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Red Lion Inn
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About
#3 of 5 B&Bs in Doune
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
At over 200 years old, the Red Lion is a charming village Inn located in the centre of the picturesque village of Doune in central Scotland. The Inn has 6 bedrooms with 2 family room which can sleep up to 4. A friendly public bar serves a range of whiskey and local beers, while our restaurant offers fresh pub grub with a little finesse. Our Quaich suite is suitable for functions, meetings and events and opens onto a sunny courtyard.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Allergy-free room
Housekeeping
Iron
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Balkerach Street, Doune, Stirling FK16 6DF Scotland
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 58 out of 100
58
43 Restaurants
within 5 miles
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
From the moment we arrived we felt immediately welcomed. Jamie was fantastic and couldn't do enough to make us feel more at home. We had our evening meal outside and the food was fantastic! Fish and chips and 6oz Burgers were great!
We were only booked for three nights but ended up staying 4. Breakfast was quality, sausages were to die for. Rooms were clean, looked after and had all the extras you expect.
Jamie sat with us and went through maps of all the local areas and pointed out some spots only locals would know. He helped us plan some amazing days with our family and gave us some secret local knowledge to make our stay just that little more special.
Pretty sure we'd have just done the usual without his little pearls of wisdom.
All in all a brilliant time.
Great value for money and we'll be back.
We were only booked for three nights but ended up staying 4. Breakfast was quality, sausages were to die for. Rooms were clean, looked after and had all the extras you expect.
Jamie sat with us and went through maps of all the local areas and pointed out some spots only locals would know. He helped us plan some amazing days with our family and gave us some secret local knowledge to make our stay just that little more special.
Pretty sure we'd have just done the usual without his little pearls of wisdom.
All in all a brilliant time.
Great value for money and we'll be back.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Last minute mini break for me and my family. I cant quite believe how beautiful Scotland is!! We stayed at the Red Lion for what should of been 3 nights but ended up 4. Lovely homely feeling. Jamie was amazing and put us all at ease and couldnt of been more accommodating, food was gorgeous, rooms (we had 2) were clean and fresh. We will definately be back again, numerous times I imagine.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were lucky to book The Red Lion Inn for our Doune holiday! Set in the most adorable village in Scotland, and within walking distance to Doune Castle, The Red Lion Inn is a treasure. Jamie, the owner, made us feel so welcome. There wasn't anything that was too much trouble!! We arrived late on our first evening, and of course the kitchen was closed. My husband mentioned that he was a bit "peckish", and before we knew it...Jamie whipped up the best fish and chips we have ever had!!! The accommodations were clean and very comfortable. We had more fun at the pub downstairs then we can remember!!! We met the most lovely, welcoming and hysterically funny group of locals. We were there every night and can not wait to return!!! Our goal was to find a place the locals frequented, but didn't want "dodgy" and we sure found it! If you are looking for a true Scottish experience, Doune and the Red Lion Inn are for you!!!
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Date of stay: October 2014Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When we booked we were not told the pub did not have a licence at the moment. The bed was creaky in the extreme & the mattress had seen better days and was not at all comfortable. The grouting in the shower had black mould & the door was stained. Sink & pedestal cracked. When leaving was asked for £80 not the £50 quoted. Will NOT be back
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Date of stay: September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This pub may well have been ok before lockdown but now it is a dump. Please don’t waste your time or money, you’ll regret it. Not sure you are allowed to score 0/5 but even this would be a generous score.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jamie Oliver, Owner at Red Lion Inn
Responded 17 Sept 2020
Hi Karen I'm very disappointed and concerned you were given that impression of the establishment. No one has ever described the place as a dump so would really appreciate any feedback on where I could improve as it sounds I need to do this very soon if it has given you this impression. Especially when we decorated everywhere during lock down. However, I find it difficult to understand the fact you could give such a scathing review after only being in the building for around an hour at the very maximum let alone the fact you didn't even stay. What I find more difficult to understand is from reading your review, your husband said to me and my colleague when paying (quoting exact words) 'Its not your fault mate, It's my wives. There's nothing wrong with the place' Overall,l I think it is rather unfair to brand my establishment as a dump when you didn't stay here and had such contrasting point of view from your husband. I look forward to your response and would really appreciate your feedback. Kindest regards Jamie Oliver Proprietor
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at the Red Lion Inn for one night to break our long journey to the highlands. We arrived and checked in without problem and found a nice, clean room if a little old fashioned. We were unable to get food in the bar as the restaurant was already full so you may be better to book in advance but as it happened we were directed by the barman to the Woodside Hotel round the corner which was very good. We returned to our room and settled down for the night only to be woken up at 4am by a woman banging on the door of the flat of the proprietor Jamie, a flat which is unfortunately on the top floor of the pub, next to the room we were staying in. She banged and shouted the name Jamie for about an hour despite several guests coming out of their rooms and asking her to stop. Eventually after another guest threatened to call the police she left only for 3 fully crewed fire engines to arrive with their blue lights on stating they had a call to a fire in the top flat. The firefighters came into the building and were also unable to get an answer from Jamie in the flat. They established there was no fire and left. It was by now 5:30, we all settled down to go back to sleep only to be woken again at 8am by the same woman, once again banging and shouting at the door to the flat. Once again other guests remonstrated with the woman but she refused to listen. She again left after 30 mins only for Jamie to appear out of the flat 5 mins later. He claimed to have been asleep in the flat all night and to have not heard a thing despite the numerous guests complaining they had little to no sleep. We packed our stuff and left without breakfast as did a number of other guests. I would not recommend this hotel which is a shame as it potentially could’ve have been fine but it was disaster.
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Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked four nights at this quaint looking Scottish pub through booking.com after having read several rave reviews. It seemed to tick all the boxes I wished to experience. The most important factor, however, was whether the tv either in our room, or in the bar would be showing a particular rugby match being played in the World Cup series. In order to ascertain this I emailed the Manager, Jamie. He assured me that we would be able to watch the match, but also told me in order to get his best double room with an en suite I should cancel my booking and book directly through him. This I did and was grateful for the advice as the booking I had made was for a shared bathroom. I also booked dinner at the pub for the first night as we would be arriving after a long drive and probably not wish to explore the village on arrival.
When we arrived we entered the pub through the bar area. We were told the Manager was not available and we had only been booked for the one night! I produced the email I had received from Jamie confirming all four nights and our booking was corrected. We were then taken upstairs (narrow and steep) and told we could choose any room as there were no other guests! I asked for the best room with ensuite. We were given a "family" room (3 beds) with a grotty old fashioned shower box and a separate toilet with handbasin. The shelf above the handbasin (the only place to put one's toiletries) was at a lean so anything placed thereupon slid straight off! The room was dingy and not very clean. We stretched our legs for a stroll down the main street of Doune and found several shops boarded up and closed but an extremely up-market ladies' clothes shop with lovely sales ladies.
Back in the Red Lion bar we ordered drinks prior to a meal in the dining room. We did not find the locals friendly, in fact quite standoffish. We were the only diners that night and the meal was good and the waitress pleasant. We were asked what time we would like breakfast and arranged for 9am.
The next morning we presented at 9am to find a dark,empty dining room with one table laid with crockery, cutlery and a container of cornflakes. The kitchen was dark and I looked around for some milk for our cereal assuming someone would appear soon. The coolroom was locked and after calling out loudly both upstairs and down we were of the opinion that we were the only people in the pub. We had not been given a key to any of the outer doors so I went across the road to the shop leaving my husband inside to let me back in.
The shopkeeper was quite alarmed at hearing my story and suggested I find Jamie's parents' cottage down the street to see if they could locate Jamie. No one was at home at the cottage so (by this time my husband had joined me - and we were locked out of the pub) we knocked on the barmaid's home! She kindly came to the pub with the keys and let us in. She, also, was perplexed and told us that Jamie himself was meant to give us our breakfast. By this stage we were all concerned that something bad must have happened to Jamie and I keen the barmaid locate him and see that he was safe. She didnt seem as worried as we were so we packed up our bags, paid our bill for the night and dinner and drove away.
I was sure that the story of our shocking experience would get back to Jamie and I would no doubt receive an apologetic, explanatory email (if only to avoid a bad review!) - no such luck. I have received no correspondence whatsoever.
When we arrived we entered the pub through the bar area. We were told the Manager was not available and we had only been booked for the one night! I produced the email I had received from Jamie confirming all four nights and our booking was corrected. We were then taken upstairs (narrow and steep) and told we could choose any room as there were no other guests! I asked for the best room with ensuite. We were given a "family" room (3 beds) with a grotty old fashioned shower box and a separate toilet with handbasin. The shelf above the handbasin (the only place to put one's toiletries) was at a lean so anything placed thereupon slid straight off! The room was dingy and not very clean. We stretched our legs for a stroll down the main street of Doune and found several shops boarded up and closed but an extremely up-market ladies' clothes shop with lovely sales ladies.
Back in the Red Lion bar we ordered drinks prior to a meal in the dining room. We did not find the locals friendly, in fact quite standoffish. We were the only diners that night and the meal was good and the waitress pleasant. We were asked what time we would like breakfast and arranged for 9am.
The next morning we presented at 9am to find a dark,empty dining room with one table laid with crockery, cutlery and a container of cornflakes. The kitchen was dark and I looked around for some milk for our cereal assuming someone would appear soon. The coolroom was locked and after calling out loudly both upstairs and down we were of the opinion that we were the only people in the pub. We had not been given a key to any of the outer doors so I went across the road to the shop leaving my husband inside to let me back in.
The shopkeeper was quite alarmed at hearing my story and suggested I find Jamie's parents' cottage down the street to see if they could locate Jamie. No one was at home at the cottage so (by this time my husband had joined me - and we were locked out of the pub) we knocked on the barmaid's home! She kindly came to the pub with the keys and let us in. She, also, was perplexed and told us that Jamie himself was meant to give us our breakfast. By this stage we were all concerned that something bad must have happened to Jamie and I keen the barmaid locate him and see that he was safe. She didnt seem as worried as we were so we packed up our bags, paid our bill for the night and dinner and drove away.
I was sure that the story of our shocking experience would get back to Jamie and I would no doubt receive an apologetic, explanatory email (if only to avoid a bad review!) - no such luck. I have received no correspondence whatsoever.
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Date of stay: October 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When we made a booking we made sure that we can have dinner in the in-house restaurant. After the long journey we finally arrived hoping to get some warm food soon. Unfortunately we have been informed that the kitchen is closed today and there is no food available. Left with no other option we had to go out to find a place where we can eat. We spent almost an hour trying to find a place that can accommodate us without priory reservation. Not the welcome that we were expecting and have been promised.
Stairs to the room where step. To make the situation worst the light on the stair case was not working making the whole climbing up and down the stairs experience very unpleasant and dangerous.
The room itself was just ok. But the bathroom was a nightmare. Mouldy and dirty.
Toilet was very noisy when you flush it for good couple of minutes.
Very uncomfortable mattress and the bed covers that smelled like "air freshener" odour. This very strong smell keep me away all night and gave me a massive headache in the morning.
My partner managed to fall asleep but has been awaken couple of times by the very loud noises coming from the bar downstairs.
On the arrival day we have been asked at what time we want breakfast. We decided to have it at 9am. Our host didn't show up for breakfast. We looked all over the small hotel for him but all was dark. After 15 minutes we went out for breakfast. We have been joined by 2 other couples who haven't been served this morning either.
Very bad hotel. Don't stay there.
Stairs to the room where step. To make the situation worst the light on the stair case was not working making the whole climbing up and down the stairs experience very unpleasant and dangerous.
The room itself was just ok. But the bathroom was a nightmare. Mouldy and dirty.
Toilet was very noisy when you flush it for good couple of minutes.
Very uncomfortable mattress and the bed covers that smelled like "air freshener" odour. This very strong smell keep me away all night and gave me a massive headache in the morning.
My partner managed to fall asleep but has been awaken couple of times by the very loud noises coming from the bar downstairs.
On the arrival day we have been asked at what time we want breakfast. We decided to have it at 9am. Our host didn't show up for breakfast. We looked all over the small hotel for him but all was dark. After 15 minutes we went out for breakfast. We have been joined by 2 other couples who haven't been served this morning either.
Very bad hotel. Don't stay there.
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Date of stay: July 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good location with a collection of old buildings joined together and friendly people to chat with in the bar. That's the good stuff.
Now for the rest.
We stayed for a couple of nights in room #5. It's big room that can sleep four. The beds are a little lumpy and the linens were not changed or even made during our stay. The trash was never removed and the shower cabinet was very slow to drain. We had to wait 15 minutes between uses for the basin to empty.
And that is only a few of the many signs of negligence from the management.
Don't spoil your visit to Doune, enjoy the bar at the Red Lion Inn but stay somewhere else.
Now for the rest.
We stayed for a couple of nights in room #5. It's big room that can sleep four. The beds are a little lumpy and the linens were not changed or even made during our stay. The trash was never removed and the shower cabinet was very slow to drain. We had to wait 15 minutes between uses for the basin to empty.
And that is only a few of the many signs of negligence from the management.
Don't spoil your visit to Doune, enjoy the bar at the Red Lion Inn but stay somewhere else.
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Date of stay: April 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My bestie and I (two travel agents from Nova Scotia) spent 2 weeks travelling through Scotland and spent the night at The Red Lion in Doune (home of Doune Castle and the filming site for Outlander’s fictional Castle Leoch for you fans).
What a special little inn with big amenities! 5-star treatment began the moment of check-in. We entered through the bar (more on that later) and checked in with Kate(?) who told us there would be a private party taking place in the pub that night but assured us it would be an early evening and we were more than welcome to come down and partake. The handsome Kenneth appeared out of nowhere and carried our bags up to our rooms which were tastefully decorated, comfortable and surprisingly roomy.
After a brief rest we decided to go back down for some supper – the party was in full swing and the karaoke was runnin’ hot! We choose a spot in the corner so as not to interrupt the “going-away” party for a local gentleman and his lovely wife – but before long we couldn’t help but to join in and laugh along with everyone else.
We were immediately made to feel like part of the family of the Red Lion Inn and Doune itself! Before long the owner, Jamie Oliver came out to join us and between he and Kenneth and the very lovey Patrice (waitress) they answered every one of our silly questions, made us laugh until our sides hurt and fed us Haggis Nachos (I kid you not)!!!! In our whole time in Scotland – that was the first time we seen that – and we LOVED them! I even joined in on the karaoke – although I think Elton John still did it best…lol
It turned out to be a late night after all – we met so many people that night, I wish I could remember them all but I will definitely remember the 1st class treatment of this lovely establishment! Doune is particularly beautiful as we toured around the next day. Some of the best places we found were in the smaller places that most people usually drive through to get to bigger hotels… trust me; there is more character, history and the real hearts of Scotland residing in these places if you just slow down and stay a while!
Good on ya, guys! Can’t wait to come back someday…
What a special little inn with big amenities! 5-star treatment began the moment of check-in. We entered through the bar (more on that later) and checked in with Kate(?) who told us there would be a private party taking place in the pub that night but assured us it would be an early evening and we were more than welcome to come down and partake. The handsome Kenneth appeared out of nowhere and carried our bags up to our rooms which were tastefully decorated, comfortable and surprisingly roomy.
After a brief rest we decided to go back down for some supper – the party was in full swing and the karaoke was runnin’ hot! We choose a spot in the corner so as not to interrupt the “going-away” party for a local gentleman and his lovely wife – but before long we couldn’t help but to join in and laugh along with everyone else.
We were immediately made to feel like part of the family of the Red Lion Inn and Doune itself! Before long the owner, Jamie Oliver came out to join us and between he and Kenneth and the very lovey Patrice (waitress) they answered every one of our silly questions, made us laugh until our sides hurt and fed us Haggis Nachos (I kid you not)!!!! In our whole time in Scotland – that was the first time we seen that – and we LOVED them! I even joined in on the karaoke – although I think Elton John still did it best…lol
It turned out to be a late night after all – we met so many people that night, I wish I could remember them all but I will definitely remember the 1st class treatment of this lovely establishment! Doune is particularly beautiful as we toured around the next day. Some of the best places we found were in the smaller places that most people usually drive through to get to bigger hotels… trust me; there is more character, history and the real hearts of Scotland residing in these places if you just slow down and stay a while!
Good on ya, guys! Can’t wait to come back someday…
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Date of stay: June 2016Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: We had twin room #2 - very spacious
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Bubba, My DH and I only had lunch at the Red Lion. Check out their website. It lists breakfast as 7.50 GBP. There is also a menu on-line as well. Good luck.
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandStirlingshireStirlingDoune
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about Red Lion Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Red Lion Inn?
Nearby attractions include Argaty Red Kites (1.6 miles), Dunblane Cathedral (3.4 miles), and Doune Castle (0.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Red Lion Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Red Lion Inn?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Red Lion Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Another Tilly Tearoom, The Woodside, Doune - Pub & Restaurant, and Lion & Unicorn.
Is Red Lion Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.01 miles away from the centre of Doune.
Are pets allowed at Red Lion Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Red Lion Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Dunblane Cathedral (3.4 miles), The Leighton Library (3.4 miles), and Kinbuck Bridge (4.6 miles).