Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Spa Hotel Breaks
If you are looking for a bit of pampering
out of town, head for
Dalhousie Castle
hotel, in Bonnyrigg. Here they have cre-
ated “Aqueous,” a hydro spa: It com-
bines therapeutic treatments,
Jacuzzi-like massage pool, Turkish bath,
and room for mud cleansing, too. The
“total experience” costs about £200.
Dalhousie Castle is on the A7 south of
Edinburgh.
&
01875/820-153.
www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk. Another rec-
ommended spa is that of the
Macdonald
Marine Hotel & Spa
in North Berwick,
East Lothian. There is an exercise pool,
health and fitness program, and “thermal
suite.” The Spa Day rate (which includes
facial, scalp massage, and more) costs
about £170. The hotel is on Cromwell
Rd., North Berwick.
&
0844/879-9130.
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/marine.
12
examples of a parish church. While providing a dramatic focal point on the landscape,
the aluminum spears projecting from the tower were added in the 1960s.
Adjacent to Linlithgow Palace, off the A706, on the south shore of Linlithgow Loch, 1km (
1
⁄
2
mile) from
Linlithgow railway station.
&
01506/842-188.
www.stmichaelsparish.org.uk. Free admission. May-
Sept daily 10:30am-4pm; Oct-Apr 10:30am-1pm (except during services, funerals, or weddings).
Where to Dine
The Boat House
FISH/SEAFOOD What a vista. This restaurant is down a
few steps from the main street of South Queensferry, which means diners are closer
to the sea and have views of the marvelous Forth rail and suspension road bridges.
Typical dishes are innovative but not overcomplicated. They might include grilled
herring or monkfish, roasted with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil.
22 High St., South Queensferry.
&
0131/331-5429.
Reservations recommended. Fixed-price lunch £16;
main courses £12-£18. MC, V. Mon-Sun noon-2:30pm and 5:30-10pm (8pm Sun).
Champany Inn
SCOTTISH You'll find some of the best beef in Britain in this
converted mill. The restaurant, a Michelin star holder since 2008, also serves oysters,
salmon, and lobsters, but steaks are the main reason why people dine here. Meat is
properly hung before butchering, which adds greatly to its flavor and texture. Next to
the main dining room is the Chop House, offering somewhat less expensive cuts. The
wine list—around 2,000 bins—has won an award for excellence from the magazine
Wine Spectator.
The inn also has some 16 handsomely furnished guest rooms.
Champany Corner. Take M9 until junction 3, then A904 until you reach the restaurant, 3km (2 miles)
northeast of Linlithgow.
&
01506/834-532.
www.champany.com. Reservations required. Fixed-price
lunch £20; main courses £25-£50. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 12:30-2pm; Mon-Sat 7-10pm. Main restaurant
closed Sun.
Livingston's
MODERN SCOTTISH/FRENCH This restaurant down an alley
off the main street of Linlithgow includes a conservatory that overlooks a tidy little
garden. On a seasonally changing menu, Highland venison is a favorite dish. Seared
scallops with black pudding may appear on the menu, or perhaps wild duck breast
and duck leg confit. An elegant dessert selection has, in the past, included Mrs.
Livingston's home-grown apples prepared three ways. Diners can wash it all down
with a selection from the ample wine and whisky lists.
