The original ‘Frierskerse’ was established as a friary back in the 13th century, close to today’s ‘Friars Carse’.
The property became home to the Riddell family and named ‘Glenriddell’, with Robert Burns, the celebrated Scottish poet, as a regular houseguest.

Burns was born in Ayrshire but died in Dumfries after only 37 years. He had an eventful lifetime and, visiting many places, he knew many people and committed many of his experiences to paper for posterity. Burns left a great impression on the nation and its people with his songs and poems.

Friars Carse has close associations with Burns too as it was here, in the Whistle Restaurant, where the famous drinking competition was held with Fergusson of Craigdarroch, the outright winner, and put into verse by Rabbie. He would sometimes sleep at the Burns Hermitage, located in the grounds of Friars Carse, and wrote his inscription to the then owner of the estate “To the Memory of Robert Riddell” on the hermitage window with his diamond stencil.

The stencil is now on display at Ellisland Farm Museum which is just a short walk from the hermitage along the River Nith. It is here that he wrote many of his most famous poems and songs including Auld Lang Syne and Tam o’Shanter. Ellisland Farm provides a wonderful insight into Robert Burn’s life on a farm two hundred years ago. Guided tours of the farmhouse and museum are available. You can see Rabbie’s original writings and his possessions and stroll along Burns’ walk beside the river.

The property passed through many hands before becoming home to Dr James Crichton (better known as the Admirable Crichton) in 1809. Remodelled in 1873, the house was renamed ‘Friars Carse’ in 1895 and established as a hotel in 1938.

ACCOMMODATION

All of Friars Carse’s 21 en suite bedrooms are individually styled and most have views over the surrounding farmland or the gardens and river.

There is a lift to all floors.
The hotel is a non-smoking environment.

Booking A Room

If you wish to book a hotel bedroom online you can do so using the Book Now button to the right of your screen.
However, if you would like to book a self catering cottage or would prefer someone to take your hotel booking over the phone, please contact either Central Reservations or the Hotel Reception depending on when you wish to call – just hover over ‘Talk To Us’ at the right of your screen and follow the instructions.

WEDDINGS

Friars Carse is a traditional 19th Century Manor House, set in a 45 acre estate including woodland extending to a private stretch of river near the village of Auldgirth. The Hotel has beautiful woodland and 1 mile of the River Nith that boasts stunning views of the farmland surrounding us.

We are situated amidst the rolling Dumfriesshire hills, adjacent to Ellisland Farm, the home of Robert Burns, a quarter of mile off the A76, 6 miles north of Dumfries, 35 miles from Carlisle and 31 miles from the most famous Gretna Green.

Friars Carse is an ideal venue for Wedding parties, functions and meetings, catering for intimate and larger wedding parties of up to 80 guests. We have our own marquee which will cater for a maximum of 150 guests.

The hotel is licensed for Civil Marriages, Civil Partnerships and Naming Ceremonies, in two function suites, the largest accommodating up to a maximum of 80 guests. You may also be married by a minister in the hotel or in our marquee in the hotel grounds. Further celebrations for up to 150 can also be held in the marquee.