Romantic luxury hotel and spa, reputedly the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. Situated just 8 miles from Edinburgh city centre, Dalhousie is both a wonderful base to explore this popular city, or a destination in it's own right, with a relaxing spa, fine dining and more.
- Luxury hotel just 8 miles from Edinburgh
- 13th Century castle
- 35 elegant character rooms
- 2 AA rosette fine dining restaurant
- Separate informal bistro
- Aqueous spa including hydro pool
- Set in parkland on the banks of the River Esk.
Special Offers
The following offers are showing instant availability.
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available: Now to 01 Mar 2019
Winter Special
Stay in a Castle Classic room and receive:
- Pre-dinner glass of Prosecco each daily
- 3 course dinner for two (value £49.50 pp) each night
- Full English breakfast daily
- 15% off pre-booked spa treatments
1 night stay
Package Price: £84.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £169 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £253.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available: Now
Romantic Lazy Break
Castle Classic Double
Stay in a Castle Classic room and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Tattinger Champagne in your room on arrival (value £65)*
- 3 course dinner for two on one evening in the 2AA rosette award winning Dungeon Restaurant (value £49.50 pp)
- Full Scottish breakfast for two daily
- Full use of the spa throughout your stay
- 15% discount on pre-booked spa treatments (valid Sun - Thurs only)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- Lazy late check out 12:30
- *Guests can substitute Champagne for a full afternoon tea for two during your stay if preferred. Please advise prior to arrival. Exclusive offer only available through Off Peak Luxury websites
1 night stay
Package Price: £102.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £140.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £184 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available: Now
Romantic Lazy Break
Classic Double or Twin
Stay in a Castle Classic Double room and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Tattinger Champagne in your room on arrival (value £65)*
- 3 course dinner for two on one evening in the 2AA rosette award winning Dungeon Restaurant (value £49.50 pp)
- Full Scottish breakfast for two daily
- Full use of the spa throughout your stay
- 15% discount on pre-booked spa treatments (valid Sun - Thurs only)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- Lazy late check out 12:30
- *Guests can substitute Champagne for a full afternoon tea for two during your stay if preferred. Please advise prior to arrival. Exclusive offer only available through Off Peak Luxury websites
1 night stay
Package Price: £102.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £140.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £184 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available: Now
Romantic Lazy Break
Themed Four Poster
Stay in a Themed Four Poster room and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Tattinger Champagne in your room on arrival (value £65)*
- 3 course dinner for two on one evening in the 2AA rosette award winning Dungeon Restaurant (value £49.50 pp)
- Full Scottish breakfast for two daily
- Full use of the spa throughout your stay
- 15% discount on pre-booked spa treatments (valid Sun - Thurs only)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- Lazy late check out 12:30
- *Guests can substitute Champagne for a full afternoon tea for two during your stay if preferred. Please advise prior to arrival. Exclusive offer only available through Off Peak Luxury websites
1 night stay
Package Price: £122.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £180.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £236.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available: Now
Romantic Lazy Break
Themed Double
Stay in a Themed Double room and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Tattinger Champagne in your room on arrival (value £65)*
- 3 course dinner for two on one evening in the 2AA rosette award winning Dungeon Restaurant (value £49.50 pp)
- Full Scottish breakfast for two daily
- Full use of the spa throughout your stay
- 15% discount on pre-booked spa treatments (valid Sun - Thurs only)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- Lazy late check out 12:30
- *Guests can substitute Champagne for a full afternoon tea for two during your stay if preferred. Please advise prior to arrival. Exclusive offer only available through Off Peak Luxury websites
1 night stay
Package Price: £115 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £165.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £214 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Available: Now
Romantic Lazy Break
Themed Suite
Stay in a Themed Suite and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Tattinger Champagne in your room on arrival (value £65)*
- 3 course dinner for two on one evening in the 2AA rosette award winning Dungeon Restaurant (value £49.50 pp)
- Full Scottish breakfast for two daily
- Full use of the spa throughout your stay
- 15% discount on pre-booked spa treatments (valid Sun - Thurs only)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- Lazy late check out 12:30
- *Guests can substitute Champagne for a full afternoon tea for two during your stay if preferred. Please advise prior to arrival. Exclusive offer only available through Off Peak Luxury websites
1 night stay
Package Price: £137.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £195.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £269.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing)
- Instant Availability
All of the above prices include all taxes / service fees.
* Offers showing provisional availability are subject to confirmation with the hotel and availability is not guaranteed. No funds will be taken from your card until the booking is confirmed, which will usually be within a few hours.
Offers showing instant availability are live and will be confirmed immediately.
Facilities at Dalhousie Castle
A magnificent 13th century fortress just 8 miles from Edinburgh's city centre. Set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the River Esk, Dalhousie Castle has luxurious surrounds, and holds the title as ‘Scotland's Oldest Inhabited Castle'.
The Falconry hosts an impressive variety of species including hawks, buzzards, falcons, eagles and owls, the castle falconry offers a range of packages available to book as individuals or groups, ideal for all ages.
Relax and unwind in the impressive Aqueous Spa. This includes facials, massages, beauty, and nail treatments, which all include use of the leisure facilities for two hours with hydro pool.
Good to know
- Hotel check-in time: 3:00 PM
- Hotel check-out time: 11:00 AM
Parking Facilities
Ample on site parking (free)
Disabled Access
Owing to its construction and structure, Dalhousie Castle does not have an accessible room or easy wheelchair access. Ground floor rooms are available at Castle Rocks within the hotel grounds.
The hotel does not have a lift
History of the hotel
The Ramsays of Dalhousie have reason to be proud of their heritage and their long links with Scottish history. They held possession of Dalhousie longer than any other family has retained possession of a castle in Scotland. The Castle, which is situated in the parish of Cockpen, eight miles south of Edinburgh, dates from the 13th century, although only the enormously thick walls at the foundation level and the vaults remain, of the original building. The main parts of the present structure were built about 1450 from red stone quarried from the opposite bank of the South Esk River on which the Castle stands. In the succeeding centuries there have been various additions and modifications, but the essential form of the Castle which had an L-shaped keep surrounded by an outer curtain wall can still be clearly discerned.
Child Policy
Children will be charged at £45 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
The maximum number of extra beds/children's cots permitted in a room is 1.
Children under 16 are not allowed to use the spa
Children under the age of 10 are not able to dine in the Dungeon Restaurant. Dining will be in the Orangery restaurant instead for customers with children under the age of 10.
Dogs Policy
There are just 2 Castle Rocks Suites that accommodate dogs, these incur an upgrade charge on top of the Castle rooms. Dogs are charged at £25.00 per dog per night. Please advise before booking if you would like to stay with your dog.
The grounds
Set in acres of parkland on the River Esk
Other Information
Free wifi is available throughout the hotel.
The Rooms at Dalhousie Castle
Castle Classic room
The Castle Classic Bedrooms are charming and filled with the necessary amenities for your stay. Designed for your comfort they each reflect the unique style displayed throughout the castle. These rooms cannot be Twinned
All rooms have 32″ HD TVs with Freeview, an in room telephone and a en-suite bathroom. They are all made complete with irons and ironing board, hairdryers, and a welcoming hospitality tray.
Castle Classic Double room
The Castle Classic Double Bedrooms are charming and filled with the necessary amenities for your stay. Designed for your comfort they each reflect the unique style displayed throughout the castle. These rooms can be Double or Twin.
All rooms have 32″ HD TVs with Freeview, an in room telephone and a en-suite bathroom. They are all made complete with irons and ironing board, hairdryers, and a welcoming hospitality tray.
Themed Four Poster room
Themed four-poster bedrooms are elegant and luxurious each relating to the castles' history, with a large four poster bed. Our executive double rooms offer the same character with a beautiful bed mount.
Themed Double room
Themed bedrooms are delightfully styled to create a room full of unique character and have a historic theme which connects to the Ramsay family history who built and lived in the castle for almost 700 years.
Dalhousie Castle - Themed room
Themed Suite
The castle has two spacious and extravagant historically themed suites, exquisitely styled and full of character. These suites have a separate living and sleeping area, and are perfect for making your stay extra special.
Dungeon Restaurant
A quite unique dining experience in the hotel's ancient barrel-vaulted dungeons. Awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the menu is a modern interpretation of classic Scottish dishes cooked and prepared in a classic French cooking style, whilst using locally sourced produce.
Opening Times
Breakfast:
Monday - Friday 7.30 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.
Saturday -Sunday 8 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.
Afternoon Tea: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Dinner (Dungeon Restaurant): 7.00 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.
Dress Code
smart/ casual
The Orangery
Panoramic views overlooking the castle estate make The Orangery is a perfect spot to enjoy delicious food, in good company. Dalhousie serve a contemporary menu for lunch and dinner daily. The Afternoon Tea is very popular, and available with Champagne.
Opening Times
Breakfast:
Monday - Friday 7.30 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.
Saturday -Sunday 8 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.
Afternoon Tea: 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Dinner (Dungeon Restaurant): 7.00 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.
Dress Code
smart/ casual
Aqueous Spa
The Spa combines relaxing and therapeutic treatments designed to invigorate and rejuvenate your body and mind. Dalhousie have chosen to use Darphin products throughout the spa, selected for its unique sensuality and exquisite results.
This multi-massage jet pool incorporates an airbed, neck and specific muscular body massage jets. Designed to relieve aches and pains leaving you feeling energized.
The Laconium is a Roman style dry sweating room with a lower temperature than a common sauna, releasing heat through the benches and floor.
The spa also has an area called a Tepidarium. Here you can relax and enjoy a new level of well-being with comfortable lounge beds. The tepidarium catches the sun and overlooks spectacular views.
Pre-booking is highly advised for treatments and use of the spa facilities. Spa facilities are available to residents prior to check in and up to closing time on the day of departure.
Please note that children under the age of 16 are not permitted to use the spa facilities.
Dalhousie Castle Location
Map & Directions
Address
Bonnyrigg
Edinburgh
Midlothian
EH19 3JB
Ample on site parking (free)
How to get here
By car from Edinburgh
Follow the City Bypass– take the Gilmerton/Galashiels exit for A7 – then follow signs for Galashiels until you see the sign for Dalhousie Castle. Dalhousie Castle is on the left after the Cockpen Church and before the bridge.
SAT NAV POSTCODE: EH19 3JB
By car from Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport
Join the Edinburgh bypass at Gogarburn roundabout. Follow bypass until Lasswade slip road, follow signs for Bonnyrigg, and drive straight through Bonnyrigg following the Dalhousie Castle sign, remaining on the main road. At roundabout, follow B704 signed for Gorebridge. Dalhousie Castle is located half a mile out of Bonnyrigg on the right with the entrance on your left.
By train
5 hours from London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley.
Enter your postcode to view approximate driving directions to Dalhousie Castle.
Location & Local Attractions
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story. The Castle is open daily to visitors and is a great day out for all the family.
Butterfly World
Just minutes from Dalhousie Castle, Butterfly & Insect World is open daily. Based in a tropical paradise, they have a range of animals to explore, with regular talks on feedings and handling demonstrations.
Rosslyn Chapel
One of Scotland's most remarkable buildings which is still used today as a place of worship, Rosslyn Chapel grew in popularity after the publication of Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code, in 2003, and the subsequent film.
Royal Yacht Britannia
Voted the UK's no1 tourist attraction, the Royal Yacht Britannia allows you to experience what is was like on board the queen's royal residence. Located in Leith with plenty of cafes and shopping.
Glenkinchie Distillery
Glenkinchie Distillery is closely located to the castle, and is a fantastic day out for anyone keen to learn more about whisky. Your visit includes a full tour and tasting, with a shop on site for purchasing gifts.
Dalhousie Castle Reviews
- 136 reviews
- Member since 2015
Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH19 3JB
Customer service needs a massive revamp
Shoddy room, abysmal bed and disgusting bedding!
Only highlight was the Dungeon Dinner and exceptional Greek waitress (only one staff member who made the difference)
Should make more of an effort to read other reviews as they were not far off from the truth!
Veggie food
We were very happy with our stay and felt well looked after. The only thing I would ask them to look at is the vegetarian food. My cauliflower soup starter was lovely. The main course a disappointment because I felt no one had actually tasted it. The combination of items, sheets of pasta, with something green and cheese, no sauce, surrounded by pomegranate seeds croutons and truffle oil, was weird and the taste Unpleasant. I ate it because I was hungry. Only a minor problem.
Relaxing break
Our stay in this Castle/Hotel was lovely.
Food staff and location were excelent.
Spa was a little disappointing as there is no pool.
And if your not mobile there is no lift. But I would certainly return and recommend.
Look at Lodge access bridge
Greenock
5th November 2018
Our stay at Dalhousie Castle Hotel
October 29th to 31st.
1. We booked to bring our pet dog with us we understood that he couldn t stay in the Castle bedrooms but were NOT informed that he would not be allowed inside the Castle premises at all.
2. We were charged an additional 25 per night for our dog OK we thought as it is a luxury hotel and expected to take him into the bar/lounge with us for relaxing pre and post dinner drinks but for simply staying in the Lodge this was excessive. What did we get for it?
3. The standard of the bedroom furnishings and general amenity in the Lodge is not great it is not at all like the Castle which is what we thought we were getting. The sofa in room 36 had a large split in the material on the back rest. This was covered by a tartan blanket. The radiator thermostats were loose and did not function. The first night we were wakened by ferocious heat in the bedroom. This was fixed by my husband who tightened them properly by hand. These may seem a bit picky complaints but we were expecting 4 star quality.
Specific points re the Lodge:
a. There weren t enough milk cartons on the tea tray only 4 .why so few?
b. No towel fixing near the sink in the bathroom (had to put the hand towel on the loo holder ...)
c. No bath gel at the bath only at the shower
d. No body lotion
4. Now we get to the main point: the access bridge. I have attached a photo of our car (not a huge one Jag XE) and of my husband with his arms outstretched on the bridge []- there is about one hands breadth between the stone wall and our car. The Receptionist had told us that the car would get over and so it did, just. My husband drove the car at a crawling pace as I closely observed from the far end and signalled to him how much space there was on either side. After much thought we decided we could not comfortably drive up and down to the hotel because of this. This is clearly a hazard and does not constitute reasonable access.
5. We were so worried about this driveway that we could not contemplate crossing this bridge regularly. We have stayed in accommodation in the grounds of other hotels (because we like to take our dog on holiday with us) and expected to be able to drive to the hotel to use its facilities as per those stays. However we were so shaken by the drive across this narrow bridge that we decided to park outside the main reception at the top (after re-crossing the bridge gingerly, again with external guidance). This meant we walked up and down every time for meals. On the first evening we made this trip in total darkness using our phone torches for safety. We had to make a specific request for the lights on the road to the Lodge to be switched on presumably a managerial oversight as they all worked on our walk down. Because we were always walking we always arrived wearing outdoor clothes and shoes at the hotel/restaurants.
6. Another point is that because we were coming and going outside we could not use the Spa clearly impractical to walk up and down the road in a bathrobe. Hence we were disadvantaged compared to your other guests in this respect also.
5. Because of these limitations mainly access but also inability to use common areas in the Castle (that we were not told of) the experience we had meant that we spent several hours each afternoon and evening in the Lodge. This is not furnished or equipped to the same standard as the Castle and although it was OK, it was not luxurious or what we had expected.as pointed out above we even had to ration ourselves to hot drinks to ensure there was milk left for the morning tea!
Would you please address these points? I fail to see the luxury in this stay which is what it is sold as, and indeed the Castle building clearly is. Our stay the premises, the access, the limitation on what we could do, meant that we paid the same as those in the hotel plus a considerable amount extra for our dog and yet had a very ordinary hotel experience.
We were very disappointed, this was an essential break for us to recover form a death in the family and although the change from home was useful the whole stay was hard work and we felt we had to make the best of it. Not a luxury break as expected.
Yours sincerely
Eleanor
Eleanor & Alan Hulme
Robert Parker Hotels
Once again at a Robert Parker Hotel, no compromises just a very pleasant stay with kindly staff,
excellent food and so.... so relaxing. Thank You to all the STAFF at Dalhousie Castle
Dalhousie Castle luxurious stay
Cannot fault the stay we had at Dalhousie Castle, Staff friendly, rooms very clean and the food is fantastic.would recommend this hotel to any one.
10 year anniversary stay
Beautiful location and hotel. Afternoon tea and breakfast was lovely, couldn t fault them. I was disappointed with the speed of the service in the dungeon restaurant.
I am unsure if we received the themed room we booked, from website description it could of been the castle classic. The bathroom was disappointing, dated and run down, not what I expected at all.
Overall experience was great.
136 reviews, sorted by Date Rating