Travel Review: The Crutherland Hotel, East Kilbride

At the grand old age of 44 its good to try out new things in life. And that’s why I found myself hairing down a water flume one minute and then trying desperately not to fall over on an ice rink, the next!
The Crutherland HotelThe Crutherland Hotel
The Crutherland Hotel

Ruaridh (6) and Flora (3) keep husband Kenny and I on our toes and they were over the moon when I suggested a trip to Scotland’s Ice Rink and Waterpark. And to placate Kenny, there had to be a good night’s rest and a tasty dinner before he was prepared to hurl himself into the thrills and spills.

So it was a good job we checked into the beautiful Crutherland Hotel, just outside Glasgow. Built in 1705 as a dower house, it is now run by the Macdonald Hotel chain, who have spent millions turning it into the luxurious hotel it is today. Its set in lovely grounds and has an impressive spa and leisure facility, which boasts an 18 metre swimming pool.

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The rooms are well appointed and tastefully decorated, with all the mod cons to ensure a good night’s sleep. Ruaridh and Flora were particularly impressed with the fish shaped bubble bath left just for them, a nice touch to encourage them into the bath! A two AA rosette restaurant dishes up fine dining in country manor style surroundings, with the goats cheese mousse and Arran dairy ice cream of particular note and the breakfasts freshly cooked rather than kept under heat lights.

After prising the family away, we headed for the Time Capsule in Coatbridge. After a multi-million pound refurbishment, this centre is the place to head for natural fun. From Storm Chasers to Tornado Tantrums, there is fun for all the family. This water palace is heaven for young waterbabies like Ruaridh and Flora. They just loved the flumes, the giant wheel with shooting guns and cascades of water pouring from a big bucket. Coral Cove complete with a palm tree provided a nice warm escape and according to Ruaridh the flumes were just “fantastic.’’

For £24.60 for a family of four, you can enjoy double fun, 90 minutes in the water and 90 minutes on ice. For Ruaridh and Flora and Kenny, it was the first time ice skating and they loved it. Flora had a penguin to guide her round and Ruaridh took to it like a duck to water. As for Kenny and I, well its best left unsaid, we did manage not to fall over though!

Scotland has chosen 2013 as its Year of Nature and what is more natural than water and ice and a hotel surrounded by fields and to cap it all, surviving the lot at 44 – bring on the next adventure!

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Enjoy a relaxing break in the luxurious surroundings of The Crutherland Hotel, East Kilbride, part of the Macdonald Hotels chain. Check out www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk or ring 0844 879 9039, for special offers.

Fun is the name of the game at The Time Capsule in Coatbridge, where all the family can enjoy entertainment in the water and on ice. Check out www.thetimecapsule.info

Tourist information can be found at www.visitscotland.com which is also promoting the Year of Natural Scotland.

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