Glenapp Castle

I filmed a wedding at Glenapp Castle a few years ago, and I still think about the venue often. The scenery is breathtaking, and the castle manages to feel grand and intimate at once. It’s a dream setting for videography, with beautiful interiors, incredible light, and so many cinematic backdrops indoors and out. The team at Glenapp Castle were fantastic to work with. The venue really lifts a wedding film, and I’d love to come back and film there again. Video by Reel Weddings

The scones were very good, though raspberry was the only jam on offer. That was one of the few highlights of afternoon tea at Glenapp Castle for my wife’s special birthday. Our visit fell well short of what we expected, and it was the worst afternoon tea I’ve had. The photo on the website looked nothing like what we were served. The cakes were edible but unremarkable, and came on a plate rather than a cake stand. The azalea greenhouse also looked tired and in need of a revamp. For a five-star hotel with a Michelin star rating, we expected better. The service itself was a bright spot: our server was bubbly and attentive. But the details elsewhere were disappointing. My napkin was visibly stained, apparently with makeup from previous guests. The sandwiches arrived on a stained wooden board and were poorly made, some still with crusts. Their fillings were uninspiring, and three finger sandwiches each didn’t feel like good value. Despite my request for no fish both when booking and in a follow-up call, one vol-au-vent came with gravlax. I ordered English breakfast tea for two but got teabags in a teapot for one. I’ve never had afternoon tea without loose-leaf tea, and was extremely disappointed. The sugar bowl had no spoon or tongs, so we had to use the spoons served with our cups.

Breakfast was tremendous, especially the best poached eggs I’ve ever had. After a Sunday roast, we skipped dinner and immediately regretted it, so that’s a good reason to return. Glenapp Castle is a serene, stunning place for a relaxing escape. The drive in sets the scene, and the team made us feel like part of a family, whether at check-in, dining, or having a drink by the open fire. Communication before arrival was thoughtful and well organised. We had a small check-in hiccup with missing information and our room key, but it was quickly sorted. A special thank you to John Orr for putting things right and being such a good host. He interacted warmly with us and was attentive without hovering, which is a real skill. From the polite, welcoming staff to the personal feel of the stay, the experience was a delight from start to finish.

Paul, Jen, Hazel, and the team made our family’s stay remarkable. If you’re after an amazing five-star experience, this is it. We’ll be back!