The Gleneagles Hotel

The Gleneagles Hotel began with a spark of inspiration in the early 1900s, when Donald Matheson from the Caledonian Railway Company visited Strathearn, loved its landscapes, and envisioned a country hotel with an adjoining golf course. Work stopped when the First World War broke out, but the plan stayed alive. By 1919, the King’s and Queen’s courses were already open, even before the hotel was finished.

When the hotel finally opened in June 1924, it made a pretty big impression. Newspapers called it the eighth wonder of the world, and people felt like they had found a little Riviera in the Highlands. Over the years, it became a spot for memorable summers, important golf events, and gatherings that shaped the sport.

The hotel went through a lot of changes. It served as a hospital during the Second World War and later returned to being a peaceful countryside escape. More golf courses arrived, new dining spaces opened, and different experiences were added through the decades. A major turning point came after 2015 when new owners launched a six-year renovation and restoration. The estate received updated rooms, new restaurants, new bars, refreshed leisure areas, and a full modern lift while keeping its classic feel.

Gleneagles keeps winning hearts and awards. In 2025, it was voted the best resort in the rest of Europe by Condé Nast Traveller readers and picked up the AA Sustainable Award too. Back in 2022, luxury travel pros at Virtuoso named it ‘Best Hotel,’ and its golfing reputation is legendary. The Daily Telegraph and Ultratravel called it the ‘Best Golf Resort in the World’ for seven years running. It even won National Geographic Traveller’s ‘Domestic Bliss’ award two years in a row. These honors show why visitors keep coming back for a mix of history, luxury, and unforgettable experiences.

Gleneagles is a stunning hotel with a style that has stood the test of time. Built in 1924, it was designed by Glasgow architect Matthew Adam, with interiors by Charles W. Swanson from Edinburgh. Its elegant Georgian design is visible in the grand facade, oak-paneled walls, and beautifully decorated ceilings. The ballroom, lounges, and dining spaces all have classical touches that make guests feel special, while the rooms are filled with modern amenities like central heating, plush bedding, and a swimming pool.

Over the years, the hotel has grown, but it has kept its original elegance. The French Pavilion reflects the style of old railway resort hotels. It’s even been featured in the hit TV series Succession. Some of the UK’s top designers, including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties, Macaulay Sinclair, and Goddard Littlefair, have worked on the interiors, adding antiques, artwork, and fabrics to make the rooms feel warm and inviting. Today, the hotel has 233 bedrooms and suites that celebrate Scottish heritage while offering everything you need for a relaxing, modern stay.

The Strathearn

The Strathearn is the hotel’s original restaurant, open since 1924, and it still has a timeless charm. Candlelight and live piano music set the scene for modern Scottish fine dining. You can enjoy classics like hand-sliced Scottish smoked salmon, a perfectly cooked Beef Wellington for two with exquisite sides and red wine jus, or a selection of artisan cheeses cut to your liking.

Opening Hours:
Breakfast
Tuesday - Friday: 07:30 am to 10:30 am
Saturday - Monday: 07:30 am to 11:00 am
Dinner
Monday - Thursday: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Lunch / Dinner
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm / 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Andrew Fairlie

For a truly unforgettable experience, Andrew Fairlie is Scotland’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant at Gleneagles. Head Chef Stephen McLaughlin, at the helm since 2001, brings French-inspired cookery to every dish. Expect impeccable service, world-class wines, and plates made from the finest local ingredients. The home-smoked lobster with lime and herb butter is a signature must-try. Guests can choose from the a la carte menu or the carefully balanced tasting menu.

Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 6:00 pm onwards

The Birnam

The Birnam is Gleneagles’ Italian-American grill, featuring a custom-built fire pit used for cooking steaks, seafood, and other dishes. Guests can sit at the marble bar and watch the kitchen in action, or dine in the garden room, which offers natural light during the day and a fire-lit atmosphere in the evening. The menu includes Scottish steaks, fresh fish, lobster, pasta made in-house daily with rich sauces, and the hotel’s famous whole roast chicken Caesar. The restaurant also hosts a brunch on selected Sundays, offering a buffet of starters, mains, and desserts.

Opening hours:
Lunch:
Friday - Sunday: 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Dinner:
Monday - Thursday: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Friday - Sunday: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Brunch: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (Selected dates during the year)

The Dormy

The Dormy is the cozy lounge at Gleneagles’ clubhouse, popular with members and visitors. It has great views of the courses and the countryside, and the menu covers grill classics like burgers and bangers and mash, stone-baked pizzas, and tandoor dishes, including curries and thalis. Don’t miss the pizza or pie of the month! Breakfast is served from a full Scottish fry to a bacon roll on the go.

Opening Hours
Breakfast: Monday to Sunday - 08:00 am to 11:00 am
All Day Dining: Monday to Sunday - 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The Garden Cafe

Relaxed and informal, The Garden Cafe is great for the whole family, including furry friends in the atrium. Guests can enjoy everything from cakes and coffee to pick ‘n’ mix, ice cream, and lunch. The pastry counter is topped up all day with homemade treats from skilled bakers. Superfood salad, Waldorf salad, and grilled vegetables with mozzarella focaccia are highlights, but there are plenty of other dishes to try, too.

Opening Hours:
Teas, Coffees, Cakes:
09:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Sunday
Lunch Menu:
11:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Sunday

The American Bar

The American Bar is inspired by the 1920s, the decade when Gleneagles first opened. It’s a relaxed spot for adults to enjoy cocktails and hang out. The Rose Compendium menu takes inspiration from the British Rose Annuals from 1876. Head Bartender Emilio Giovanazzi researched each drink carefully, looking at flavours from the rose family and creating a pair of cocktails from each.

Opening Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday: 5:30 pm to 12 midnight

Auchterarder 70

Auchterarder 70 is Gleneagles’ course-side bar, named after the hotel’s original telephone number. It’s a bright and relaxed spot, perfect for a long lunch on the terrace or an evening at the bar. The menu focuses on sharing plates, sandwiches, sides, and bar snacks, from prawn cocktail to sausage rolls—great for enjoying with a drink after a round of golf.

Opening Hours:
Friday - Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, food served until 8:00 pm

The Century Bar

The Century Bar is a favourite spot at Gleneagles for both the start and end of a stay. With cozy sofas and flickering fires, it’s a relaxed place to linger. Open since 1924, the bar has built one of Scotland’s most impressive collections of rare and unique whiskies. The menu includes over 400 whiskies, alongside cocktails, Champagnes, wines, and beers. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a classic dram or a new favourite.

Opening hours:
Drinks: Monday - Sunday: 11:00 am to 01:00 am
Lunch: Monday - Sunday: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

The Inglenook

The Inglenook at The Dormy is a small, adult-only lounge with a fireplace, ideal for quiet drinks or a nightcap. Guests often use the space to relax after dinner, enjoy whisky, or have a cigar. It provides a comfortable setting to unwind, reflect on the day’s golf, or spend a peaceful evening with friends.

Opening hours:
Daily: 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea here follows a traditional setup inspired by early train travel, when passengers were served simple, well-made snacks during long journeys. The menu includes finger sandwiches, small cakes such as marmalade and chocolate varieties, and other light items made with Scottish ingredients. It is served in a quiet setting with views of the lawns. Vegetarian and vegan options can be requested.

Opening hours:
Friday- Monday: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Gleneagles offers several indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can pick a setting that fits your style and guest numbers. The location sits in the countryside and has its own small train stop, which makes travel easier for guests. There is also a spa and salon on site for hair, makeup, and any pre-wedding prep. For food, the chefs put together menus for different tastes, seasons, and dietary needs. They also handle things like canapés, cakes, and drinks, including champagne receptions. Floral arrangements can be prepared in-house, too. A planning team supports the whole process, from the ceremony and schedule to dining and activities, so most of the detailed work is handled for you.

For venues, the Henry Hall is the biggest option with space for up to 450 guests, making it ideal for large ceremonies or receptions. The Ballroom comes next, holding around 360 people, and has that classic 1920s look that many couples love for a grand celebration. The Assembly Room fits about 200 guests and has a bright, elegant feel thanks to its high windows and soft natural light. For smaller gatherings, there are intimate spaces like The Drawing Room or The Parlour, which suit quieter, more personal weddings.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

You can easily spend your whole trip inside Gleneagles because there is always something happening around the estate. Most people start with the golf courses because they are well known and suit all levels, even if you just want an easy round on a quiet afternoon. The spa, gym, and pools sit in the main building, so it is simple to move between a swim, a sauna, or a quick workout. The beauty lodge helps with hair and small grooming bits if you want to tidy up before dinner.

Once you head outdoors, the place feels a bit like its own adventure base. You can try fishing, riding, clay shooting, off road driving or even spend an hour learning about falconry or gundogs. Instructors guide most activities, so you can join even if you have never tried anything like it before. Families usually enjoy the pony rides, tree climbing and the easy bike trails around the grounds, while others head for tennis courts or simple lawn games on warm days.

If you want a small break from the estate, the countryside around Gleneagles is easy to explore. There are calm walking paths, cycling routes, gentle horse riding trails, and little villages that work well for simple half-day trips. It adds a relaxed travel touch, especially if you enjoy mixing slow moments with a bit of exploring.

Stirling Castle is a short drive away and lets you wander through historic halls, old ramparts, and open views that bring Scotland’s past to life. You can also pair it with a visit to The Kelpies, the huge horse-head sculptures near Falkirk, which make an unforgettable stop.

Gleneagles takes on a full festive mood in winter, with the hotel decorated around Scottish folklore and a steady run of seasonal food and small events. Christmas, the days between Christmas and New Year, and Hogmanay are the main periods, each with its own schedule. Guests usually mix their time between skating, outdoor fun, slow meals, and cozy evenings by the fire. There are also a few programmed events, like ballet afternoons with tea and winter parties at The Dormy. These change each year, so it’s worth checking the plan before you arrive. Most people book the set festive packages, since they include meals and certain activities, and create an easy holiday rhythm.

The Gleneagles Hotel works well for both corporate and private events because everything feels easy to plan and customize. You get 15 flexible spaces that suit big conferences, small board meetings, milestone dinners, birthdays, or any private celebration. The events team helps shape things your way, whether you want something formal or something relaxed. They can also add fun team-building activities like off-road driving, fitness boot camps, falconry, golf, clay shooting, or fishing. With smooth tech support and good food, the whole experience feels natural, and they happily take special requests as you prefer.