The Fife Lodge Hotel is the perfect hotel to stay for visitors to the North East of Scotland for whether for Golf, Fishing, Walking, Castles, Whisky and Adventure or just a quiet break. Set in private grounds and with one of the largest Ballrooms in Aberdeenshire the hotel has an excellent reputation for Weddings

Popular places to visit and things to do in the area include: Duff House Country House Gallery, Fyvie Castle, Delgatie Castle, The Whisky Trail, Pennan, Historic Harbours, Banff Links, Macduff Marine Aquarium.

Visitors to the area will find many breath taking views of the countryside and long golden sandy beeches, great for romance artist and photographers. Every few miles there will be a historic site from cliff top castles over looking the Moray Firth to hidden from view sites of former medieval palaces and stately homes.

With the rich fertile Buchan land and the fantastic seafood from the North Sea, if you have a taste for the best cuisine anywhere there will be a dish to suite everyone.

The Banffshire coast is fantastic for the water enthusiast. Enjoy fishing in a secluded sheltered rocky bay. Sail along the coast along with the Dolphins and see all the wildlife. Or try a bit of wind surfing or jet biking. There are many harbours to sail to and from.

Set in a idyllic location and surrounded by the superb Scottish Countyside, the 19th century Drumtochty Castle is the perfect place for a memorable event.Whether you are looking for a private weekend refuge, a peaceful hideaway form reality, a romantic Wedding celebration or an exclusive business gathering your visit to the castle will be a unique experiences.We invite you to enjoy the castle exclusively as your own, or with family and friends, and celebrate that special moment in you life in a relaxed and historic atmosphere.

Located 8 miles west of Aberdeen, it is a pleasant place to visit with extensive grounds, woodland walks and historic rose garden. Inside there is lots to see too – portraits, furniture, vaulted ceilings decorated with shields, great hall, 16th century chapel, and much more. Well worth a visit. Small shop, tearoom and children’s playground also on site.

The Castle is open from Easter – 30 June and 1 – 31 October 12.30 – 5pm (closed Tuesdays and Fridays). Castle open 1 July – 31 August daily 11am – 5pm. Grounds open daily all year. Telephone 01330 811 204.
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
For wedding enquiries – please click here

A visit to Drum Castle can be included on your customised itinerary with ClansandCastles.com who offer personal guided trips from Aberdeen and Inverness. You can also visit places on the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail on the same day. Just contact ClansandCastles.com with your requirements.

Celia Ffitch-Stewart is a fully insured driver-guide with Mercedes limousine for private tailor-made guided tours. Half day, full day or extended tours. Themes to suit your interests can be arranged including The Castle Trail. Meet your clan chief, trace your roots, stay in a castle. Airport collection (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness). Services can include itinerary planning and accommodation reservations. Also available for weddings. Member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association).

The following article was kindly written by Dennis Ervin especially for this page:

Possibly the oldest occupied castle in Scotland, Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire, was home to the Irvine family for more than six and a half centuries, a full twenty-four generations of nearly unbroken succession. The original tower keep, standing seventy feet from base to battlement and fifty feet on a side with walls twelve feet thick at the base is thought to have been built during the reign of Alexander III in the mid-thirteenth century. While the architect of the Tower of Drum is unknown the work is generally attributed to Richard Cementarius, the first provost of Aberdeen. Several prominent interior features of the tower are identical to other structures that are known to be the work of Cementarius and so Drum Tower is credited to him as well. The rambling stone mansion and Jacobean house that now surround the original tower were built during the reign of Alexander, the 9th Laird of Drum and completed in 1619.

Berkshire Wedding Venues

Aldermaston Manor Hotel

Wedding Venue
Church Road
Aldermaston
Berkshire
RG26 3AZ
England
Tel: 0118 981 9333
Website: www.aldermastonmanor.co.uk
Email: manorhouse.weddings@virgin.net

Ascot Racecourse

Wedding Venue
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7JX
England
Tel: 0870 727 4321
Website: www.ascot.co.uk/

Basildon Park

Wedding Venue
Lower Basildon
Reading
Berkshire
RG8 9NR
England
Tel: 01494 755558
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-basildonpark/
Email: basildonpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Baylis House

Wedding Venue
Stoke Poges Lane
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 3PB
England
Tel: 01753 555555
Website: www.baylishouse.co.uk
Email: venues@baylishouse.co.uk
Fax: 01753 555500

Bear Hotel Hungerford

Wedding Venue
41 Charnham Street
Hungerford
Berkshire
RG17 0EL
England
Website: www.thebearhotelhungerford.co.uk/

Bearwood Lakes Golf Club

Wedding Venue
Bearwood Road
Nr Sindlesham
Berkshire
RG41 4SJ
England
Tel: 01189 797900
Website: www.bearwoodlakes.co.uk/

Best Western Reading Moat House

Wedding Venue
Mill Lane
Nr Reading
Berkshire
RG41 5DF
England
Tel: 0118 949 9988
Website: www.bestwestern.com/

Blue Mountain

Wedding Venue
Wood Lane
Binfield
Berkshire
RG42 4EX
England
Tel: 01344 300200
Website: www.bluemountaingolf.co.uk

Bluebells Restaurant

Wedding Venue
Shrubbs Hill
Sunningdale
Berkshire
SL5 0LE
England
Tel: 07711 426121
Website: www.bluebells-restaurant.co.uk

Calcot Hotel

Wedding Venue
98 Bath Road
Reading
Berkshire
England
Tel: 0118 9416423
Website: www.calcothotel.co.uk/
Fax: 0118 9451223

Coppid Beech Hotel

Wedding Venue
John Nike Way
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 8TF
England
Tel: 01344 303333
Website: www.coppidbeech.com/
Fax: 01344 301200

De Vere – Northcote House

Wedding Venue
Sunningdale Park
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 0QE
England
Tel: 01344 634514
Website: www.devere.co.uk/Venues/Sunningdale-Park/
Email: sunningdale@deverevenues.co.uk

Donnington Valley Hotel and Golf Club

Wedding Venue
Old Oxford Road
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 3AG
England
Tel: 01635 551199
Website: www.donningtonvalley.co.uk/
Email: salesandmarketing@donningtonvalley.co.uk
Fax: 01635 551123

Easthampstead Park Conference & Banquetting Centre

Wedding Venue
Conference Centre
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 3DF
England
Tel: 0118 974 7576
Website: www.eastpark.co.uk
Email: info@eastpark.co.uk
Fax: 0118 979 3870

Elcot Park Hotel and Resort

Wedding Venue
Elcot
Nr Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 8NJ
England
Tel: 01488 658 100
Website: www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/hotel/overview.asp?hotel_id=45
Email: sales.elcotpark@ramadajarvis.co.uk
Fax: 01488 658 288

Englemere

Conferences, Meetings and Wedding Venue
The White House
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 7JR
England
Tel: 01344 630825
Website: www.englemere.co.uk
Email: weddings@englemere.co.uk

Great House at Sonning

Wedding Venue
Thames Street
Reading
Berkshire
RG4 6UT
England
Tel: 0118 969 2277
Website: www.greathouseatsonning.co.uk
Email: enquiries@greathouseatsonning.co.uk
Fax: 0118 944 1296

Heckfield Place

Wedding Venue
Heckfield
Hook
Berkshire
RG27 0LD
England
Tel: 0118 932 6868
Website: www.heckfieldplace.com/newsite/

Highclere Castle

Wedding Venue
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 9RN
England

Hilton Hotel Newbury Centre

Wedding Venue
Pinchington Lane
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 7HL
England
Tel: 01635 529 000
Website: www.hilton.co.uk/newburycentre
Email: res_m4hub@hilton.com
Fax: 01635 529 337

Lillibrooke Manor

Wedding Venue
Cox Green
Maidenhead
Berkshire
England
Tel: 01244 572009
Website: www.wedding-venues.co.uk/lillibrooke

Littlecote House Hotel

Wedding Venue
Hungerford
Berkshire
RG17 0SU
England
Tel: 01488 682 509
Website: www.warnerbreaks.co.uk/littlecote-house/littlecote-house.asp
Email: warner.website@bourne-leisure.co.uk

Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa

Wedding Venue
Sunninghill
Windsor
Berkshire
SL5 9JH
England
Tel: 0844 879 9104
Website: www.berystede.com/
Email: weddings.berystede@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

Monkey Island Hotel

Wedding Venue
Old Mill Lane
Bray-on-Thames
Berkshire
SL6 2EE
England
Tel: 01628 623400
Website: www.monkeyisland.co.uk/
Fax: 01628 675432

Moor Hall

Wedding Venue
Cookham
Berkshire
SL6 9QH
England
Tel: 01628 427 244
Website: www.cim.co.uk/moorhall/weddings/Home.aspx
Email: moorhall@cim.co.uk

Newbury Manor Hotel

Wedding Venue
London Road
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 2BY
England
Tel: 01635 528838
Website: www.newbury-manor-hotel.co.uk
Email: weddings@newbury-manor-hotel.co.uk
Fax: 01635 523406

Newbury Racecourse

Wedding Venue
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 7NZ
England
Tel: 01635 521081
Website: www.newbury-racecourse.co.uk

Oakley Court Hotel

Wedding Venue
Windsor Road
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 5UR
England
Tel: 01753 609 988
Website: www.oakleycourt.co.uk/
Fax: 01628 637 011

Oakwood Centre

Wedding Venue
Headley Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG5 4JZ
England
Website: www.woodley.gov.uk

Regency Park Hotel

Wedding Venue
Bowling Green Road
Thatcham
Berkshire
RG18 3RP
England
Tel: 01635 871555
Website: www.pedersengroup.co.uk/index.asp?HotelId=1&PageNameId=1
Email: paulakeen@pedersenhotels.com

Royal Adelaide Hotel

Wedding Venue
46 Kings Road
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 2AG
England
Tel: 01753 863 916
Website: www.meridianleisure.com/The_Royal_Adelaide_Hotel/default.asp

Royal Berkshire Ramada Plaza

Wedding Venue
London Road
Ascot
Berkshire
SL5 0PP
England
Tel: 01344 623 322
Website: www.ramadajarvis.co.uk/hotel/overview.asp?hotel_id=38

Silchester House

Wedding Venue
Holly Lane
Silchester
Berkshire
RG7 2NA
England
Tel: 0845 130 9966
Website: www.silchesterhouse.co.uk
Email: jo@silchesterhouse.com
Fax: 0870 131 1656

Sindlesham Court

Wedding Venue
Mole Road
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG41 5DB
England
Website: www.sindleshamcourt.com

Sir Christopher Wrens House Hotel

Wedding Venue
Thames Street
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 1PX
England
Tel: 01753 442 443
Website: www.countryhousewedding.co.uk/sirchris/index.aspx

St.Leonards Mansion

Wedding Venue
Legoland Windsor
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 4AY
England
Tel: 0870 781 5183
Website: www.legoland.co.uk/groups/CorporateHospitality/corporatehospitality.htm

Stirrups Country House Hotel

Wedding Venue
Maiden’s Green
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG42 6LD
England
Website: www.stirrupshotel.co.uk

Temple Island Meadow

Wedding Venue
Remenham Farm
Henley On Thames
Berkshire
RG9 3DB
England
Tel: 01628 474678
Website: www.copas.co.uk/

The Firs

Wedding Venue
Hyde End Lane
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4RJ
England
Tel: 01189 713812

The Grange Bracknell Hotel

Hotel
Charles Square
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 1DF
England
Tel: 44 0 1344 474000
Website: www.grangehotels.com
Fax: 0044 0 1344 474125

The Inn on the Green

Wedding Venue
The Old Cricket Common
Cookham Dean
Berkshire
SL6 9NZ
England
Tel: 01628 482638
Website: www.theinnonthegreen.com

The Manor Hotel

Wedding Venue
The Village Green
Nr Windsor
Berkshire
SL3 9EA
England
Tel: 01753 543442
Website: www.mghotels.com/

The Manor House

Wedding Venue
Church Road
Aldermaston
Berkshire
RG7 4HX
England
Tel: 01189 819333

The Mill House

Wedding Venue
Old Basingstoke Road
Swallowfield
Berkshire
RG7 1PY
England
Tel: 01189 883124
Website: www.themillhousehotel.co.uk

The Old Mill Aldermaston

Wedding Venue
Aldermaston
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 4LB
England
Tel: 0118 9712365
Fax: 0118 9712371

The Swan at Streatley

Wedding Venue
Streatley on Thames
Berkshire
RG8 9HR
England
Tel: 01491 878800
Website: www.swanatstreatley.co.uk
Email: sales@swan-at-streatley.co.uk
Fax: 01491 872554

The Vineyard at Stockcross

Wedding Venue
Stockcross
Newbury
Berkshire
RG20 8JU
England
Tel: 01635 528770
Website: www.the-vineyard.co.uk
Email: general@the-vineyard.co.uk
Fax: 01635 528398

The Waterloo Hotel

Wedding Venue
Dukes Ride
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG45 6DW
England
Tel: 0870 6096111
Fax: 01344 778913

Trunkwell House

Wedding Venue
Beech Hill
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 2AT
England
Tel: 0118 9883 754
Website: www.trunkwell.com/

Wellington College

Public Scholl, Wedding Events and Conference
Crowthorne
Berkshire
RG45 7PU
England
Tel: 01344 444022
Website: www.wellington-college.berks.sch.uk/page.aspx?id=2745
Email: sjb@wellingtoncollege.org.uk

Wentworth Club

Wedding Venue
Wentworth Drive
Virginia Water
Berkshire
GU25 4LS
England
Tel: 01344 846344
Website: www.wentworthclub.com/

Wokefield Park

Wedding venue
Mortimer
Reading
Berkshire
RG7 3AE
England
Tel: 0870 609 1161
Website: www.devere.co.uk/venues/Wokefield/default.aspx
Email: wokefield@verve-venues.com
Fax: 01189 334031

Ye Olde Bell

Wedding Venue
High Street
Nr Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 5LX
England
Tel: 0208 977 8121
Website: www.dhillonhotels.co.uk
Email: oldebellres@dhillonhotels.co.uk

Most recently the home of the late Capt. Hay of Delgatie, Feudal Baron, the Castle has largely been in the Hay family for the last 650 years. It was taken from the Earl of Buchan after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when Robert the Bruce routed the invading English army. Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Delgatie for three days after the Battle of Cirrichie in 1562. Her bedchamber is on view to the visitor.

Like many Scottish castles, Delgatie was rebuilt in the 16th century. The invention of the siege gun necessitated greater fortifications, and the 1570 rebuilding provided 8-14 feet thick walls. The main tower dates from about 1100, while its final extension with the battlement walk above the string course was completed in 1579. Both wings were added in 1743 with the chapel and dovecote on the west and the kitchen and servants’ quarters on the east.

Some of the rooms still boast their original 16-century painted ceilings, which are considered some of the finest in Scotland. Strange animals are depicted — some with human heads thought to represent the actual inhabitants of the time.

The turnpike stair of 97 treads is reputed to be one of the widest in Scotland, measuring over five foot. It is unusual for this to be built within the thickness of the wall and for the stairs to go from bottom all the way to the top.

It is the intention to expand the collections and exhibits each year, and to continue to improve the facilities for visitors. It is our sincere hope that you will enjoy your visit to Delgatie and decide to return, as we are certain the castle offers more than a single visit can satisfy

www.watermill.net
We’ve moved….
…to Posara, Tuscany

We’ve moved from Castle of Park, which is now somebody else’s private home and no longer available for courses, weddings or getaway weekends.  But our fun-filled, inspirational creative writing courses and painting holidays have now moved to our lovely Tuscan home, The Watermill at Posara.  Click below to find out more.  Thank you for your support in the past.  We look forward to seeing you in La Bella Toscana.

Holidays at the Watermill at Pasara, Tuscany
Welcome to a true Italian holiday venue in Tuscany

Secluded millstream gardens, sun-drenched terraces, millstone tables under the vines for meals al fresco…… just some of the special charms of our historic watermill. The mill has been beautifully restored and furnished and all the bright, well decorated bedrooms enjoy lovely views over the river, the gardens or the mountains.

We specialise in relaxing, inspiring, fun-filled painting holidays and creative writing courses. We also offer unique self-catering holiday accommodation in five self-contained apartments.

For more information, please select from the picture menu below.
We would love you to join us.

Lois and Bill Breckon

Painting holidays in rural Tuscany

Our beautiful and historic watermill stands beside the River Rosaro in the small village of Posara. Peaceful and secluded, yet part of the village, the mill is just a mile or so from the walled medieval town of Fivizzano with its cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Lunigiana, in the North-west of Tuscany.

Lunigiana feels very different from the rest of Tuscany: it is bordered by high mountains and the sea. The scenery, with steep-sided valleys wooded with chestnut and European oak and overlooked by mountain crags and ruined fortresses, is unexpected and breath-taking, yet the unspoilt villages and towns of Lunigiana are close to the sea and the resorts of the Golf of the Poets (where Byron and Shelley stayed) and less than an hour from the marvellous walled city of Lucca and from Pisa airport.

Set in a gentle valley with mountain peaks in the background, the mill is a peaceful spot, yet is within easy reach of the sea and the tourist attractions of Tuscany.

We have lovingly restored the historic buildings and created five self-contained apartments around a courtyard. These apartments come together for our painting and creative writing courses. The bright and airy rooms are well decorated and tastefully furnished. All enjoy lovely views of the the river, the gardens or the mountains.

Around the mill there’s a walled garden, a vine verandah, a lavender garden and riverside gardens, all with tables and chairs and providing delightful spots for sun-kissed or shady relaxation and contemplation. Then there are further secluded private gardens where you can stroll beside the millstream for about a quarter of a mile.

Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen

The Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen, Aberdeen’s premier hotel, is located in the city centre within easy walking distance of the main shopping area. Behind the granite facade of this historic building you will find traditional charm combined with modern amenities and impeccable service.
The tranquillity of the Braemar Countryside and an array of the finest Whisky distilleries and castles are just some of the superb local attractions. Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, a warm welcome awaits you.

Stay longer and save more. With our amazing Leisure for Longer offer you’ll save 20% on our best available rate when you stay 3 nights or more!

Weather forecast for Monday 22nd June: Patchy rain with poor visibility during showers.
Temperature @900m: 8C raising to 12C.
Wind: W 10-20mph

We open at 10am, first funicular up at 10.20am. Last funicular up is at 3.40pm, and the last one down at 4.20pm.

You may walk up to the Ptarmigan building and travel down on the funicular. Tickets may be purchased in the Shop at the Top.

In the interest of red squirrel safety would drivers please observe the speed limit whilst driving through Glenmore and leave the wildlife in one piece.

Enjoy your visit.
Quick answers about snow sports at CairnGorm.

Events, promotions are listed in the Events Calendar RSS Feed on the home page.
Question 9 below takes you straight to route finder.

1. When does the skiing season start and what time do you open?
Snowsports can take place any time between December and April depending on weather conditions. It is sometimes possible to ski before December and into May. Winter operating hours are normally between 9am and 4pm depending on the daylight hours. Click here to visit the weather update for the latest conditions. Or subscribe to our weekly email update here This Week at CairnGorm RSS Feed.

2. What are the weather  & snow conditions like now?

For up to date information on conditions and to view the web cams on the mountain click here. (Images update every 30 seconds). To get a weekly update on conditions click here to sign up to our This Week at CairnGorm RSS F