Glenesk Hotel

The Glenesk Hotel sits in the picturesque village of Edzell, in Angus. The hotel itself is set in a historic Victorian country house built back in 1897. Since its opening, Glenesk has become known for its scenic setting at the foot of the Angus Glens. Dylan and Alena Wren purchased the hotel in 2012 and extensively refurbished and elevated it to four‑star status.

It was during their ownership that Glenesk made a name for itself in the 2017-2018 Guinness World Record for the most varieties of commercially available whisky. The property was later acquired by Ritu Dutt in 2021, whose diligent management won the Glenesk several more accolades, including Best Scottish Independently Owned Hotel at the 2025 Scottish Hotel Awards.

As the Glenesk Hotel was built in 1897, it embraced many popular architectural styles during that era, with Scottish baronial being the most apparent. The design is credited to David Fraser, a Scottish architect who envisioned the hotel to have a Victorian country manor edifice. The exterior walls are made of symmetrical stonework topped with a pitched slate roof. Other elements, such as the chimneys and windows, follow the symmetrical layout, which is broken only by the adjacent wing.

The Victorian opulence of Glenesk continues upon entering its doors; the halls and spaces are full of old-world charm, featuring antiques and vintage furnishings along the walls. Select rooms are equipped with lovely poster beds, crackling fireplaces, and gleaming mirrors. Yet despite these classic accouterments, the hotel ensures its doors are welcome to modern guests, including those with accessibility needs. Glenesk Hotel proudly offers its accessible rooms to travelers from all walks of life; these come equipped with an array of mobility-friendly features, such as grab rails, raised toilets, and emergency cords.

Fairways Brasserie & Grill

Enjoy a relaxing yet refined dining experience that exemplifies the best of Scottish cuisine with long-standing British influences. At Fairways Brasserie & Grill, chefs use the finest fresh seasonal produce from local farms and partners across Scotland to craft exquisite dishes. Treat yourself to a casual mid-day meal or enjoy a special evening dinner while admiring the restaurant's historic ambiance.

Opening hours:
Lunch: 12 pm – 2 pm
Dinner: 6 pm – 9 pm

Afternoon Tea

Partake in the Glenesk's signature Vintage Afternoon Tea, served in the elegant Chandelier Lounge beside a crackling fire. Enjoy a rich variety of flavors as you bite into freshly baked scones, handmade pastries, and savory sandwiches. Each sip of the delightful tea blend will soothe you, though you may also choose to elevate the experience with a glass of fizz or a cocktail.

Advanced bookings are required and can be made via the hotel's phone contact.

Whisky Bar

In 2017, Glenesk Hotel carved its name in history with its Guinness World Record of "having the most varieties of whisky commercially available." Although it has since been surpassed, the Whisky Bar still boasts one of the largest selections in the world. It also boasts a menu filled with signature cocktails and classic recipes, all of which can be enjoyed in the bar & lounge's atmospheric setting.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 11 pm

Your wedding is one of the most unforgettable milestones in your life, so to make sure it goes as perfectly as possible, you'll want a venue that has everything you want. Glenesk Hotel might be what you're looking for, as it offers a fantastic array of services for your big day. Each of the venues is licensed for wedding and civil ceremony services, and can also be tailored to your desired themes and scale. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a big wedding festival, you'll be assisted by a dedicated Events Manager boasting decades of experience. They will assist you with personalized planning support, adjusting the available flexible packages designed to reflect your style and preferences. Aside from booking the venues individually, you can also make an exclusive hire for the entire hotel, treating yourself to a fully private wedding experience.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Immerse in a rejuvenating and tranquil spa experience at Glenesk Hotel. The hotel's wellness facilities combine simple but effective concepts to help guests unwind or stay active. The wellness suite features a heated indoor swimming pool alongside a sauna and steam room, giving you options between exercising or sitting down to detoxify. Another way to maintain your fitness routine is to make use of the fully equipped gym's cardio and strength equipment.

Around Edzell, guests will find a wide range of scenic and historic attractions to visit. The Edzell Castle and Gardens is a beautiful 16th-century ruin now famous for its restored Renaissance walled garden. The Blue Door Walk is a popular scenic trail along the North Esk River, winding through woodland and past waterfalls, making it ideal for picnics and wildlife watching. A little further afield are iconic Scottish highlights like Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth II, and the iconic Dunnottar Castle, with its clifftop ruins overlooking the sea.

Glenesk Hotel will be happy to host your social events at their venues. The staff will assist in planning tailored celebrations for a wide variety of occasions, from milestone birthdays and anniversaries to christenings, wakes, and family reunions.

Choose from the flexible event spaces, such as the spacious Thistle Banqueting Suite or the more intimate Chandelier Room; each can be customized by layout, theme, and catering, ensuring small and larger gatherings will be properly served. Likewise, these settings are also quite suitable for business events, accommodating conferences of up to 150 attendees, or providing meeting rooms for board meetings and seminars.