We're looking for a lovely hotel in Scotland to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday this September. We're thinking about a two-hour drive at most from home. We'll have teenage daughters in tow, as well as his elderly parents. And no golfing please! Cath Mullan, East Kilbride

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: An excellent venue for your celebrations is the Peebles Hotel Hydro (01721 720602), set on a hilltop just outside the attractive town of Peebles (about 90 minutes drive from East Kilbride, and 22 miles south of Edinburgh). This grand Edwardian pile has 129 good-sized rooms and is set in 30 acres of superb gardens and woodland, with sweeping vies over the Cademuir Valley.

You certainly won’t be bored here – the hotel has a large heated indoor pool, horse riding, tennis courts, croquet lawn, giant chess set, sauna and spa, and pitch & put. There is the smart Lazell’s restaurant, perfect for a celebration meal, and a modern-style Bistro restaurant and bar too. There’s also a ballroom, with dancing every Friday and Saturday. Doubles are from £190, dinner B&B and use of facilities.

The hotel doesn’t have a golf course, and even overlooking so much countryside, you can relax utterly - there isn’t even a golf course in sight.

If you prefer a more intimate break, you could try Burts Hotel (01896 822285), dating from 1722 and right on the market square in the pretty little town of Melrose. This family run hotel has pleasant rooms and an excellent restaurant. Local game and fresh fish feature on the menu of course, three courses in the attractive dining room £33.75. There is also a bar and bistro, where mains are from £9.50. A B&B double room here starts at £116, or there’s dinner B&B for two nights for £168pp.

For more information on places to stay, see Visit Scotland (0845 22 55 121)

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