Hotel in the UK with a huge golf course, clay pigeon shooting and a heated indoor pool

“It’s a time machine,” the receptionist told me as we wandered through the 17th-century manor house.

Heavy fabrics cover the beds, and the wallpaper is decorated with images of animals found within the grounds.

I was exploring the Schloss Roxburghe, tucked away in the Scottish Borders in the small town of Kelso.

This country house, which once belonged to the Duke of Roxburgh, is steeped in rich history and has seen a wealth of aristocrats walk through its doors, including Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie prince Charlie.

He lived on the estate during his rebellion against George II, when it was known as the Sunlaws and was owned by Lady Chatto.

Today, Destination by Hyatt features 20 rooms and suites, each individually designed with a large four-poster bed.

There are a further 58 rooms and suites in a modern extension, many of which overlook the 300 acres of land.

But a lot of fun lies outside these walls.

A haven for nature lovers and activity enthusiasts, the hotel has everything on site, from a 72-par golf course and 1,100-square-metre spa to clay pigeon hunting and trout fishing.

For me, the real favorite is Sunlaws, the upscale Schloss Roxburghe restaurant.

It seats just 40 guests – so all your needs will be catered for throughout the night while the knowledgeable staff explain to you each element of the seven dishes on offer.

The deer dish alone, made from farm animals, is worth the £120 tasting menu – and for an extra £65, you can add wine pairings that take the meal to another level.

After this wonderful dinner, return to Bar 1745.

It is tucked away in a cozy nook, lit by a crackling fireplace and decorated with the Duke of Roxburgh’s personal collection of books and art.

It’s the perfect place for late-night conversations with Lady Chatto’s Rose gin mixed with a little tonic.

A stay at Schloss Roxburghe wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the spa as well.

The facilities are hard to beat. There’s an indoor 32°C pool that extends outside, plus a hot tub, plunge pool and two saunas in the gardens, so you can take advantage of the stunning scenery.

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Book a full-body Swedish massage for £120 or a basic rose facial, leaving skin soft, smooth and smelling like a bouquet.

If you want something a little more active, you can master your hand-eye coordination during a clay pigeon shooting lesson at the new Ten Trap Range.

Instructors will guide you every step of the way to get to the disc for £95 per hour including 50 cartridges.

Or you can opt for a fishing session at Trout Loch.

You’ll learn expert skills from former World Spey Casting Champion, Eoin Fairgrieve, who is beyond patient and friendly (even if you scream at the sight of a fishing hook flying through the air).

If desired, the hotel offers you the opportunity to hunt or stalk deer found on the property to be presented at Sunlaws.

I think I’ll stick with it, thanks.

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