17th-century country-house hotel in parkland below Arthur's Seat, about 2.5 miles from the Royal Mile, with opulent interiors and resident Highland cattle.
Prestonfield House is a 17th-century country-house hotel set in its own parkland on Priestfield Road, in the Prestonfield area of southern Edinburgh, Scotland. It lies below Arthur's Seat, roughly 2.5 miles from the Royal Mile, so most visitors reach the Old Town by taxi or by bus along the Dalkeith Road corridor rather than on foot. The setting is unusually rural for a capital city: the grounds include gardens, a pond and resident Highland cattle, and the house is known for dense, theatrical interiors with rich fabrics, dark panelling and candlelit public rooms. The building dates to the late 1600s and has a long history as a private residence before becoming a hotel, which gives it a character very different from the Georgian townhouse hotels of the New Town. Accommodation is divided between rooms in the main house and additional rooms and suites in the surrounding buildings. Categories run from Deluxe Rooms through Junior Suites to full Suites, and some rooms look towards Edinburgh Castle or the city skyline. Rooms are generally large and richly decorated, in keeping with the luxury positioning, with typical nightly rates of about £230 to £600. Dining centres on Rhubarb, the hotel's signature restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner in a series of ornate dining rooms and is open to non-residents as well as guests. Afternoon tea is a popular reason for day visitors to come, and the hotel also runs a bar and lounge areas with open fires. Free parking on site is a practical advantage over most city-centre hotels, and the gardens suit a quiet walk before dinner. Prestonfield is aimed at couples, special-occasion travellers and those who want a country-house atmosphere with city access. The service style is formal and attentive, with a strong focus on weddings, private dining and celebrations. The hotel is not the obvious choice for visitors who want to walk everywhere in the Old Town, but it works well for guests who value atmosphere, space and parking, and who are happy to travel into the centre for sightseeing.
| Price | £230–£600/night (~$308–$804) |
|---|---|
| Address | Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH16 5UT |
Room types
- Deluxe Rooms
- Castle or city-view rooms
- Junior Suites
- Suites
Amenities
- Rhubarb restaurant
- Gardens
- Free parking
- Afternoon tea
Location
Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH16 5UT
55.9385, -3.1690 View on map
Highlights
- 17th-century country house in parkland below Arthur's Seat
- Rhubarb restaurant open to residents and non-residents
- Resident Highland cattle and landscaped gardens
- Afternoon tea in ornate period rooms
- Free on-site parking, unusual for Edinburgh
Tips for visiting
- Allow for a taxi or bus ride to the Royal Mile, about 2.5 miles away.
- Book Rhubarb or afternoon tea well ahead at weekends and in August festival season.
- Rooms with castle or city views cost more; request one when reserving.
- Guests arriving by car can use the free on-site parking.
- Dress codes are relaxed, but the formal interiors suit smart-casual clothing.
When to visit
Late spring to early autumn suits the gardens and grounds, while winter evenings suit the fireside interiors. Book well ahead for the August festival period.
Accessibility
The hotel is a historic house with several buildings, so step-free access and adapted rooms vary by room. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm available rooms and routes directly with the property before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Prestonfield House from the Royal Mile?
It is about 2.5 miles from the Royal Mile. Most guests take a taxi or bus into the Old Town.
Does Prestonfield House have a restaurant?
Yes. Rhubarb is the hotel's signature restaurant, and afternoon tea is also served.
Is parking available?
Free on-site parking is listed among the hotel's amenities.
Who is the hotel best suited to?
Couples and special-occasion travellers who want a historic country-house atmosphere with easy road access to the city.