Dalhousie Castle

Be treated like royalty

With a history stretching back to the 13th century, Dalhousie is Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle. It has previously played host to Queen Victoria and guests can still experience the royal treatment for a night or more, including blissful spa facilities, award-winning fine dining and an 11-acre parkland estate. Situated on the banks of the River Esk, Dalhousie Castle is only eight miles from Edinburgh, meaning you can enjoy the best of the capital as well.

Characterful and comfortable rooms

Reached by a maze of staircases and secret passages, Dalhousie Castle offers 35 regal rooms and suites, some with four-poster beds. Each one-of-a-kind ensuite hideaway is luxuriously decorated with rich Scottish fabrics and period furniture, worthy of a stay from a royal visitor. Yet as well as historic touches, they also have plenty of modern comforts as well, such as soft Egyptian cotton bed linen, Molton Brown toiletries and fluffy towels, robes & slippers. Each room also has a flat screen digital TV, direct-dial telephone, iron with ironing board, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities.

Atmospheric dining

Dalhousie Castle offers a completely unique dining experience in its ancient barrel-vaulted dungeons. Awarded two AA Rosettes, The Dungeon’s menu offers a modern interpretation of classic Scottish dishes prepared in a French-style, while using locally sourced produce. Menus can shift with the seasons but expect mains such as the braised beef cheek with haggis pomme dauphine, the seared fillet of cod with smoked bacon emulsion, and the salt-baked celeriac with spiced cous cous.

Alternatively, you can enjoy relaxed bistro dining in The Orangery, which offers panoramic views over the castle estate.

Innovative spa

The Aqueous was the first hydro spa of its kind in Scotland and aims to offer the ultimate in relaxation. The hi-tech thermal suite includes a hydro pool, Roman-style sauna, Turkish-inspired steam bath and a tropical rain & cold fog shower to invigorate the body. The spa also offers a wide range of bespoke therapeutic and beauty treatments using products from luxury French brand, Darphin.

Explore Edinburgh and beyond

As well as a chance to try falconry and archery in the castle grounds, you will also be well placed for enjoying all of Edinburgh’s highlights. These include afternoon tea on the Royal Yacht Britannia by day and theatre shows by night. Other nearby attractions include Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel and Glenkinchie Distillery. If you like golf, then there are a variety of courses close by including Broomieknowe, Kings Acre and Newbattle.