About Friars Carse Country House Hotel
Now a grand hotel, Friars Carse was once ‘Glenriddell’, home of Captain Robert Riddell, where Burns was a frequent guest. Captain Riddell was so fond of Burns that he gave Burns keys to his summer cottage, an architectural folly called “the Hermitage”, which the poet used as a retreat to write.
The Hermitage is a short ramble from Ellisland, and returning past the Hotel along the banks of the river, Nith completes the circuit. Visitors from Ellisland should inquire in advance about promotions, including afternoon tea and evening meals in the hotel’s Whistle Restaurant.
The restaurant is named after Burn’s ballad “The Whistle”, which tells the story of a famous drinking competition staged in the room. Fergusson of Craigdarroch was declared the outright winner, as at the end of the evening, he was the only sportsman still able to carry a tune on an ebony whistle!
Burns wrote many of his most famous poems and songs at Ellisland, including “Auld Lang Syne” and “Tam o’Shanter”, and a visit to the Farm and Friars Carse provides terrific insight into a formative time in Burns’ life, two hundred years ago.
Find out more about Friars Carse by visiting the hotel website.
Afternoon Tea OFFER
The foot trails from Ellisland Farm to Friars Carse form a leisurely circuit through wooded river paths and grazing fields. Why not treat yourself to Afternoon Tea at Friars Carse, usually £14.95 per person [on presentation of a same-day Ellisland Farm ticket], every second person’s tea is 50% off! See T&Cs.
What to do
- Pre-book your guided tour of Ellisland Farm (from £5pp)
- Reserve your Afternoon Tea at Friars Carse 01387 740388
Terms & Conditions
24h advance booking required for groups of 5 or more / Seatings from 2:30 – 4:30 PM / Limited daily seatings available / Guided Tour & Afternoon Tea must be booked same day / Evidence of Guided Tour e-tickets required / Please announce any dietary constraints when booking / Limited time offer
What you’ll see
The Hermitage
Burns referred to The Hermitage as the ‘livied cot’ and he used it as a place to write poetry and talk with friends at Friars Carse, home to his friend Captain Robert Riddell. He may have also been looking for a break from his growing family!
Food & refreshments
The footpaths to the Burns Hermitage form a leisurely loop between Ellisland Farm and the Hotel, making the Friars Carse a lovely sojourn for afternoon tea (or a cheeky wee half). 24h advance booking required to avoid disappointment for afternoon teas and evening meals.
Ellisland Farm
See the home that Burns built for his family at Ellisland Farm, where he wrote some of his best and most recognised works.
More Information
Phone: +44 (0)1387 740388
Email: fcevents@pofr.co.uk
Website: https://www.friarscarse.co.uk/
Friars Carse Country House Hotel is situated on the A76 just 6 miles north of Dumfries and only a half-mile north of Ellisland Farm. Accessed via a long driveway, look out for the Hotel’s signage on the main road.
Friars Carse Hotel,
Auldgirth,
Dumfries,
DG2 0SA
Hotel facilities are fully accessible. The Hermitage is a 15-minute wooded walk from Hotel parking.
Parking, comfort facilities within the hotel, food and beverages are available.
Children under 15
Children under 15 walking from Ellisland Farm with a guardian receive a free small drink.
Ellisland Farm Afternoon Tea offer: Normally £14.95 pp, every second guest is 50% off!
Friars Carse requires 24h advanced bookings for afternoon tea, so first pre-book your tour with Ellisland Farm, and then phone the hotel on 01387740388 to reserve your afternoon tea.
Terms & Conditions
Ellisland Farm Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea at Friars Carse must occur on the same day.
• 24h advanced booking is required for afternoon teas
• You will be asked to provide proof of a Guided Tour at Ellisland Farm by presenting a copy of your tour e-ticket.
• Seating is limited
• Offer valid for a limited time
