Dalhousie Castle
8.5 Bonnyrigg, near Edinburgh, Scotland
Situated on a secluded woodland estate that changes dramatically with the seasons, this ancient fortress is just eight miles from Edinburgh, but a million miles away from your everyday world. The 13th-century castle has seen triumph and tragedy and is famed for having the longest family line in Scottish castle history!
Its eclectic architectural aesthetic will capture your imagination from the start and its atmospheric interiors will have you exploring every intriguing nook and cranny. From deeply hued walls to giant oak doors, storytelling tapestries to ornate gold-leaf ceilings, Dalhousie’s past will come alive before your eyes. Take a trip to the ‘bottle dungeon’ – nowadays the wine cellar - where prisoners were lowered by rope (you can still see the rope marks worn into the stonework!) and discover the secret bar hidden behind a moving bookcase.
Select areas of Dalhousie Castle are undergoing refurbishments until Spring 2026 to enhance the experience of staying in this historic building. The castle will close for a short time in early 2026 to allow for more significant work to take place, but until then every effort is being made to ensure minimal disruption during your stay.
Accommodation
Dalhousie Castle has 29 characterful en-suite bedrooms, each one reached by a maze of staircases and secret passages. The bedroom types vary, although each is spacious and luxuriously decorated with rich Scottish fabrics and period furniture.
In each individually-designed room you will find Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and robes, slippers and Temple Spa toiletries. All rooms are equipped with a flat screen digital TV, direct-dial telephone, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Classic Rooms
Well-appointed and with everything you need for a relaxing stay; these rooms have a bespoke style and an inviting feel.
Superior Rooms
These rooms have a unique character and a historic theme connecting guests to the 700-year Ramsay family history.
Four-poster Rooms
Designed with regal splendour and featuring four-poster beds, these rooms are fit for royalty and offer the very best in castle quarters.
Suites
For an authentic castle experience, opt for a castle suite. Exquisitely styled and boasting separate living and sleeping areas, they are the ideal choice for a special celebratory stay.
In each individually-designed room you will find Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and robes, slippers and Temple Spa toiletries. All rooms are equipped with a flat screen digital TV, direct-dial telephone, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities.
Castle Lodge
Additional accommodation is available a two-minute walk from the castle in the lodge house, a collection of six plush, oversized bedrooms and suites. All rooms are equipped with the same facilities as rooms in the castle and guests are free to use the public areas of the main building.
Dining
The Dungeon Restaurant, named for its location underneath the building, features exposed stone walls culminating in a barrel-vaulted ceiling with deep-set arches housing shiny suits of armour. Its grey-slate floor lies beneath regal-red chairs and white tablecloths giving it a truly dramatic ambience. This award-winning restaurant’s contemporary spin on seasonal Scottish cuisine cooked in a classic French style is a unique fine dining experience. A more relaxed offering is served in the Orangery Restaurant whose menus encapsulate a small but varied mix of firm favourites.
Spa
Dalhousie’s all-encompassing Aqueous Spa features an extensive array of therapeutic and relaxation treatments designed to invigorate and rejuvenate your body and mind, as well as a plethora of beauty treatments. Proud to be the first hydro spa of its kind in Scotland, its array of facilities include a rain and fog shower, foot baths and hydro pool. The Laconium – with a lower temperature than a sauna - releases heat through the benches and floor whilst the Relaxation Room features comfortable seating, catches the sun and boasts spectacular views across the estate.
Falconry and Archery
The castle falconry, set within the grounds of the estate, houses an impressive selection of birds, including hawks, owls, falcons and eagles. You can also try your hand at the Medieval sport of archery under the guidance of experienced archery leaders and using traditionally crafted recurve bows with a variety of targets. Sessions for both are suitable for all ages and available to book individually or as part of a group prior to your stay.
Activities
The eleven-acre grounds offer a wealth of adventure on your doorstep. There are three suggested walks that showcase the best of the estate’s sights and surroundings, including ancient bridges and burial grounds at the ruins of Cockpen Old Church, enchanting wildlife and woodland, a carriageway and peaceful riverside. Edinburgh is within easy reach of the castle and offers a wealth of activities to enjoy...
History
The Ramsays of Dalhousie have played a fascinating role in the long and tangled history of their beloved Scotland – and they managed to keep possession of Dalhousie longer than any other family held onto a Scottish castle.
Prices
Location
Dalhousie Castle is located just eight miles from the centre of Scotland’s capital, with its cosmopolitan mix of shops, dining and drinking scene, impressive historic monuments and family attractions. Edinburgh is, of course, home to a thriving cultural, arts and entertainment scene.
The nearest train station is only a five-minute drive away from Dalhousie Castle, with trains into the city centre expected every 30 minutes and a journey time of 22 minutes. Dalhousie is 16 miles from Edinburgh Airport.
Reviews
8.5
Beautiful setting . We were in the lodge suite as dog friendly , and it was lovely , plenty space but the conservatory area was quite cold, also a very bright WiFi light in the bedroom roof kept us awake first night but maintenance covered it with black tape for the rest of our stay. We had to pre order our wine for two nights which was rather odd as you don’t know what you want to drink in advance , but we did it not for them to lose the 1/2 bottle left from the first night and run out of the wine we had pre ordered for the second night ! Not a good starter! Maybe just fill your wine cellar. Food was fantastic every day. Need to install at least one poo bin if say dog friendly but lovely walks around y he grounds for the dogs. Hogmanay was well organised and very well done with celidh and fireworks. We were asked in advance for info relevant to ourselves (age , gender etc) and our dogs breed and name for us all to receive a special gift. Our dog did not receive anything and have to say the luggage tag was rather a let down . Overall a fantastic stay for new year. Staff were friendly and helpful. And once again the food was fantastic.
We had a fantastic stay at dalousie castle.christmas was magical.all the staff were exceptional and the food was amazing.we were made to feel very special and we will be going back .
Second to none. Every detail of our stay was well thought out and the staff were incredible. Each experience exceeded our expectations and we could not rate Dalhousie more highly. It was truely a magical experience.
Dalhousie Castle was absolutely fantastic. Their Manager and staff were so welcoming and couldn’t do enough for you to make your stay with them a memorable one.
This castle was amazing with such friendly staff and some historic remnants of the past. Whether peeking through a small, wooden door to discover a spiral staircase descending into the dark, admiring the medieval weaponry and armor in the dungeon, or strolling along the grounds to explore a small ruin and discover two ancient bridges, this location was a dream. They offer spa treatments and falconry, amazing landscapes and delicious food. All in all, I'm so happy we stayed at Dalhousie Castle and highly recommend it if you plan to visit Scotland.