1 Night, 2 Rounds
Tucked into the rolling countryside of the Scottish Borders, Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa is an all-encompassing golf resort that mixes a genuine parkland challenge with proper downtime. The parkland layout sits on rolling ground beside the River Tweed and it's far from a gentle knock, even if it looks that way from the clubhouse.
You're only 40 minutes from Edinburgh and about 90 from Glasgow, so it's ideal for a quick Scottish escape without the long haul north. Back at the hotel you've got everything you want post-round, including a restaurant, two bars, a pool and a spa, plus the Tweed on your doorstep if you fancy swapping wedges for a rod.
Who is this for?
Golfers or groups looking for a proper Scottish parkland test within easy reach of Edinburgh, with quality accommodation and leisure facilities all on site. Ideal for weekend breaks, society trips or couples combining golf with spa time.
Who is it best for?
Mid-to-low handicappers who want a genuine challenge on a tour-standard course, plus anyone seeking a peaceful countryside escape with excellent facilities and easy access from central Scotland's cities.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 4 Rounds
Using all the local features, Thomas, to his enormous credit, has managed to build the course to feel mature beyond its few years. Despite its position close to some pretty hilly terrain, the course itself is relatively flat, offering an enjoyable challenge to all those fortunate enough to visit Cardrona for a golfing break.
The testing par-72 championship course is now a regular stop on the PGA Europro Tour, owing not just to the golf course, but also the fantastic practice facilities on-site.
Signature Hole: Hole 7, Par 4, 402 yards
From the 7th& tee a straight drive is necessary in order to avoid trees and bunkers flanking the fairway on the left and right respectively. However, the approach shot is the real challenge and the golfer must find a raised, well-protected green making for a tough par.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Dave Thomas |
| Opened for play | 2001 |
| Previousley hosted | Euro Pro Tour and European Challenge Tour events |
| Black | 6,990 yards | SSS 74 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 6,856 yards | SSS 74 |
| Yellow | 6,555 yards | SSS 73 |
| Red | 6,035 yards | SSS 76 |
Cardrona's 99 bedrooms are contemporary, spacious and built for comfort after a long day on the course. Soft fabrics, quality beds and modern ensuites are standard across the board, with views either out over the surrounding hills or directly onto the golf course itself. If you're the sort who can't quite switch off from golf, the Deluxe Rooms come with private patios that open straight onto the course, so you can step out with your morning coffee and watch the first groups tee off.
Check-in is straightforward and the staff know their golf, which always helps when you're asking about tee times or course conditions. There's plenty of parking on site, which matters when you're travelling with clubs and kit, and the hotel has a relaxed, welcoming feel rather than anything overly formal. Breakfast is included in most packages and it's a proper spread, the sort of fuel you'll want before heading out for 18 holes in the Borders air.
Room types range from standard doubles through to family rooms and suites, so whether you're here as a couple, a fourball or a larger group, there's something that'll work. The rooms facing the course are worth requesting if you can, especially in the evening when the light catches the hills and you can sit out with a drink and watch the last few groups finish up.
Dining at Cardrona covers all bases. Renwicks Restaurant is the headline option, an award-winning spot serving refined dishes in a bright, airy space with panoramic views across the course and the Border hills beyond. It's the kind of place where you'll want to linger over dinner, especially if you've had a good round. The menu leans towards Scottish produce done well, nothing too fussy, just quality ingredients cooked properly.
For something more relaxed, Spikes Bar overlooks the 18th and does exactly what a golf club bar should: decent food, cold drinks and a terrace where you can sit out and dissect your round in the evening sun. It's the natural spot to end up after you've signed your card, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want, golfers swapping stories and settling bets.
The Lounge and Cocktail Bar offers a quieter alternative, ideal for sinking into a leather sofa with an afternoon tea or a well-earned drink while taking in the views. If you're here with a non-golfing partner, this is where they'll likely gravitate while you're out playing.
The leisure side is genuinely first-class. The spa runs a full treatment menu, including facials and massages using ELEMIS products, ideal if you've overdone it on the course or simply want to unwind properly. There's an 18-metre pool, plus sauna and steam room, and a fully equipped gym for anyone who wants to keep their fitness routine ticking over.
I'll admit, it works well as a resort base. Non-golfers have plenty to do while you're out playing, which matters if you're trying to sell a golf trip to a partner who'd rather be anywhere but a driving range. The spa is a proper facility, not just a couple of treatment rooms tacked onto a hotel, and the pool area is spacious enough that it never feels crowded.
Macdonald Cardrona Hotel and Golf Club sits just east of Peebles, 25 miles south of Edinburgh and roughly 15 miles from Galashiels train station, making it straightforward to reach from either direction.
Address: Cardrona, Peebles, Scotland, EH45 9HX
Alan
✓8 Oct 2026
Did what it said on tin, comfortable stay food excellent
Brian
✓8 Oct 2026
Craig
✓6 Oct 2026
We had a very enjoyable stay at the hotel. The property was exceptionally clean throughout, and our rooms were lovely, comfortable, and clearly very well maintained. All of the hotel staff were extremely welcoming, friendly, and helpful, which made a real difference to our experience. The location was also ideal, being just a short five-minute drive from Peebles while still offering a peaceful setting. The breakfast buffet was excellent, with plenty of choice available and very tasty food each morning. The only minor downside was that the 'set' dinner menu could perhaps offer a few more basic or traditional options, particularly when it came to the starters. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would happily recommend the hotel to others visiting the area or going on a golf trip.
Bruce
✓5 Oct 2026
Our group stayed for a 2 day golf break, the course was beautiful and in great condition, the views were stunning. Although the hotel was a little bit tired it was perfectly nice, the staff were really helpful and friendly. All in all a great couple of days away
Gary
✓2 Oct 2026
Bought as a birthday gift for my son. We had a great time in the hotel. Good facilities including spa. Comfortable room. Food was excellent. Enjoyed the bar area later.
Ed
✓21 Sep 2026
Hotel was lovely, couldn’t really fault it
Peter
✓9 Sep 2026
Very enjoyable overall.
Robert
✓6 Sep 2026
We had a very comfortable four night stay in the Cardrona Hotel. All members of staff were,polite and keen to please.
Iain
✓31 Aug 2026
Pre-ordering our food was great for our group size. 10% at the bar was great also as we didn't know we were getting this.
Lee
✓19 Aug 2026
Hotel clean and tidy. Meals were good.
Alan
✓8 Oct 2026
Enjoyable
Brian
✓8 Oct 2026
Pro am being played on our last day wasn’t informed of this very slow round didn’t finish last round 5hours 20 for a round
Craig
✓6 Oct 2026
We had a fantastic experience on the course. Playing from the yellow tees provided a good challenge while still being thoroughly enjoyable for all 20 golfers in our group. The course was in excellent condition throughout, with some of the best greens we have played on. The layout is outstanding and certainly one of the best courses I have experienced, offering a great variety of holes and an enjoyable test of golf. Everyone in the group had a brilliant time, and the staff in the Spike Bar were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful throughout our visit. The only minor issue concerned our buggy bookings. These had been arranged via email with the Head of Golf several months in advance. However, when we called five days before travelling to enquire about adding an additional buggy, we discovered that no buggies had actually been reserved. Fortunately, there were just enough available for both days, so the issue was resolved, but it could have caused difficulties had availability been more limited. Overall, an excellent golfing experience that our entire group thoroughly enjoyed, and we would be delighted to return.
Bruce
✓5 Oct 2026
The Saturday was very busy and congested but not too bad, the Sunday was a lot quicker. The course was in great condition and the views were stunning
Gary
✓2 Oct 2026
The booking was for two rounds but we were rained off after 3 holes on our first day. 2nd round was great. A bit disappointed that they only had photo copy paper scorecards so not able to have a memento of the round.
Ed
✓21 Sep 2026
Incredible track, everyone in our group said how amazing this course was.
Peter
✓9 Sep 2026
Beautiful course in very good condition. There are some long walks between tees, which can slow the round down, but it's worth it.
Robert
✓6 Sep 2026
Long course,a buggy is essential for senior players.
Iain
✓31 Aug 2026
Course was looking a lot better than last time I was here. All enjoyed ourselves.
Lee
✓19 Aug 2026
Course was good. Off the fairway though you had no chance to find your ball. The rough was long and rough. But certainly would recommend anyone to go. All 4 of us can’t fault the cost of our stay.
Check-in from 3pm | Check-out from 11am
7:30-10:30am
Smart Casual
Renwicks or Manderston
Yes
Yes
Members only Sunday morning till 9am
There are 2 bars on site
There is complimentary car parking
