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.
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
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 (value £18.50pp) if preferred. Please advise prior to arrival. Exclusive offer only available through Off Peak Luxury websites
1 night stay
Package Price: £107.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £215 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £145.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £291 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £191.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £383 per room
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
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 (value £18.50pp) if preferred. Please advise prior to arrival. Exclusive offer only available through Off Peak Luxury websites
1 night stay
Package Price: £107.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £215 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £145.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £291 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £191.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £383 per room
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
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 (value £18.50pp) 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) £230 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £165.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £331 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £214 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £428 per room
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
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 (value £18.50pp) 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) £245 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £180.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £361 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £236.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £473 per room
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
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 (value £18.50pp) 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) £275 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £195.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £391 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £269.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £539 per room
- 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 and we will be happy to check availability and pricing for you.
Please note that the Castle Rocks rooms are not located in the Main hotel
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
- 194 reviews
- Member since 2015
Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH19 3JB
Wonderful staff. Outstanding food
The stay at Dalhousie castle was a pleasure. What really stood out was the absolutely fantastic food served in a wonderful setting. The staff were fantastic and cater to your every need perfectly. The room was lovely and warmwith everything on hand you would require. The bed was extremely comfortable. The only 1 bad point was the bathroom which needs updating or even just revamped.
Castle life
We had a lovely stay at this beautiful castle. The room was very nice, had great views, and the food was delicious. Highly recommend staying here!
Excellent Break
The whole break was perfect from start to finish.
The staff were very friendly and helpful all the way through our stay.
Beautiful rooms with everything you needed, extremely clean and warm.
The food in the dungeon restaurant was absolutely beautiful and would highly recommend. The breakfast was outstanding too with lots of choice.
Lovely setting for a relaxing break
The setting and hotel are lovely and it was especially nice to be there at Christmas as there was a really cosy atmosphere and lots of decorations. The staff are friendly and helpful and our room was clean and comfortable. We enjoyed dinner in the dungeon restaurant and the afternoon tea was lovely.
The spa treatments were enjoyable and again the staff were very good.
Over all a very enjoyable stay although the spa facilities are quite small so it felt quite crowded with not very many people in it. There are elements of the hotel that are a little worn and feel like they could do with freshening up such as the spa area, and the conservatory dining area where the chair covers are quite stained and worn.
Ruby Wedding Anniversary Stay At Dalhouise Castle
We recently stayed at Dalhouise Castle which is around 9 miles outside Edinburgh for a 3 night stay to celebrate our Ruby Wedding anniversary. It is around a 10 minute drive to the train station and about half an hour on the train to the centre of Edinburgh.
On arrival we had a bottle of champagne in our room as well as receiving 2 complimentary glasses with our evening meal which we had in the Dungeon Restaurant on the first night of our stay. The food was delicious.
Our daughter had arranged for flowers to be delivered, which were displayed beautifully x
Our room was in the Turret of the castle. The room was spotlessly clean, full of character, very in keeping with this beautiful castle.
The staff where extremely friendly and helpful.
It was exceptional value for money.
I would definitely recommend Dalhouise Castle to family and friends and hope one day to return there.
Beautiful place to stay
I had a lovely time staying here. The room was amazing and the food was exemplary. I loves the library although the sofas were a bit low. The staff on the whole were very welcoming apart from the one in the orangery who was quite rude.
Perfect for a celebration
I treated my husband to a night away at Dalhousie for his birthday. We had been here the previous year and enjoyed our stay immensely.
The castle itself is fantastic, such a great atmosphere. The staff are friendly and helpful and do everything they can to ensure your stay is perfect.
The room was cosy and well equipped. The library bar was elegant and the service exceptional.
It is the dungeon restaurant that is the star of the show. The food is stunning, beautifully presented and the standard of service is excellent. We had a fantastic meal and felt we were treated wonderfully with a few little extras to help my husband celebrate his birthday.
I didn t get up for breakfast but my husband said it was a chaotic experience and in stark contrast to the previous evening. Everyone turned up at the same time, Food ran out and staff seemed to be struggling. There was a shortage of tables that had been cleared from the previous occupants. The food itself was good but guests were hanging around waiting for further supplies. This is obviously something that could be improved.
Overall our stay was perfect and we look forward to returning. It is an ideal place for a celebration.
194 reviews, sorted by Date Rating