In 2024 we had many lovely new guests arrive here at Ross Bay Retreat. We also welcomed back a number of our guests who come here time and time again.
It is important for us to get feedback from our guests about their stay at Ross Bay. At the end of each year we look back at the many great comments and positive guest reviews. This feedback helps us maintain our high standards we keep and that each holiday cottage is up to scratch and providing what even more our guests are expecting.
What is very rewarding are the common ‘threads’ that no matter which of our cottages our guests stay in, the majority of the comments are pretty consistent.
Our high level of cleanliness, comfort and attention to detail come up a lot which is a testament to how well the cottages are kept and maintained by our Ross Bay team. However, it is the wonderful views, ever changing landscape, the abundant local wildlife and the homemade cakes that get the majority of the positive comments. We also like to hear about and see where our guests like to visit and their favourites during their stay. This helps us provide the latest recomendations of the best places ot visit depending upon what are guests like to do.
Below are a few of the comments and snapshots of what our guests have been saying in their reviews after their stay at Ross Bay.
Ross Bay Retreat – Views of Bay
Creel Cottage – Sleeps 4 in 2 Bedrooms
Creel Cottage is a comfortable cosy cottage sleeping up to four, with a Dowling multifuel burning stove, central heating and stunning sea views. Here is a selection of comments and reviews from our guests made during 2024.
Susan Elizabeth from Stockton-on-Tees stayed at Creel Cottage for 7 nights in September 2024
“Just perfect in every way”
“The view across the bay is something special, make sure to catch at least one sunrise over the bay, it’s absolutely stunning.
Considering the cottage is on a working farm Ross Bay is so peaceful and quiet, pure bliss. On a clear night the dark skies are awash with stars, an amazing sight. We had a young male Roe deer cross our path one night on our way back from the Borgue hotel/pub where we enjoyed great food with perfect hosts. We also saw several Hares and Red Kites on our travels exploring the area.”
Clare from Berwick-upon-Tweed stayed at Creel Cottage for 7 nights in November 2024
“Peace, quiet and comfort”
“And the final morning sunrise with sea and sky aflame is the abiding memory of this most beautiful part of creation”
Elsie from Melbourne stayed at Creel Cottage for 14 nights in August 2024
“Ideal for walkers and those not so able”
“The cottage situated in the middle of the bay gives a wonderful view to the Solway and Cumbrian fells. Sunrise is magical across the water, we could have ‘lived’ on the balcony, such peace! Which is what we wanted.
I can no longer walk far, but the nearby little towns, different in character, have much to offer, shops galleries castles quaint corners and alleyways”
For more guest reviews of Creel Cottage.
Wild deer at Ross Bay
Dairy House – Sleeps 5 in 3 Bedrooms
Dairy House is a comfortable spacious two storey dwelling, sleeping up to five, with an Anvil Dowling multifuel burning stove, central heating throughout, and amazing sea views. Here is a selection of comments and reviews of ‘Dairy House’ from our guests made during 2024.
Helen from Craven Arms stayed at Dairy House for 7 nights
“Superb. You won’t beat this!”
“The location of the farm around the bay was idyllic – watching the sunrise from the bedroom and the tide ebb and flow was magical. So much wildlife to see from the obvious seabirds to hares and deer. Sue has thoughtfully put in an outside tap to rinse your boots or dog off!
Fabulous area to visit. Lots of gorgeous coastline, interesting lighthouses, National Trust properties, quaint villages and towns and our favourite gardens. Glenwhan is an absolute must as is Broughton House in Kirkcudbright. Five stars just doesn’t do it justice. Needless to say we have booked for next year!”
“Peace, perfect peace”
Wow, what a location, wonderful views from Dairy House and the scenery around the wider area fantastic. The chocolate fudge cake and ice cream were delicious and waiting for us when we arrived. All in all, don’t think Sue could have done any more.
John from Lindfield stayed at Dairy House for 7 nights in September 2024
“Escapism at its best”
“Spent a wonderful, relaxing week at Dairy House soaking up the tranquillity, nature and stunning views. A great base to explore Dumfries and Galloway and all that it has to offer visitors. We would certainly recommend to others.”
Morag from stayed at Dairy House for 6 nights in May 2024
“Perfection”
“A beautiful place to lay our heads for a week. The views across the bay are utterly stunning and eating brunch on the sunny balcony with the light dancing on the water was such a treat. There are so many places to visit a short drive away. Loved it so much we immediately re booked for next year. Thank you Sue.”
Guest from Halifax stayed at Dairy House for 7 nights in April 2024
“Short break in Dairy House”
“The view from the cottage was spectacular and the surrounding area – Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet and Port Patrick – is delightful. It is very peaceful and there are some good walks to be had.”
Ron from Edinburgh stayed at Dairy House for 4 nights in February 2024
For more guest reviews of Dairy House.
Ever changing sea views from the cottages
The Old Cheeseloft – Sleeps 5 in 3 Bedrooms
The Old Cheeseloft is a comfortable spacious two storey dwelling with amazing sea views like over Ross Bay and to the Cumbrian hills beyond. Here is a selection of comments and reviews of ‘The Old Cheeseloft’ from our guests made during 2024.
Lynda from stayed at The Old Cheeseloft for 7 nights in October 2024
“Absolutely superb!”
“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Old Cheeseloft, it is a beautiful home with everything provided for a truly wonderful holiday. The location is superb with beautiful sea views, peace and quiet, fantastic coastal walks & plentiful wildlife.
The property was spotlessly clean, very well equipped with everything you need and the reclining armchairs were the comfiest we’ve ever sat in. Sue and family made us so welcome. We can’t recommend this property highly enough, it is exemplary accommodation.”
Mark from Glasgow stayed at The Old Cheeseloft for 14 nights in August 2024
“Heavenly Ross Bay”
“This was our third year in a row at Ross Bay and our first time at ‘The Old Cheeseloft’. Inside, it’s immaculately clean, very spacious and light. Very, very relaxing.
The scenery itself is a wonderful combination of sea, land and sky and if you get a clear night, the sky is literally filled with stars. Amazing! We love it so much here that we booked next year’s holiday at Ross Bay while we were still there. Highly recommended.”
For more guest reviews of The Old Cheeseloft.
View from patio at Byre by the Sea
Byre by the Sea – Sleeps 4 in 2 Bedrooms
Byre By The Sea is a comfortable spacious single storey dwelling, sleeping up to four, with a multi fuel burning Charnwood Arc 5 stove, and central heating throughout from our biomass boiler system. Here is a selection of comments and reviews of ‘Byre by the Sea’ from our guests made during 2024.
Sandra from St Andrews stayed at Byre by the Sea for 7 nights in November 2024
“Great holiday accommodation and location”
We thoroughly enjoy our stays each and every time we go. A very friendly welcome from Sue, who does everything possible to make sure we are comfortable.
Dramatic panoramic views, nice walks from the cottages. Spacious, warm and comfortable accommodation to spend the day taking it easy or come back to after trips to the surrounding bays, sights, towns and villages.
Rebecca from Lewth stayed at Byre by the Sea for 4 nights in January 2024
“Hypnotic view, ideal for relaxation!”
“The Byre is like the TARDIS! It’s huge! The dogs loved being able to dash onto the beach straight from the front door and the full moon allowed us to have late night walks on the glowing sand when the tide was out. Walks are plentiful without getting in the car, loved seeing the deer and amazing birds.”
For more reviews for Byre by the Sea.
Cosy log burner and great views to the sea and skies – Byre by the Sea
The Retreataway at Ross Bay – Sleeps 2 with 1 bedroom
Our Ross Bay Retreataway, is a beautiful, cosy, bijoux, bespoke retreataway designed for two. It is a cosy coastal retreat with a small enclosed sun terrace looking straight out over Ross Bay, and the Meikle Ross farmland. Watch the sunrise from your bed with the double french doors open, and hear the ebb and flow of the tide in the distance.
Here is snapshot of a review from a guest who stayed at ‘The Retreataway’ last year.
Gavin from Ferryhill stayed at The Retreataway for 5 nights in June 2024
“Amazeballs”
“Fantastic cabin in the woods. You wake up to a fantastic view and so so quiet. You have everything you need for a relaxing getaway. I was sat at the table one morning out the front having a quiet coffee and a deer ran around the corner, then stopped about 10ft away before deciding to run off again. Could sit for ages just watching the world go by and the tide come and go.”
For more guest reviews of The Retreataway at Ross Bay
Homemade Cakes for our Guests
The Homemade Cakes on Arrival are a Great Favourite
We love baking and we love welcoming our guests to Ross Bay Retreat. Cakes are made to be shared and that for our arriving guests there is a little surprise ‘wow’ to greet them. There is nothing better than the smell and sight of a freshly homemade cake to help our guests relax into their holiday.
Here are a few of our guest’s comments received over the last year about the now ‘infamous’ cakes at Ross Bay.
Best I Have Ever Tasted
- “Lovely welcome with the most delicious lemon drizzle cake I have ever tasted and so many extras to make life easy after your journey.”
- “We always feel like we are coming home when staying here, we are always sad to leave. Everything was clean, fresh and tidy as usual, and the chocolate cake and ice cream was delicious.”
- “On arrival we were greeted with a beautiful cake and local ice cream as well as complimentary arrival packs for tea, coffee etc and a ‘tide you over’ cleaning pack ….. so well thought out and presented.”
- “The dogs loved their treats, especially the balls, and the chocolate fudge cake and ice cream were divine.”
- “We were welcomed by Sue who also provided us with a delicious Victoria sponge and a tub of ice cream. We always feel really welcome, nothing is a bother.”
- “The chocolate cake supplied by our host Sue was the best I’ve ever tasted.”
- “We enjoyed our delicious Victoria sponge cake and ice cream sat in the sun on the balcony with a cuppa soaking up the tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous views. The view across the bay is something special, make sure to catch at least one sunrise over the bay, it’s absolutely stunning.”
Come and enjoy Ross Bay Retreat for Yourselves
Come & Enjoy Ross Bay Retreat for Yourself
We thank everyone for who has ever stayed at Ross Bay Retreat and for their lovely guest reviews and wonderful comments. It is delightful to share this beautiful coastal location in South West of Scotland with so many and glad they enjoy it as much as we do.
There is abundant birdlife, wildlife, changing scenery with the seasons and weather and sounds of silence and the tides rolling in and out over the salt marshes each day. Sit and view it the changing landscape from the comfort of the holiday cottages. Or you can head out and explore the delights of the Ross Bay Peninsula on foot with your dogs too for wonderful views, farm animals and the superb views.
Come and enjoy this wonderful and idyllic spot for yourself. We very much look to welcoming you here at Ross Bay Retreat. You will want to come back time and time again like so many others have been lucky enough to do so.
Ross Bay, Cottages and Peninsula
Additional Information & Useful Links:
- UpFront Reviews for the cottages at Ross Bay Retreat – https://www.upfrontreviews.com/reviews/4056/ross-bay-retreat–helmsley-hideaway/
- Customer Reviews – https://rossbayretreat.com/cottages/customer-reviews/
- What do Guests Love Most About Visiting Ross Bay Retreat?
- Guest Reviews of 2022 from Ross Bay Retreat
- Homemade Cakes Await Guests at Ross Bay Retreat
Ross Bay Retreat – Aerial View to Peninsula
