Edinburgh is an obvious destination for most first time (and many return!) visitors to Scotland. For people travelling from within the UK,  there are good road and rail links, and for visitors coming from further afield, the international airport is only a short drive from the centre. Above the city sits Edinburgh Castle and there are a whole host of other attractions in the streets down below. The place really comes to life each August during festival season and, at the end of each year, you can enjoy one of the greatest New Year celebrations in the world!

As it’s such a naturally popular destination, we don’t tend to promote it as heavily as other locations, which we might be introducing to a wider audience for the first time, but we realise it will be useful for first time visitors to have a round up of castles located locally, so here is our guide of places to stay for a short break!

Dalhousie Castle

Consistently amongst the most popular castles on our website, Dalhousie Castle is a 13th century building 20 minutes from Edinburgh city centre. The castle has 29 varied bedrooms, the highlight being the 20 themed bedrooms, most named after important figures from Scottish history and decorated in Scottish design fabrics such as tweed, tartan and twill. Highlights include the De Ramseia Room, dominated by a large antique carved oak bed, or the Cockpen Themed Four Poster Room, which allows guests to step out on to the turret and enjoy views across the countryside to the distant Lammermuir Hills.

Elsewhere at the castle, dinner can be enjoyed by candle-light in the barrel-vaulted Dungeon Restaurant; guests can relax in the extensive on- site spa or partake in the world’s oldest sport – Falconry – at the castle’s private on-site mews.

You can stay at Dalhousie Castle from 105 pounds per room per night in a Standard Room, with Themed Rooms starting at 145 pounds per night (based on 2 people sharing).

www.celticcastles.com/castles/dalhousie

Fenton Tower

Fenton Tower is a fortified 16th century tower, restored from a ruin to create a luxury 5 star property. The tower, which sits 20 miles east of Edinburgh, was traditionally only available exclusively, offering stays for between 6 and 12 adults. New for 2011, however, individual rooms can be booked on a bed and breakfast basis each Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night!

The tower has been restored to a very high standard throughout, combining a historical look with a modern influence. The four floors of the tower play host to 6 bedrooms, the highlight of which is the Carmichael Suite with its Italian silver-gilt frame double bed.

As well as being within easy reach of Edinburgh City Centre, Fenton Tower is in a superb location to enjoy some of the finest golf courses Scotland (and therefore the world!) has to offer. There are over 100 courses within 30 miles of the tower and 15 within 10 miles. The world famous St Andrews course is only 22 miles away.

Bed and breakfast stays are available at Fenton Tower for 150 pounds per person per night. The tower can also be enjoyed for exclusive use, sleeping a minimum of 6 guests, for 180 pounds per person per night.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/fenton

Traquair Castle

Traquair is located 30 miles south of Edinburgh in a secluded woodland, close to the town of Innerleithen. Traquair is famous for being the oldest inhabited house in Scotland, with its existence dating back to around 1100. There is an extensive museum on-site where guests can learn of its history; the museum includes the bed in which Mary Queen of Scots slept when she visited in 1566, as well as the cradle in which she laid her son. Guests visiting Traquair in 2011 can stay in one of 3 spacious double bedrooms, for 180 pounds per room per night (based on 2 people sharing).

www.celticcastles.com/castles/traquair

Cringletie

Cringletie is a castle-style Victorian baronial mansion, located in Peeblesshire, south of Edinburgh. The hotel has 13 individually designed rooms spread across three categories. As well as having a name for luxury accommodation, Cringletie is fully wheelchair accessible and has excellent disabled facilities, the likes of which are not usually found in an historic building. Those interested in fishing will no doubt enjoy spending some time by the banks of the River Tweed which flows nearby, famous the world over for its salmon and trout. Guests can also enjoy walking, golf and horse riding locally. Accommodation at Cringletie is available from 140 pounds per room per night, based on 2 people sharing.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/cringletie

Barony Castle

Also found in Peeblesshire is Barony Castle Hotel. As a larger venue with 74 bedrooms, Barony is a popular location for weddings and corporate events, but there are also plenty of rooms available for shorter breaks. Most of the rooms are Standard Doubles with a more hotel-like feel, but there are also a small number of Suites. The castle is well equipped for leisure with an onsite gym and pool as well as a restaurant and bar area for refreshments. Stays at Barony Castle are available from 90 pounds per room per night, based on 2 people sharing.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/barony-castle