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Balcary Bay Country House Hotel

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Balcary Bay Country House Hotel

Boutique Hotels |

Early Modern & Colonial Expansion

4-Star |

Balcary Bay Country House Hotel Shore Road, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas Town Center, Castle Douglas, United Kingdom, DG7 1QZ

$202.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

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$202.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

Highlights

Recognized by the International Culinary Union with the Green Stay Award for its commitment to sustainability

Popular Amenities

English
Chinese [Mandarin]
Bicycles
Wheelchair accessible
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Internet
Internet services
Wi-Fi in public areas
Canoeing
Fishing
Fitness center
Garden
Gym/fitness
Hiking
Massage
Private beach
Sauna
Snorkeling
Water sports (non-motorized)
Yoga room
Anti-viral cleaning products
Body thermometer
Breakfast in room
Breakfast takeaway service
Cashless payment service
Doctor/nurse on call
First aid kit
Free face masks
Guest rooms seal after sanitization
Hand sanitizer
Hotel room service app
Hot water linen and laundry washing
Individually-wrapped food options
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
Professional-grade sanitizing services
Protective screens in common areas
Room sanitization opt-out available
Rooms sanitized between stays
Safe dining setup
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
Shared stationery removed
Staff trained in safety protocol
Temperature check for guests and staff
Alternative meal arrangement
Bar
Coffee shop
Happy hour
Restaurants
Room service
Snack bar
Air conditioning in public area
Contactless check-in/out
Daily housekeeping
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Food delivery
Grooming service
Heating in public area
Invoice provided
Ironing service
Laundry service
Meeting/banquet facilities
Salon
Smoke-free property
Smoking area
Terrace
Xerox/fax in business center
Family/child friendly
Family room
Kids meal
Fire extinguisher
Non-smoking rooms
Pets allowed
Car park [free of charge]
Bathtub
Carpeting
Closet
Clothes rack
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Hair dryer
Heating
Ironing facilities
Linens
Private bathroom
Safety/security feature
Seating area
Separate dining area
Shower
Sleep comfort items
Smoke detector
Socket near the bed
Sofa
Telephone
Toiletries
Towels
Trash cans
TV [flat screen]

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Overview

Balcary Bay Country House Hotel is a historic Scottish country house set right on the seaside, dating back to 1625. Once a smugglers’ hideout, it became a Laird’s residence and now a spacious hotel. From peaceful yoga sessions and sauna retreats to terraces overlooking the sparkling beach, every corner invites serenity. Dining celebrates culinary purity, using fresh, local ingredients in a plastic-free kitchen, from the restaurant and al fresco options to the Cocoa Café and traditional High Tea. The hotel has received the Green Stay Award from the International Culinary Union for its sustainable practices. Beyond the grounds, wander scenic trails, uncover medieval castles, stroll vibrant gardens, and spot wildlife across lush woodlands, all framed by Galloway’s dramatic coastal scenery.

Fabulous 8.6

276 reviews

Balcary Bay Country House Hotel Shore Road, Auchencairn, Castle Douglas Town Center, Castle Douglas, United Kingdom, DG7 1QZ

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Local Info

Dumfries Museum

(36.04 km)

Devorgilla Bridge

(36.3 km)

Dock Park

(36.6 km)

Nearest Airport

(106.3 km)

Nearest Railway Station

(37.3 km)

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History

Balcary Bay House has been around since about 1625, and along with nearby Hestan Isle, it earned a reputation as a smugglers’ hideout back in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its vaulted cellars were said to be packed with contraband gin. Originally called Balcary House, it was probably home to a wealthy Laird, complete with farmland, stables, and outbuildings. Over the years, it became a combined home and bed and breakfast in the 1940s, and finally grew into a hotel in the 1990s. A single-storey extension was added in 2008, with the option of a second floor for sweeping bay views. Today, the house offers over 17,000 sq. ft. (1579.35 sq. metres) across four floors, set in lovely grounds with direct beach access and incredible views across the Solway Firth to the Cumbrian Mountains.

The house has gathered its share of accolades over the years, including the Scottish Tourist Board Gold award and recognition as one of Scotland’s Hotels of Distinction. It also holds a 2022 Travel Award from Kayak, a Recommended 2023 badge from Restaurant Guru, and a Taste Our Best award for its dining.

A historic house set on the seaside Agoda

Design and Architecture

Balcary Bay House is a traditional country house with the sea right on its doorstep. Step inside the bright reception hall and you’ll find cloakrooms and hallways, one leading to a striking spiral staircase with a twisted wooden railing. On the ground floor, the living areas are full of character and many with beautiful sea views. A long drawing room doubles as a library, and a central sitting room with painted beams and a stone fireplace gives the house its classic country house feel. Four suites, a bar, and a store complete the ground floor.

Upstairs, 17 bright bedrooms with modern en-suites offer either peaceful garden views or sweeping coastal panoramas. The second floor includes a larger suite, a family room, a dining area, and a small kitchen, all catching the sea breeze. Outside, a long gravel driveway goes through iron gates into grounds with big trees, lawns, and hedges. Stone steps lead down to the beach, and terraces go around the house. There’s also a wooden yoga room and a large infrared sauna with a shower, mixing old country style with seaside luxury.

Elegant country house with classic architectural details Agoda

Amenities

Popular Amenities

English
Chinese [Mandarin]
Bicycles
Wheelchair accessible
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Internet
Internet services
Wi-Fi in public areas
Canoeing
Fishing
Fitness center
Garden
Gym/fitness
Hiking
Massage
Private beach
Sauna
Snorkeling
Water sports (non-motorized)
Yoga room
Anti-viral cleaning products
Body thermometer
Breakfast in room
Breakfast takeaway service
Cashless payment service
Doctor/nurse on call
First aid kit
Free face masks
Guest rooms seal after sanitization
Hand sanitizer
Hotel room service app
Hot water linen and laundry washing
Individually-wrapped food options
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
Professional-grade sanitizing services
Protective screens in common areas
Room sanitization opt-out available
Rooms sanitized between stays
Safe dining setup
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
Shared stationery removed
Staff trained in safety protocol
Temperature check for guests and staff
Alternative meal arrangement
Bar
Coffee shop
Happy hour
Restaurants
Room service
Snack bar
Air conditioning in public area
Contactless check-in/out
Daily housekeeping
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Food delivery
Grooming service
Heating in public area
Invoice provided
Ironing service
Laundry service
Meeting/banquet facilities
Salon
Smoke-free property
Smoking area
Terrace
Xerox/fax in business center
Family/child friendly
Family room
Kids meal
Fire extinguisher
Non-smoking rooms
Pets allowed
Car park [free of charge]
Bathtub
Carpeting
Closet
Clothes rack
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Hair dryer
Heating
Ironing facilities
Linens
Private bathroom
Safety/security feature
Seating area
Separate dining area
Shower
Sleep comfort items
Smoke detector
Socket near the bed
Sofa
Telephone
Toiletries
Towels
Trash cans
TV [flat screen]

Available in all rooms

Bathtub
Carpeting
Closet
Clothes rack
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
Electric kettle
Free bottled water
Hair dryer
Heating
Ironing facilities
Linens
Private bathroom
Safety/security feature
Seating area
Separate dining area
Shower
Sleep comfort items
Smoke detector
Socket near the bed
Sofa
Telephone
Toiletries
Towels
Trash cans
TV [flat screen]

Cleanliness and safety

Anti-viral cleaning products
Body thermometer
Breakfast in room
Breakfast takeaway service
Cashless payment service
Doctor/nurse on call
First aid kit
Free face masks
Hand sanitizer
Hotel room service app
Individually-wrapped food options
Professional-grade sanitizing services
Room sanitization opt-out available
Rooms sanitized between stays
Safe dining setup
Shared stationery removed

Services and conveniences

Contactless check-in/out
Daily housekeeping
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Food delivery
Grooming service
Heating in public area
Invoice provided
Ironing service
Laundry service
Meeting/banquet facilities
Salon
Smoke-free property
Smoking area
Xerox/fax in business center

Things to do, ways to relax

Canoeing
Fishing
Fitness center
Gym/fitness
Hiking
Massage
Private beach
Snorkeling
Water sports (non-motorized)
Yoga room

Dining, drinking, and snacking

Alternative meal arrangement
Coffee shop
Happy hour
Restaurants
Snack bar

Internet access

Internet
Internet services
Wi-Fi in public areas

For the kids

Family/child friendly
Family room
Kids meal

Access

Fire extinguisher
Non-smoking rooms
Pets allowed

Languages spoken

English
Chinese [Mandarin]

Outdoor

Bicycles

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

Dining

Balcary Bay Country House Hotel, dining is all about fresh, natural, and nutritious food. Wherever possible, ingredients are sourced from local organic and traditional farmers, with line-caught fish, free-range organic eggs, and Galloway grass-fed meats. The hotel works with highly regarded suppliers to ensure top-quality produce.

Main Dining Room
The Main Dining Room offers a smart-casual to formal dining experience, combining fine period details with sweeping sea views. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in an elegant space.
Opening hours
Breakfast: 8:00 am to 9:45 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

The Bar and Conservatory
Perfect for casual lunches or light meals, the Bar and Conservatory provide a relaxed setting to enjoy a drink or a bite with scenic views.
Opening hours
Bar Lunch: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm

Main dining room with classic country vibe Agoda

Al Fresco Dining
The Kitchen Herbal Garden is both a source of fresh herbs and a charming outdoor dining spot. Guests can enjoy BBQs with local meats and seafood, while the Bay View lawn offers al fresco dining on sunny days with breathtaking seaside vistas.

Sunset and bay views while dining outdoors Agoda

Cocoa Café
Opened in 2021, this beachside café caters to both hotel guests and visitors. Enjoy Italian coffee, organic teas, hot chocolate, local ice creams, snacks, take-away meals, and homemade cakes, including gluten-free and keto options. Pets are welcome, with free biscuits for dogs and apples for horses.
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Beachside café with coffee, treats, and views Agoda

Traditional High Tea
Enjoy freshly prepared teas, cakes, and finger sandwiches in the Main Dining Room or on the Bay View lawn, depending on the weather.
Opening hours: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Traditional High Tea in classic style Agoda

Events & Experiences

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

For those who prefer to stay close to the hotel, there is plenty to do. Guests can enjoy the fitness center, gym, yoga room, sauna, and massage facilities. The private beach is ideal for peaceful walks, sunbathing, or trying non-motorized water sports.

For nature lovers and active explorers, Galloway has countless outdoor experiences. Snorkeling, cycling, hiking, canoeing, and fishing are available nearby, offering opportunities to enjoy the region’s diverse landscapes. Galloway is home to 25 designated scenic walks, ranging from gentle 2.5-mile strolls to more challenging 12-mile routes. Seven of these start near Balcary Bay House, including the Loch Mackie Walk, which begins right at the hotel gate. Along the way, discover an abundance of local flora, from sea asters and thrift to bluebells, juniper, and orchids.

Discover coastal and woodland views on Loch Mackie Walk Billy McCrorie

The area is a paradise for bird watchers, hosting species such as barnacle geese, barn owls, puffins, red kites, and even the hotel’s own friendly pet robin. The Red Kite Trail, around Loch Ken and the River Dee, features feeding stations to help with sightings.

Galloway is rich in history, with many medieval castles nearby, including Caerlaverock, Cardoness, Carsluith, MacLellans, and Threave. Museums such as the Stewartry Museum and Glencairn Science Museum offer insights into local heritage.

For garden lovers, highlights include Logan Botanical Gardens, Glenwhan Garden, Castle Kennedy Garden, Dunskey Gardens, Ardwell Gardens, Logan House Garden, and the expansive Galloway Forest Park. The region also features woodlands like Carstramon Wood, Cree Valley Woodlands, and Threave Estate, perfect for walking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying peaceful nature.

Discover heritage and art at Stewartry Museum Leslie Barrie

At Balcary Bay House, winter, Christmas, and New Year’s dining is crafted to make your stay memorable. Using the freshest local ingredients, the menus feature warming starters, hearty mains, and indulgent desserts celebrating the season. Christmas is celebrated with an exclusive festive event, perfect for family or friends, and the New Year’s Eve 4-course banquet pairs seasonal dishes with stunning bay views for an unforgettable celebration.

Exclusive Christmas experiences for family and friends Agoda

Other Celebrations

For any special occasion or corporate gathering, the Alexander Room offers an elegant and memorable setting. Perfect for formal dinners, celebrations, or business events, the room gives stunning views of the bay and can seat up to 10, or up to 14 with an additional table. You can also request an outdoor setup with a sea view, and the team will do their best to accommodate your preferences and help with any customized arrangements to make your event truly exceptional.

Book Venue

A cozy, romantic setup with stunning views Agoda

Sustainability

The hotel pairs traditional wellness practices with a deep respect for the environment. Culinary purity sits at its core, with every meal made without processed oils or microwaves in a fully plastic-free kitchen. Thoughtful sourcing, low-waste habits, and gentle energy use keep its footprint light, earning Balcary Bay the Green Stay Award from the International Culinary Union for its full-spectrum sustainability efforts.

Local Info

Dumfries Museum

36.04 km

A fascinating museum showcasing local history, archaeology, and culture. Housed in a charming historic building, it features interactive displays and exhibits that bring Dumfries’ rich heritage to life. (37-minute drive)

Devorgilla Bridge

36.3 km

A striking medieval bridge in Dumfries, known for its stone arches and historic charm. It’s a favourite spot for photography, scenic walks, and enjoying the surrounding riverside views. (37-minute drive)

Dock Park

36.6 km

A beautifully maintained green space with gardens, walking paths, and playgrounds. Perfect for families or a peaceful stroll, it offers a relaxing retreat in the heart of Dumfries. (38-minute drive)