I stayed at ‘beautiful’ and historic Scottish hotel that’s reopened after a £3m refurbishment

The former Roman Camp in Callander has undergone a £3M refurbishment under new owners, and has a new name and restaurant. Rosalind Erskine visited to find out more.

“It’s the same but different” said a former employee of Roman Camp, the 17th century former hunting lodge of the Drummond family - and I’m inclined to agree. This pale pink property, which sits at the end of the main street in Callander, has been a hotel since 1939 and has a storied history that includes royals, Hollywood stars and the Beatles. It also holds a place in my family’s history as it’s where my sister had her wedding reception in 2008; the last time I stayed in the hotel.

In the almost 20 years since I last visited the hotel, Roman Camp was owned by Eric and Marion Brown but it has now entered a new era as it was sold in late 2025 to the Thackray family who’ve given it a £3M refurbishment and renamed it Thackray House.

Budget or boutique?

With 18 bedrooms and prices from £225 per night this is a boutique offering.

Room service

We stayed in the Lady Esher room, a spacious room with the en-suite located within a turret. The decor here is still traditional, but not stuffy or twee, and original features such as the fireplace remain. The yellow painted frescos, antique walnut furniture and velvet

accessories, armchairs and the canopy above the bed gave a comfortable and luxurious feel without taking away from the history of the property. The room had a huge bed, sitting area and desk area and overlooked the gardens while the modern but not OTT bathroom had a stand alone claw footed tub.

Thackray House in Callander | contributed

placeholder image — Thackray House in Callander | contributed

Wining and dining

Mr and Mrs Brown converted a potting shed into a garden bistro five years ago, which is now called Strawberry Fields Bistro, a 60s inspired relaxed dining spot inspired by the Beatles visit to the hotel. Meals here start with a large warm flat bread served with a well dressed garden salad; both of which were delicious. While enjoying these diners can choose from a seasonal menu of seafood, meat and veggie options. We chose to share the seafood and cold fish platter which included smoked sea trout, cured salmon, smoked mussels and smoked mackerel along with the langoustines, with sides of roasted squash served with harissa, yoghurt and pumpkin seeds and crispy and more-ish triple-cooked potatoes, served with rosemary salt and garlic aioli.

Inside the main hotel guests can enjoy bar snacks in the lounge or treat themselves to a traditional afternoon tea, which we did during our stay. Expect classic, freshly made finger sandwiches and savouries such as a black pudding and apple sausage roll as well as warm scones and cakes including Dundee slice, macaroons and mini lemon meringue tarts.

Breakfast is served in the dining room of the hotel and includes a la carte options such as a full cooked Scottish breakfast, kippers and Albert Bennett omelette.

Worth getting out of bed for

Callander is a busy town with an array of independent shops and cafes such as Mhor Bread. It’s easy to spend time browsing but, if like me you’ve brought your dog (Thackray House is dog-friendly), then a decent walk is required. The nearby Callander Crags walk is a steep forest hill walk where, if you reach the top, you can take in views of Loch Venachar, Ben Ledi and the Highland Boundary Fault. The Queen’s Jubilee Cairn, which was originally built in 1897, is also a landmark at the top.

Back at the hotel there are plenty of inviting sofas and armchairs in the lounge rooms or conservatory in which to relax or curl up with a good book. Log fires are lit when the weather requires it, and it’s here that I recall my last time in the hotel as these rooms look the most unchanged.

Little extras

Homemade shortbread in the room, complete with a poem attached was a lovely gesture. The tea and coffee station is well stocked and there’s the usual comfortable robes and slippers that you’d expect from a good hotel.

Guestbook comments

Recently reopened following a £3 million refurbishment, Thackray House dates back to 1625 and sits within 20 acres of grounds on the banks of the River Teith, offering a unique blend of heritage, natural beauty and relaxed luxury. With features including a walled garden, private riverside walks, and characterful interiors, the hotel is designed as a peaceful base for exploring the surrounding landscape.