Dalhousie Castle

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.

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"

Directions: From Edinburgh: A7south through Lasswade and Newtongrange. Turn right at junction with a Shell garage on the B704. Dalhousie Castle is located half a mile from junction on the left entrance is on the right and back underneath the road bridge.

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.