Standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline, is the magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa, the most prestigious luxury five star hotel in Northern Ireland.
Originally built as an official palace for the Bishops of Down, the Culloden stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland. Palatial surroundings, exquisite decor, fine antiques and exceptional service combine to give the Culloden Estate and Spa a unique air of elegance.
The Culloden Estate and Spa is a luxurious five star resort hotel in Belfast. Originally a Bishops Palace, the hotel is traditionally elegant while providing every modern amenity expected by our guests.
Bright, spacious and individually decorated, each of the 98 bedrooms and suites in the Culloden Estate and Spa is comfortable and inviting.
Our rooms are furnished with a King Koil ‘Cloud Bed’ and luxurious bed-linen to ensure a good night’s sleep. After a restful night, guests can wake up to wonderful views over the hotel gardens and down towards Belfast Lough.
We have reviewed and reworked all operating procedures throughout the Hastings Properties and introduced our new ‘Peace of Mind’ Policy to ensure our guests still receive a luxurious experience while adhering to the required social distancing and increased hygiene measures.
ROOMS & SUITES
The Culloden Estate and Spa is a luxurious five star resort hotel in Belfast. Originally a Bishops Palace, the hotel is traditionally elegant while providing every modern amenity expected by our guests.
Bright, spacious and individually decorated, each of the 98 bedrooms and suites in the Culloden Estate and Spa is comfortable and inviting.
Our rooms are furnished with a King Koil ‘Cloud Bed’ and luxurious bed-linen to ensure a good night’s sleep. After a restful night, guests can wake up to wonderful views over the hotel gardens and down towards Belfast Lough.
PALACE SUITE
This wonderful suite enjoys the luxurious feel of a Bishop’s Palace – space, design, amenities, grandeur and laid back luxury. Located in the garden wing of the hotel, offering breath-taking views of the manicured gardens and Belfast Lough.
Exquisitely designed using subtle purple, greens, and gold, accented with touches of marble, luxurious carpets, velvets and soft furnishings, completed by bespoke artwork, this is without a doubt, a Presidential Suite.
In addition to the suite’s large bedroom, there is the option to interconnect with a luxury Garden Room for the requirements of a two-bedroom suite.
The Palace Suite offers a spacious and separate living room with HD TV, a large antique dining table for up to 8 guests and a balcony with room for entertaining which overlooks Belfast Lough and onto Cavehill said to be the inspiration behind Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. Bedroom & Bathroom: 100m2
Tower Suites
True luxury, peace and opulence are provided in abundance in our historic Tower Suites, located within the original Palace, built in 1877.
Each of the three Tower Suites have exceptional views of the Estate and Belfast Lough, providing uninterrupted and elevated views beyond the period style sash windows that naturally flood the room with daylight.
Ideally positioned for viewing the sunset across Belfast Lough, towards Cavehill, these rooms truly offer a unique sense of peace and calm.Double height ceilings, original plaster cornice design, and fine Irish fabrics, these rooms are the epitome of luxury, not only in design, but in every sense. Bedroom & Bathroom: 53m2
Estate Suite
Unwind in our spacious Estate Suites, each one sumptuously appointed with views of the beautiful hotel estate, including feature sculptures, mature woods, and some Suites benefitting from a Belfast Lough view.
“Built for a Bishop, fit for a King…” these words perfectly describe what the palatial surroundings of the Culloden offer to guests, providing extensive accommodation and lounge space, leading to a sense of home, with the added fine luxuries of acclaimed 5* service.
Estate Suites are perfect for entertaining, as many contain feature gas fires and dining areas for up to 6 people. Bedroom & Bathroom: 65m2
Estate Room
The Estate Rooms are located within the original footprint that was built by William Auchinleck Robinson when Culloden Estate was constructed in1877, it was the Scotsman’s home with his wife, Lady Elizabeth Jane Culloden (after whom the building is named).
After Robinson’s death in 1898, it was bequeathed to the Church of Ireland, to then become the Bishop’s Palace of County Down. Each Estate Room is elegantly appointed, some boasting high ceilings and feature cornicing, others in a more contemporary style.
All Estate Rooms have spectacular views of the manicured gardens or Belfast Lough. Each have a large bathroom, with separate shower and deep soak baths. Bedroom & Bathroom: 55m2
Garden Rooms
Our Garden Rooms are located on the Belfast Lough side of the hotel, with many rooms benefiting from a superb view of the manicured estate.
The Garden Rooms are decorated with a gentle palette combined with luxurious reds and gold, using bespoke 400 thread count Egyption cotton bed linen and soft furnishings, and are perfect for leisure and corporate travel alike.
All rooms are ensuite with shower over bath, with ESPA toiletries for an enhanced sense of indulgence and our unique and heavenly “Cloud Beds”. Bedroom & Bathroom: 26.5m2
Dining
Showcasing views from dawn to dusk, Vespers Restaurant, the Lough Bar and Cultra Inn bring together the splendour of the estate’s grounds with the flavours of Northern Ireland.
Whether you are indulging in homemade scones, served with Irish butter and County Down preserves, or delve into a sharing platter of locally sourced artisan cheeses for lunch you will realise how passionate we are about food at the Culloden Estate and Spa.
Our team of experience chefs artfully curate our menus, from our famous afternoon tea with it’s an unrivalled selection of cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches to our exquisite tasting menus.
The Lough Bar
Showcasing views from dawn to dusk, the Lough Bar brings together the splendour of the estate’s grounds with the flavours of Northern Ireland. Indulge in homemade scones, served with Irish butter and County Down preserves, or delve into a sharing platter of locally sourced artisan cheeses for lunch.
In the evening, indulge in the Bar’s selection of classic cocktails and gins. Then, of course, there’s the Culloden’s artfully curated afternoon tea – an unrivalled selection of cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches served with the finest tea blends.
The Lough Bar is open daily and food will be served: Sunday – Thursday 10am – 9pm – Friday – Saturday 10am – 6pm
Breakfast
It’s true what they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at Culloden Estate and Spa we believe that our breakfast service is the best way to showcase some of the finest produce that Northern Ireland has to offer.
Our team of chefs have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the food that ends up on your breakfast plate is of the highest quality and work tirelessly with many of Northern Ireland’s leading producers and suppliers, heroes of the industry you might say, who share our belief that a good breakfast will leave you fuelled for the day ahead.
Breakfast at Culloden Estate & Spa is an experience akin to none, we offer the widest selection of locally sourced produce, from our full Irish Breakfast to our innovative Bushmills Whiskey infused Porridge to the more classic Continental Breakfast Buffet of fruit, freshly baked delights, cereals, meats and cheeses.
Our breakfast suppliers include Thompson’s Tea, Grand Cafe Coffee, Farmview Dairies, McCann’s Apple Juice, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt, Just Live a Little Granola and Muesli, White’s Oats, Waggle Dance Honey, Bushmills Whiskey, Irwin’s Bread, Hastings Muffins and Scuffins, Carnbrooke Meats and Honeybee Sausages, Grant’s Dry Cured Bacon, Gracehill Fine Foods Black and White Puddings,Clements Eggs, Malachy McKenna Mushrooms and Get Fresh Tomatoes.
Afternoon Tea
A ceremony of delicious decorum for indulgent afternoons. If you’re after a splendid Afternoon Tea to discuss all the latest gossip, indulge yourself with our Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea.
Guests are cordially invited to dust off their hats, lace up their corsets and don their finest attire to experience the splendour of high society with a scandalously decadent Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea featuring a host of delightful treats in a stunning setting.
Stimulate your tastebuds starting with a demi-tasse of soup, followed by a truly elegant selection of finger sandwiches. Savour warm freshly baked scones, served with indulgent homemade jam and lashings of cream and satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious array of dainty pastries and cakes.
This fabulous experience is complimented with your choice of tea or coffee or enhance your experience with an optional glass or two of the finest champagne.
Relish in an afternoon of delight with our Bridgerton inspired table cloths and background music, and if you’re feeling audacious why not wet one’s whistle with our special Lady Whistledown’s Gossipy Gimlet cocktail – cleverly disguised in a teacup to avoid any scandal!
Dressing up for such a sanctimonious occasion is optional but will not be frowned upon. There is no better place to enjoy such refined food in Belfast than in the luxurious five star surroundings of Culloden Estate and Spa. Afternoon Tea is served daily at 1.30pm.
Vespers
Vespers is one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland. It serves modern Irish Cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients. The décor is gothic grandeur, the food gourmet chic, while waiters ensure your glass never runs empty. Let us show you to your seat and we’ll show you how to dine in ultimate style.
Vespers is currently open daily for breakfast Monday to Friday 7am – 10.30am & Saturday to Sunday 7am – 11.30am and for dinner Wednesday to Saturday 6pm – 9.30pm. Vespers is also open each Sunday 1pm – 3.30pm for Sunday lunch.
Private Dining Venues
Standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline, Culloden Estate and Spa is the perfect location for your private dining and party needs.
Culloden Estate and Spa is one of the top hotels in Ireland and has an impressive range of private dining rooms available to cater for a minimum of 10 people to a maximum of 100.
Ailsa Suite
With stunning views of the Culloden Estate and Belfast Lough, the Ailsa Suite is the perfect setting for an intimate private dining space, for client entertaining, family celebrations or an after-conference dinner. This suite can also provide the perfect setting for a drinks reception prior to dining in the Balmoral Suite.
Balmoral Suite
A beautifully modern room with traditional panelling, offering the perfect space for close networking dining events where we can serve the finest in Irish local quality produce within our sumptuous menu ranges. This room is spectacular on its own or paired with the Ailsa Suite.
Drawing Room
The traditionally elegant Drawing Room is a room of spectacular opulence, boasting views across the gardens, Belfast Lough and Antrim coastline. An indulgent setting for a most classical evening or afternoon event.
The Holywood Suite
A most beautiful and exclusive venue for medium-sized client entertaining. From the stunning lounge and private bar with crystal glassware, through to the Terrace perfect for alfresco dining such as enjoying the finest grilled menus on our luxury BBQ, or pre-dinner drinks before moving through to the Holywood Room, to enjoy an evening or afternoon of the finest dining, prepared expertly by our award-winning kitchen team.
The Cultra Inn
Enjoy the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere as you sit by the log fire, take in the stunning views and enjoy a drink or delicious meal with friends. Located in the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Culloden Estate and Spa the Cultra Inn is one of County Down’s finest bars and restaurants.
At the Cultra Inn we pride ourselves on our wholesome and exciting menu. Using only the freshest locally sourced ingredients, we create memorable dishes that showcase the best of local seasonal produce.
Gin & Gelato
Enjoy a little taste of Italy at home on the Culloden Estate grounds in our brand new Italian-inspired Gin Garden. Gin & Gelato is this Summer’s go-to outdoor venue and will be open until late Summer.
The Italian Ginato Gin is distilled with passion using the trinity of provenance, created with the finest grapes, juniper berries, and citrus fruit. Gin & Gelato will be available Monday through to Sunday from 2 pm until 8 pm, weather depending (it might be a little taste of Italy, but it’s still Northern Ireland weather!)
Join us this Summer and you can enjoy the most refreshing gin, delicious ice cream floats, gelato, and a selection of Italy’s finest wines ‘Magnifico’!
Weddings
Nestled high in the Holywood hills, the luxurious Culloden Estate & Spa is the ultimate romantic setting for a wedding venue in Northern Ireland, set in 12 acres of secluded gardens, overlooking Belfast Lough. Our wedding specialists are on hand to help with every aspect of your special day.
From your initial consultation through to your wedding day itself, our team will help you create your perfect day leaving memories which will last a lifetime.
Following the local growing trends including sustainability and using local suppliers, we have created new experiences and packages to ensure all couples can personalise every aspect of their celebration, from the dedicated expert on hand throughout the organisation process, to the special preferences for pudding.
As demand grows for alternative menu options, our Executive Chef has created a menu designed for utmost flexibility depending on dietary requirements. The menus include a wide range of special dietary options such as for vegans and vegetarians, as well as non-dairy and gluten-free options too.
Conferences And Meetings
The five star Culloden Estate and Spa is one of the most luxurious business hotels in Belfast and is the perfect venue for business meetings and corporate events.
The Culloden Estate not only has luxurious conference facilities including, meeting and conference rooms, audiovisual aids, data projectors, screens and microphones but also has 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens which are perfect for team building exercises or giving your delegates the opportunity to unwind during your conference.
At the Culloden Estate and Spa we understand how important meetings and conferences can be to the success of your business. Our conference and meeting experts will work closely with you to ensure everything is perfect from the beginning to the end of the event.
From a large whole-company gathering, or international conference to a team brainstorming session or small meeting at the Culloden Estate and Spa we have the staff, space and organisation to make your event a huge success.
The Spa at Culloden
Welcome to the five star Culloden Estate and Spa – Northern Ireland’s premier sanctuary for complete body and mind wellbeing, and an antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Here you will find an oasis of tranquillity where our ESPA treatments fuse advanced techniques with ancient therapies to deliver the finest modern holistic therapeutic experiences in the world.
Aromatic and pure essential oils work in harmony with powerful plant extracts and deeply nourishing marine elements to create a collection of treatments and products that are both calming and luxurious.
With luxurious treatment suites, relaxation rooms, swimming pool, a range of heat experiences and an extensive selection of therapies on offer, the Spa at Culloden offers the perfect haven to enjoy some time out and pampering in a stress free and calming environment.
Top Visitor Attractions in Belfast
The five star Culloden Estate and Spa is the perfect location for exploring the very best of Belfast and the surrounding areas. With many top tourist attractions just a short drive from the hotel including the world famous Titanic Building, award-winning Museums and beautiful walkways.
The Echlinville Distillery
The Echlinville Distillery became the first newly licensed distillery in Northern Ireland for over 125 years when it began production in 2013.
It has since established itself at the forefront of Ireland’s spirits renaissance and is home to some of Northern Ireland’s renowned spirits including Dunville’s Irish Whiskey, Jawbox Gin, Echlinville Gin and Bán Poitín.
Echlinville’s state-of-the-art stillhouse stands proudly alongside the 19th century Echlinville Manor House, former seat of the Echlins who were once among the most influential families in Ireland.
Believed to be Ireland’s only ‘field to glass’ distillery, Echlinville’s new-make spirits are distilled from barley grown and harvested from their own fields and floor-malted by hand the way the whiskey forefathers would have done.
Their story is one of provenance, pride in their roots in the Ards Peninsula and devotion to the ancient art of distilling. They offer a range of visitor experiences including tours, tastings, afternoon tea, gin evenings and bespoke group experiences which can be tailored to your own requirements.
Echlinville’s tours offer an immersive experience allowing visitors to get close enough to watch the vapours condensing and the spirit trickling from the mouth of the still.
The SSE Arena
The SSE Arena, Belfast is Northern Ireland’s premier entertainment venue and home to the Stena Line Belfast Giants. This world-class arena opened in 2000 and has since welcomed over 9 million visitors.
The venue can host a wide array of events from music concerts to sports, comedy, family shows and intimate theatre-style shows. This Belfast venue has welcomed global superstars such as Adele, U2, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Michael Bublé and many more.
The SSE Arena also provides an outstanding location for first class Corporate Hospitality to businesses in Northern Ireland. The SSE Arena has 24 corporate hospitality suites and two Executive Lounges.
The SSE Arena Belfast has fully moved into the digital age with a £3.2 million investment in 2015 which included installing full venue WiFi, 200 digital screens, chip and pin payment systems and the launch of the UK’s first venue app where customers can buy tickets, food and drinks, merchandise and much more.
Transport Museum
Located just 5 minutes from the Culloden Estate and Spa the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum allows you to step back in time and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago. Discover town and countryside with cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum.
Chat to costumed visitor guides as they demonstrate traditional crafts. Climb on and off majestic steam locomotives or experience the sensation of flight in the Transport Museum bursting with horsedrawn carriages, electric trams, boats, motorbikes, fire-engines and vintage cars.
Be sure to visit the Discovery Farm and uncover a way of life on the farms of 100 years ago. Through their daily tasks, meet the people who lived on the land and looked after the animals. There was always plenty for everyone to do – and it’s still the same today!
When visiting Northern Ireland stay at the Culloden Estate and Spa near Ulster Folk and Transport Museum – ideally located next to Belfast’s top tourist attractions.
Bangor Marina
Situated on the south shore of Belfast Lough and close to the Irish Sea cruising routes, Bangor Marina provides a safe berth in the centre of one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist resorts.
The Marina is open and manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a friendly and helpful team who understand the needs of boat owners and have won many awards for offering outstanding customer services and is the only UK marina to hold the ‘World Host’ accreditation.
The Marina located in the heart of Bangor Town centre is easily accessible to all major road, rail and air transport networks.
Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is a ‘must see’ visit when you stay at the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast. Located only 10 minutes from the Hotel this award-winning tourist attraction is in monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city’s Titanic Quarter.
Titanic Belfast has become the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland and one of the top attractions in the world and has welcomed millions of visitors through its doors since opening in 2012.
As you walk through the doors of the attraction you will be introduced to the building’s giant atrium surrounded by the four ‘ships’, hull shaped wings which house the beginning of the Titanic experience.
Your journey takes you through nine galleries of this state-of-the-art visitor experience telling the story of the Titanic, from its conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through its construction and launch, to its famous maiden voyage and tragic end.
The story is brought up to the present with the discovery of the wreckage and into the future with live links to contemporary undersea exploration.
Golf
The Culloden Estate and Spa is the ideal location for the perfect golfer’s getaway. The hotel is adjacent to Royal Belfast Golf Club, which is the oldest golf club in Ireland, founded in 1881.
The present course dates back to 1925 and offers unrivalled views of Belfast Lough and the Antrim plateau. It provides a stern golfing challenge which requires accuracy at each hole rather than length, and the numerous bunkers and subtly sloped greens ensure that posting a low score is a difficult test.
Alternatively, the home course of Rory McIlroy, Holywood Golf Club is just minutes from the hotel, set high in the Holywood Hills with breath-taking coastal views.
At various times during the year, fans can see The Claret Jug, the US Open and USPGA trophies on display – these are Rory’s replica trophies that he keeps after winning each tournament and guests are able to have their photograph taken with them upon request.
After a round on the golf course, guests can enjoy a relaxing meal in the Cultra Inn or Mitre Restaurant, a cocktail in the Crozier Lounge, or a recuperating treatment in the Spa.
The North Down
North Down Coastal Path extends from Holywood in the west to Orlock in the east. The path passes through coastline and parkland.
Historic relics and flora and fauna are found in abundance, including the grey seals which can be spotted offshore. The Costal Path can be accessed from Cultra, just a 5 minute walk from the Culloden Estate and Spa.
The walk begins at the Esplanade in Holywood. Walk under the railway arch and turn right. Follow the linear path along the outer edge of Belfast Lough towards Seapark, a recreational area with a play park.
Continue past the park towards the Royal North Yacht Club. From here follow the public footpath as it rejoins the Coastal Path. At this point a detour to the right will lead to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and the railway halt.
Continuing on the path leads to Craigavad, with the Royal Belfast Golf Club on the right. Beyond this point cross the bridge in front of Rockport Primary School.
About 2 miles further round the coast, a set of steep steps takes you inland at the Seahill Sewage Treatment and rejoins the coast path as you descend at the far end. From here the path leads to Crawfordsburn Country Park, passing Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay and through to Crawfordsburn Beach.
Leaving the path briefly, cross Swineley Bay and pick up the path at the far side. Continue walking along the path to Wilson’s Point, where the path turns towards Bangor Marina.
From here follow the path round to Ballyholme Beach, which leads to the National Trust area of Ballymacormick Point. The path continues to Groomsport Harbour, where the path becomes rural in nature, crossing the beach area round towards Orlock Point, Portavo. A small lay-by indicates the end of the walk.
When visiting Northern Ireland stay and the Culloden Estate and Spa near North Down Coastal Path – one of Downs best tourist attractions.
Game of Thrones Winterfell Tours
Winterfell Castle & Demesne, located just 40 minutes from Belfast, was used extensively for the filming of George RR Martin’s epic adaption of Game of Thrones® novels.
When you first arrive onto the grounds you soon realise why the HBO® location scouts chose Old Castle Ward; the sprawling medieval walls and imposing castle tower gate, the beautiful surrounding landscapes and far-reaching views across the lough; it was the perfect place to create Winterfell – home of the Stark family.
One thing though…as you approach Winterfell for your Game of Thrones® tour watch out for the dreaded White Walkers!