultry. In season the hotel serves Mull of Galloway lobster and creel caught from the waters that the hotel looks out over.
"However peaceful Portpatrick may be, there is still plenty to do. For golfers there are four courses within striking distance (the hotel can make your arrangements) and the port town of Stranraer is only a few miles away.
"The Fernhill is part of the McMillan group which has a number of hotels in the region, including the North West Castle at Stranraer. Guests at Fernhill can use the swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gymnasium at North West Castle free of charge. So if you have had a busy day walking, golfing – or eating – you can pamper yourself at the end. The only problem is likely to be finding the energy to make the journey home after such a laid-back break.
"If you love exploring the beauty of our own wonderful coastline and countryside you won’t go far wrong in Portpatrick. Just don’t tell anyone else!"
The Sun, Explore this Port of Call, April 2007
"It’s a fine spring day and I’m sitting at a pavement café with a baguette and a cappuccino. The attractive harbour is bustling with visitors, and a cluster of brightly-coloured buildings cling to the rocky cliffs above.
"But I’m not in the South of France or the Italian lakes – I’m in Portpatrick, one of the most southerly towns on Scotland’s west coast. And it’s perfect for a “get away from it all” weekend, or as a base to explore Galloway. With stunning beaches, ruined castles and Scotland’s very own Land’s End on the Mull of Galloway, this hidden corner of the country is well worth a visit.
"We stayed in the four star Fernhill Hotel, high on the cliffs overlooking the village. Most rooms have fantastic views out to the Irish Sea and on a clear day it’s possible to see the coast 22 miles away.
"First impressions count, so any hotel that offers you a complimentary sherry on arrival is fine by me. The staff make all their guests feel like old friends – some looked so at home it seemed they did actually live there. And after dining in the conservatory restaurant you can see why some might be tempted to make their stay more permanent. The menu changes daily and uses the best local seafood, game and poultry – the speciality is fresh Mull of Galloway lobster.
"The biggest problem we presented the chef was catering for our fussy three year old – Jamie. But the culinary genius rose to the challenge. We simply had to suggest a meal and it would be ready at 6pm, leaving another satisfied customer.
"If you can drag yourself away from the relaxing surrounding there’s plenty to do. If golf’s your game the first tee at Portpatrick Golf Club is only five minutes away. There are numerous gardens to visit, including the famous Logan Botanical Gardens and Dunskey Walled Gardens. Dunskey provides the little ones with a treasure hunt to find “Mr Grumpy”. Only problem was we ended up with our own Mr Grumpy when Jamie discovered it was a clay gnome he was looking for, not a live one.
"Further round the coast is the beautiful bay at Kiintringan. Dominated by the lighthouse, it’s a perfect place to blow away the cobwebs. Just park at the lighthouse and it’s a short scramble down to the beach. Chances are you’ll have it to yourself.
"It was a trip down family history lane for me, as my grandfather was the lighthouse keeper here during the war and my dad went to the local primary school. I’d heard a thousand times the stories of how long the walk was from the lighthouse to the main road to catch the bus to school. I must admit that in the pitch black in the middle of winter it must have been a grim prospect – I’ll just not tell him that."
The Herald (Glasgow), "Good Night Guide" April 2005
"Arrival at the small village of Portpatrick is liable to produce a chorus of 'Wows' from your travelling party, so perfectly does it fit the picture-book image of an idyllic fishing harbour.
"Looking down on this relaxed setting is the Fernhill Hotel, nestled in its own private gardens but enjoying incredible views beyond the 150 yards to the harbour and out over the sparkling Irish Sea.
"The small but exclusive McMillan chain has built its reputation on old-fashioned values of good service and attention to detail ... the Fernhill staff are both warm and friendly ... Our meal was superb... Even for day-trippers, the Fernhill should not be missed."
Chris Story, Cumberland News and Star, April 2005
“Nestled along the Solway coast lies a secluded village perfect for a quiet retreat ... It is little more than 100 miles from Carlisle, taking in some of southern Scotland’s most stunning scenery along the way.
“Sitting on a cliff-top overlooking the village, the Fernhill has to be the best vantage point. From the balcony of our spacious and comfortable room we could see across the busy harbour.
“Taking in the sea air worked up an appetite and the Fernhill’s rosetted Conservatory Restaurant did not disappoint. We were given a brilliant seat next to the window in the restaurant, a romantic setting overlooking the village at night. We couldn’t have been happier with dinner, and breakfast the following day was just as nice.”