Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle

Hotel Class: 4 out of 5 stars4 Stars - 3 Reviews and 296 Opinions

Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Scotland EHI9 3JB, United Kingdom

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82%

of people enjoy staying here

4.0 our of 5 stars 299 Opinions

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  • Reviews: 391

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

The castle experience

This is a magnificent castle set in its own grounds with an impressive drive. The last time I visted, I had the good luck to be at the start of a murder/mystery weekend where the staff were preparing the rooms and were in costume ready to receive the guests. The whole hotel was completely booked up so if you really want to stay here, book well in advance using the website below.

I hosted a corporate weekend here for the winners of our sales competition. Pre dinner drinks in the library, followed by a banquet in the huge ballroom. The roast was brought in shoulder high, led by the highland piper and we were treated to some scottish dancing. I had a little turret bedroom all to myself which was indeed a treat, at home we were deep in DIY madness and it was very good to wake up in a room that did not look like a building site. The following day we held competitions, clay pigeon shooting, quad bike racing, dune buggy racing and reverse steering landrovers. A good time had by all.

Unique Quality: There is a falconry where you can don the gauntlet and fly and lure the birds of prey in the extensive grounds. They have a fair selection of birds, from the smaller falcons right up to a huge owl.

There is a helicopter pad if you wish to make a grand entrance.

They have a spa where you can be pampered and polished to within an inch of your life if you so desire.

Should you wish to hold your wedding here, they have everything you need, from the small chapel to the reception as well as rooms for your guests. I am beginning to sound like a sales brochure... sigh.

  • Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
  • Related to: Spa and Resort, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Castles and Palaces
Dalhousie Castle Photo: One of the bedrooms

Dalhousie Castle Photo: One of the bedrooms

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  • Reviews: 244

3 out of 5 starsUser Rating

4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

13th Century Castle is the Real Thing

My stay at the Dalhousie Castle was several years ago so in order to be fair to my fellow Virtual Tourists, I examined several internet sites which publish traveler reviews of accommodations and found that current reviews approximate my recollections. Still, this tip is mainly a remembrance of my stay and I recommend you do additional research.

One of my goals during my visit was to stay in a Scottish Castle. Turns out there are more choices than I expected. After some research (pre-internet I might add), I settled on a 13th century beauty called Dalhousie Castle located in Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh. Built by the Ramsays of Dalhousie who descended from Simundus de Ramseia a follower of King David I, who, if you recall, built the St. Margaret's Chapel in Edinburgh Castle. Since then there has been the typical who's who of who has slept there.

The current website indicates significant upgrades since my stay. My main recollection, however, is slightly less than positive. I would like to point out up front, however, that the management was completely cooperative.

My first night was fairy-tale perfect. Four poster bed, Scottish mist outside the windows and massive stone walls guarding my room. Day two, after a long day of touring Edinburgh, I returned to my Castle to an odd site. The grounds suddenly had spawn about 100 automobiles. It seems that Dalhousie Castle was (and continues to be) a popular wedding venue. No problem, weddings are cool...except our room was right over the banquet hall and the band!

After a short while it became obvious that rest was out of the question until the party was over. As I said the management was completely cooperative and after a brief discussion they not only provided me a full refund for the balance of my stay but also assisted me in finding a room at a B&B in a nearby village. The moral to this story is I would probably stay at the Castle again...but not someone's wedding night ;-)

Note: Price range below is for "Double Occupancy Per Person"

  • Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Dalhousie Castle Photo: Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle Photo: Dalhousie Castle

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  • Reviews: 3

1.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Dalhousie Castle HotelFor over...

Dalhousie Castle HotelFor over 700 years Dalhousie Castle has nestled in Scotland’s beautiful countryside, providing warm Scottish hospitality. Major restoration has transformed this 13th Century Castle into a unique Hotel & Restaurant, offering the luxury of modern day comforts whilst retaining elegant touches of the past. Just 7 miles from Edinburgh city centre.
140 UKP

Unique Quality: It's a 13th Century Castle that's now a 4 Star Hotel. 29 Historically Themed Castle bedrooms5 Lodge BedroomsPrivate Chapel and VestryThe Library BarThe Excellent Dungeon Restaurant.

  • Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle

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More about Dalhousie Castle

Magical wedding at Dalhousie Castle

by A TripAdvisor Member

Got married at Dalhousie Castle on the 10th August 2004 what a terrific place.30 guests travelled to be there with us and all had a great time.The wedding was amazing with the piper and the wedding coordinator (jane) made us all feel at ease.At the end of the evening Peter took 4 petrified guests on a tour around the castle which was a experience they will never forget.The honeymoon suit was out of this world with a well in the bedroom.All in all i would of not wished for a better way of spending the most important day of my life.Hopeing to go back for our first anniversary.10 out of 10 all round.

Stay in a castle in Scotland!

by Loosey

I stayed at the Dalhousie castle in Bonnyrig, Scotland. What a unique experience! Wake up to bagpipes.........being played, LIVE!

Eat dinner in the 'dungeon.'

Learn about the previous inhabitants and the 'hauntings.'

Right out of a fairy tale!

by TripAdvisor Member rumpalina

We were married in the Dalhousie Castle and simply can not say enough wonderful things about it. It is a magical place! Everyone was more than courteous and helpful to myself and all of the 18 guests that also stayed in the Castle. We had dinner in the dungeon, which was quite a treat. I can't wait to return to Dalhousie Castle for our 5 year anniversary.

Wonderful, yet it is expensive

by TripAdvisor Member MicJam

We stayed in the Dalhousie Castle for one night on 12/6/04. It was a beautiful castle on the outside and in a quiet, rural area outside Edinburough. Staff at reception was nice, nothing special. We had what was a standard double room. Nice, clean, large bathroom, lovely view of the grounds. Spa was nice to use and two restaurants were very nice, yet expensive. If you are looking for a quiet, romantic place to stay I would definitely recommend this hotel. Book off the internet (not the hotels site) and it will save you money.

Wedding of the year!!!

by A TripAdvisor Member

My husband and I got married at Dalhousie Castle on the 14th August 2004. It was perfect!!!
Firstly, we had the best day for it, weather wise - which as the scots know means rain could easily appear, any day of the year. It was great and the sun was shining. I was born in Scotland and have lived the last 4 years in America so for me, it was great to come home to get married in a beautiful castle setting etc. The castle is out of this world. The wedding co-ordinator's are wonderful and so helpful. We worked with Margaret the florist from Dalkeith Flower Shop - she was fantastic and i would highly recommend her(so much more than just the florist - gets involved in your whole day)
The chapel is a perfect and very romantic setting and great for 100 guests or less. To have all of your family and friends so close was great!!! You felt like everyone was so close and it was very intimate. I just loved it. We had drinks on the patio after the ceremony and then the wedding party went off to have pics in the beautiful grounds of the castle. The pics came fantastic!!!! Delighted with them. The food was also great and everyone was raving about the haggis dish - even the Americans. I would not have changed a thing about the day or the setting. It was unbelievable and what a memory!!! We had 20 couples stay over night in the castle including my husband and I - we where in the honeymoon suite - it was great and very romantic. The rooms are wonderful.
If anyone is thinking about getting married at Dalhousie - I would strongly suggest that you do!! It was perfect and my husband and i loved every minute - if you want a traditional scottish wedding, this is the place!!!!
Thanks Dalhousie for everything you did for us - you made our special day out of this world.

Brilliant Wedding Venue

by A TripAdvisor Member

We just returned from a trip to Europe. Our main reason for this journey was to see our friends tie the knot.
Two nights prior to the wedding, we went on a tour through the Castle with Peter, which was interesting and fun.
We stayed in the Lodge, which was not that impressive, but only stayed for 1-night (night of the wedding) and by the time we crashed, it did not make much difference what kind of room we were in. We did see one of the castle rooms, which was nicely appointed, but not sure it is worth the $500usd a night. But on the other hand, it is an expereince and sometimes those are priceless. The bride and groom also stayed in the bridal suite, which I believe is named the Ramsey Suite. A few of us took a peak at it, and although it was very castle like; it was a bit creepy. There was a non-working well in the sleeping area. The room also was very musty. From the 3 types of rooms that I saw, I would have rather stayed in one of the theamed rooms versus any of the others.
The Wedding! Was brilliant! As Americans it certainly was a treat to see a traditional Scottish wedding, neverthe less in a Castle! My other-half was in the wedding as a groomsmen and it was a treat to see him dressed to the nines in his kilt.
The food was awesome, and loved the sticky toffee pudding for desert. It is an event that the 10 Americans that made the voyage will never forget. It was a treat and an honour to attened such a beautiful event - which was topped off by the families lovely hosptality.
Thanks Dalhouise Castle for a memorable couple of days!

Could do better

by TripAdvisor Member fiona229

Recently went to a wedding here. The setting is absolutely magnificent and the photos look great. I agree with previous reveiws that Jane the wedding manager was very helpful. The castle steward also had a wonderful personality and was charming. However the desk staff are not helpful - being directed twice to a bar that was actually locked is not my idea of good service. The castle is very quaint but the decor has seen better days. This would be acceptable if the prices weren't so high. The spa is nice but they charge you an additional £20 per couple to use the hydro pool which rather takes away from things. The bridal couple had a wonderful day and teh ceremony and meal were lovely but if I was advising potential wedding guests I would recommend staying elsewhere.
Perhaps most importantly the castle website does not point out that is in no way disabled friendly and many areas are not wheelchair accessible or indeed accesible by anyone with any degree of impaired mobility.

Photos

Dalhousie CastleDalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle ScotlandDalhousie Castle Scotland

The Falconry at Dalhousie CastleThe Falconry at Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle Dungeon restaurant with SueDalhousie Castle Dungeon restaurant with Sue

Forum Posts

What to visit between Fort William and Glasgow

by bean4bean4

We'll be in Mallaig around 10h am. at the end of June.

I'm wondering what we should see except Loch Lomond in that area (Trossachs).

What are the must sees.

We'll have a car.

In fact, we have to go to the Dalhousie castle in Bonnyrigg. Be there around 5 or 6 pm that day.

Where should we stop? We planned no to make any stop between Glasgow and Bonnyrigg.

Re: What to visit between Fort William and Glasgow

by hawkhead

You will pass through Glen Coe on your way to Glasgow. There is a very good visitors' centre there. However, as you have to be in Bonnyrigg by 5 or 6pm the same day, then you really won't have time to do much except to have pit stops. Bonnyrigg is south-east of Edinburgh and apart from having to negotiate your way through Glasgow, you will also have to go around Edinburgh. The distance from Mallaig to Bonnyrigg may not look that far but it will take you far longer than you anticipate. A good place to stop for something to eat in Tyndrum. Glasgow to Bonnyrigg will not offer any places to stop, apart from on the service areas, as it will be motorway for the majority of the trip.

 
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 It's a 13th Century Castle that's now a 4 Star Hotel. 29 Historically Themed Castle bedrooms5 Lodge BedroomsPrivate Chapel and VestryThe Library BarThe Excellent Dungeon Restaurant. 

1265 members live in Edinburgh

 
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 Dalhousie Castle

We've found that other people looking for this hotel also know it by these names:

Castle Dalhousie
Dalhousie Castle Bonnyrigg
Dalhousie Castle Hotel Bonnyrigg

Address: Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Scotland EHI9 3JB, United Kingdom