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
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.
Gorgeous suite, good food and helpful staff. We thorough enjoyed our stay.
This place is immaculate. Everyone is welcoming, but be patient when the castle is busy handling many guests at once. The staff seemed a little overwhelmed. The spa was nice, but during our visit, they were having issues with the aqua spa. They couldn't get the temperature on it up.
This castle stay was peaceful and quiet. The food was INCREDIBLE. We stayed here for the last leg of a two week trip through Europe, and it was by far the best food. However, the check-in system and the transparency of the costs we accrued were lackluster. When we checked in, we didn’t get any information about what was available to us, such as the spa. We didn’t understand what we had paid for in terms of the breakfast and dinner packages. We kept signing things for each meal that put us under the impression that we were spending hundreds of dollars for most meals, but then later many of the costs dropped off, but we never had itemized receipts. The castle grounds were beautiful! The newly upgraded bar had a nice vibe. But our group kept talking about how much potential the castle had. They need to bring in some live music, have some evening events for guests, and maybe an outdoor fire pit or two. This castle is fairly isolated, and its main attraction is the food, but it could be more like a cruise ship with some built in activities, since you are so isolated from town. We even looked for a deck of cards so that we could occupy our time, and those were not available. This could be a five star experience with a few tweaks. Again, best food of the trip, but not much else to do but eat and walk around.
The castle and grounds were beautiful. The falconry experience was amazing!