Auld Kirk Hotel

This fine former church has been tastefully converted, enabling retention of the original features. The Auld Kirk Hotel is the place where you can really relax and recharge your batteries.

James and Gillian Johnson and family acquired the Auld Kirk Hotel in July 2000 after a number of years mastering their crafts with many national companies. They decided to venture our on their own to offer all that is best in Scottish Hospitality. Johnson's Restaurant The 32 cover Johnson's Restaurant acclaimed by Taste of Scotland as providing 'An imaginative and exciting menu offering the best of Scottish produce', is recognised as one of 'the' places to dine during your visit to Ballater. To complement your meal there is a fine selection of modern and traditional wines available. Lunch is available at the Auld Kirk in a more informal setting in our lounge where we serve a selection of light meals with some of the finest local ingredients. On Sundays for lunch we are getting an enviable reputation for serving one of the best - if not the best - Traditional Roast Lunches available in Royal Ballater. Lunch service times Daily 12 noon-2pm Dinner service times Monday--Saturday 6-9pm inclusive James - being the resident chef - provides you with an experience that is comparable to any well known establishment across the country and uses a number of local ingredients to ensure that your taste buds are zinging before the end of your stay at the Auld Kirk hotel. At the Auld Kirk hotel you will find a special sense of time for yourself. The Auld Kirk Hotel offers all that is best in Scottish hospitality. This fine, 19th century former church has been lovingly and painstakingly converted, over a four year period. Originally built in 1869, the hotel retains many carefully preserved and restored original features. The front doors and bell tower are original, as is the stained glass window depicting 'The Burning Bush', removed during restoration from the north wall, and which now hangs on the main stairway. Set amongst the many enchantments of Royal Deeside, the Auld Kirk's warmth and gentle ambience is without equal. Lounge and Dining Rooms Our warm and friendly lounge provides the perfect venue for pre or after dinner drinks and offers the opportunity to meet other guests, and to exchange news and views on the day's activities. The dining room has a beautiful pine ceiling and pillars remaining intact. Bedrooms Each of our individually decorated rooms has been designed to meet your every need and to provide for a restful and soothing stay. Every room has an en suite shower and toilet, hairdryer, television and direct dial telephone. Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities and central heating are also provided. No effort has been spared to ensure your comfort during your stay with us. Restaurant Our fully licensed restaurant offers only the freshest and, where possible, locally provided foods and enjoys an enviable reputation for fine cooking. RETAURANT CLOSED SUNDAY EVENINGS Choose from local venison, salmon, Aberdeen Angus steaks, haddock landed at nearby Aberdeen. And to complement your meal we are able to offer a carefully selected range of fine and interesting wines. Special diets are catered for but need prior notice. Local Activities 'Breathtaking', 'Stunning'. These are two of the most often quoted adjectives used to describe Royal Deeside and its landscape. Both are insufficient to the task. The beauty of the countryside in and around Ballater defies adequate description. There's so many Things to Do and Places to See Royal Deeside has so much to offer, and visitors can plan their holiday to include a wide range of sports and activities. If you are looking for an active break in the excellent surroundings of Royal Deeside, you can choose from any of the following: Loch and river-fishing; clay-pigeon and game shooting; riding and pony-trekking; golf; hill-walking; off-road driving; skiing; gliding; mountain biking. Other organised activities include the Balmoral Highland Challenge - road races on the Royal Estate in April - and the Royal Deeside Walking Week - centred in ballater in June. Or why not participate in some of the open events in the local highland Games taking place throughout the month of August, culminating in the Royal Highland Games at Braemar on the first Saturday in September. Robin Williams, friend of Billy Connolly, put on a creditable performance in 1999 at the Lonach Games in Strathdon, running in the Hill Race. The village lies below the immense backdrop of the Coyles of Muick and Lochnagar. The air, perfumed by scented pine forest, is so clear and fresh that it is almost intoxicating - and at night the sky is lit by more stars than a man could count in a long lifetime. Long warm days in the summer - crisp clean days, perfect for walking or skiing, in the winter.

• 18 hole Golf Course
• 24-Hour Front Desk
• Baby Sitting services
• Billiards / Snooker
• Black & White photocopying
• Child friendly focus & attitude
• Coach parking
• Dry Cleaning / Laundry Service
• Email access
• Express Check out
• Fax service
• Free car park
• Fully Equipped Gymnasium
• Hydrotherapy Treatments
• Internet access
• Jacuzzi
• Left Luggage / Storage Facilities
• Lounge / Bar
• Restaurant
• Sauna
• Spa Pool
• Steam Room
• Sunbed
• Swimming Pool