Prestonfield House

Prestonfield House is one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful hotels, with a story going back over 300 years. In the late 1600s, Sir James Dick turned it into a lavish home with tapestries, fine furniture, and gilded leather walls. When he died in 1728, his daughter Lady Cunyngham inherited the estate. The house later became known as Prestonfield, taking its name from the surrounding fields. In 1746, Alexander Cunyngham took over. A physician and gardening enthusiast, he introduced rhubarb to Scotland, which became one of the estate’s signature plants. His love for Italy inspired the painted panels in the Italian Room, which guests can still enjoy today. The hotel’s restaurant, Rhubarb, is named in his honor.

In the early 1800s, Sir Robert Keith Dick remodelled Prestonfield, adding grand reception rooms (now Rhubarb restaurant), a neo-classical entrance, a circular stable block, and landscaped grounds. His initials, SRKD, still sit above the stables, and his horses appear in paintings in the Whisky Room. Later, some family debts and a fire caused damage, but the house was carefully repaired. By the 1960s, Prestonfield opened as a hotel, welcoming guests to its grand architecture, antiques, and gardens. Today, under James Thomson, it has been lovingly restored, letting visitors enjoy the history, luxury, and tranquillity that make Prestonfield one of Edinburgh’s most iconic hotels.

Over the years, the hotel has also earned international recognition, including AA Five Red Star status, VisitScotland 5 Gold Stars, a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating, a Michelin Guide One Key, and multiple accolades for its restaurant Rhubarb, reflecting its commitment to luxury, fine dining, and Scottish hospitality.

The estate’s grounds were redesigned in the early 1800s, when architect James Gillespie Graham added the circular stable block that still stands today. The grounds follow a parkland style, and the main building has a calm, cream exterior surrounded by mature gardens, keeping much of its traditional Scottish architecture. Inside, the design combines historic elements, antiques, artwork, and a warm, lived-in feel shaped by James Thomson, who led the modern transformation of the house.

Prestonfield House has 23 rooms and suites, each furnished with antique pieces and large windows that look out toward the gardens. Some views include Arthur’s Seat, the nearby golf course, Royal Holyrood Park, or the ruins of Craigmillar Castle. You will also find one of the earliest rhubarb patches in the United Kingdom here, and it’s pretty common to spot a peacock wandering around while you walk through the grounds. Room styles vary from charming historic corners to top-floor suites with Mansard ceilings and dormer windows, giving you a strong sense of the estate’s character.

Rhubarb is the hotel’s main restaurant, and it focuses on fresh, seasonal Scottish produce from small local suppliers. Prestonfield was the first estate in Scotland to grow rhubarb in the 18th century, and the kitchen still uses it today. The restaurant has held AA 2 Rosettes since 2005, a testament to its consistently high standards. Along with the regular menus, you can try a 6-course tasting menu, plus vegan and vegetarian options that change with the season. If you have a food allergy, it’s best to let the staff know before you order. The wine list stands out with picks from well-known regions and smaller producers, making food pairing simple. The Whisky Room offers a broad range of single malts and blends, giving you an easy way to explore different Scottish whisky styles.

Opening hours:
Lunch: 12 noon to 4:30 pm
Dinner: 4:45 pm to 10 pm (last booking)

Afternoon Tea

Prestonfield House offers a traditional Afternoon Tea, featuring delicate finger sandwiches, savories, freshly baked scones, and a variety of home-made cakes and pastries, presented on elegant three-tier stands. Guests can enjoy specialty teas and coffees, as well as a selection of cocktails and mocktails. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available. On special days, Festive Afternoon Tea is available for £70 (USD 90), or the Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea for £85 (USD 113), including a glass of chilled Billecart-Salmon Champagne.

Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm – 6:45 pm
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Prestonfield House is a beautiful spot for weddings, whether you’re planning something small and intimate or a big celebration. The staff takes care of everything, and there’s even a private helipad if you need it. The reception spaces come with a dance floor, stage, dramatic lighting, and you can customise the mood with color-changing lights and pin-spotting for your tables. There’s a sound and lighting tech on hand, a top-notch in-house system, and a big video wall to show your photos or speeches.

Stuart Room
Venue type and style: The Stuart Room is rich and dramatic, with deep red, black, and gilt décor. Luxurious furnishings complement the historic atmosphere, while large windows offer views of Craigmillar Castle and Little France. Its intimate setting makes it perfect for small, elegant weddings or private dining.
Capacity: Up to 14 guests

Italian Room
Venue type and style: The Italian Room showcases Italian-style painted panels and classical décor, inspired by Sir Alexander’s travels. Portraits by Allan Ramsay add historical charm, while the Whisky Room nearby offers pre-drinks with elk antler furniture and fine whisky. It’s an intimate yet refined space for mid-sized gatherings.
Capacity: Up to 24 guests

Garden Room
Venue type and style: The Garden Room is bright and airy, with hand-painted Chinoiserie walls, Chinese pots, and a hidden terrace filled with olive trees and herbs. Its flexible layout and natural light make it ideal for intimate to mid-sized weddings, offering a mix of elegance and relaxed charm.
Capacity: Up to 50 guests

The Stables
Venue type and style: The Stables is a grand, versatile venue with opulent velvet and gilded accents. High ceilings, professional lighting, and an adaptable layout make it ideal for large weddings. The space combines historic grandeur with modern technical facilities for a truly memorable celebration.
Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Edinburgh is full of iconic sights and hidden corners that make exploring the city a real treat. Of course, you can wander through the Old Town, marvel at Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and spot the Scott Monument. Arthur’s Seat offers some of the best views over the city and is perfect for a gentle hike to take in the skyline. If you love whisky, tartan, or Harry Potter, the city certainly doesn’t disappoint. These classic attractions are well-loved, but there’s so much more waiting off the beaten path.

One of the city’s lesser-known treasures is its coastline. Many visitors forget that Edinburgh isn’t just about historic streets and castles, but it also has a charming stretch of sea, complete with promenades and the sound of seagulls. Leith, once a working-class area, is now buzzing with cafes, galleries, and small restaurants, many serving fresh Scottish seafood. Walking along the waterfront or popping into a local bar for a quick drink feels like a refreshing escape from the busy city streets. Portobello Beach is another hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful stroll along golden sand or a quick sit-down with classic fish and chips while watching the waves. Golfers can enjoy courses nearby, soaking in Scotland’s famous fairways and greens while enjoying the fresh coastal breeze. The lighthouse at Newhaven is a quiet, almost meditative spot, with sweeping views over the Firth of Forth and beyond.

For those who enjoy culture and entertainment, Edinburgh’s theater scene is vibrant. The Playhouse often hosts big-name musicals like Jersey Boys, and the Festival Theater regularly stages shows such as Les Misérables and Dirty Dancing. Smaller venues like the Royal Lyceum Theater offer unique productions. If live music is more your vibe, the Scottish National Gallery often hosts free performances of classical and Scottish music, adding another layer to the city’s rich culture.

Edinburgh is also full of quirky experiences. The Surgeon’s Hall Museums offer an intriguing look into medical history, while the Real Mary King’s Close gives a glimpse into the hidden streets and underground life of the 17th century. For lighter fun, cat lovers can visit Maison de Moggy, a cozy café with pedigree cats waiting to be petted. Camera Obscura on the Royal Mile provides a playful mix of optical illusions and interactive exhibits, and the street markets in Grassmarket, Stockbridge, and Leith are perfect for picking up local crafts and foods.

During the festive season, Prestonfield House hosts a range of seasonal events and dining experiences. Winter Wonderland Party Nights include a welcome cocktail, a three-course dinner, coffee, and live entertainment with festive classics and cabaret. Tickets cost GBP 75 (USD 100) per person, or GBP 90 (USD 120) with a half bottle of wine.

On Christmas Day, the rooms are decorated with candles, blazing fires, and festive touches, creating a warm and seasonal atmosphere. The Leather Room and the Stables cater to different group sizes, from small gatherings to larger celebrations. The Hogmanay Ball welcomes the New Year with champagne, a four-course dinner, and a ceilidh. Festive dining is also available for travelers visiting Edinburgh’s markets or exploring the city, letting guests enjoy traditional seasonal dishes and drinks in the estate’s historic setting.

Prestonfield House offers a range of stunning private dining rooms, well-equipped for corporate events, meetings, or private celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. The estate has welcomed Presidents, Prime Ministers, royalty, and celebrities since 1687. Spaces include the intimate Salon Privee, the dramatic Stuart Room, the classic Italian Room, and the bright Garden Room, with The Stables available for larger gatherings. The hotel can tailor food, décor, and seating to suit your event, and the experienced events team will guide you through options to help create a seamless and memorable occasion.

Prestonfield House takes sustainability seriously, blending luxury with eco-friendly practices. Following a “reduce, reuse, recycle, restore” approach, the hotel keeps its Five Red Star standards while caring for the environment. Most gas appliances have been swapped for electricity, lighting is all LED, hot water is on-demand, and air conditioning is inverter-driven for efficiency.

Waste is carefully managed and recycled, with kitchen scraps fed to the Highland cattle and old equipment responsibly disposed of. The kitchen garden continues a long tradition, supplying fresh vegetables, herbs, rhubarb, and even honey from the estate’s own beekeeping, which guests enjoy at breakfast. Ingredients are sourced locally, seasonally, and Fairtrade whenever possible. The hotel also composts garden and food waste, and reduces single-use plastics. All of this lets guests enjoy the luxury of Scotland while leaving a lighter footprint on the environment.