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Dalhousie Castle Ltd Just eight miles from Edinburgh but a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life, our ancient fortress is the perfect spot to relax and unwind in blissful seclusion. Standing in eleven acres of private parkland and wooded valleys, it's a place to make memories, to bring to life 800 years of history and to enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality.

Feel like the proverbial prince or princess as you soak up the grandeur of Scotland's oldest inhabited castle. You might try your hand at the noble sports of falconry or archery, take a stroll through our castle estate or simply sink into a comfy chair in the oak-panelled Library with a wee dram of whisky.
Services
Brimming with over 700 years of history, Dalhousie Castle is the kind of place that could have been plucked from the pages of a fairy-tale. But make no mistake, this ancient castle with its complex arrangement of turrets and towers is very much the real McCoy. Once the seat of the Ramsay Clan, the castle boasts an illustrious guest list that includes King Edward I, Sir Walter Scott, Oliver Cromwell and Queen Victoria.
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. Dalhousie was built in the 13th century - the era of Genghis Khan, Marco Polo, and the Magna Carta - but only the thick foundation walls and vaults remain of the original building. The main parts of the majestic residence you see today were built around 1450, using red stone quarried from just across the South Esk River.
For the best rooms at the best rates and with the best perks, it's always best to book direct with us. Take in the Scottish Springtime in a real Scottish castle, with 11 acres, there is plenty to explore this Spring at Dalhousie Castle. Wipe away lockdown fatigue and make a date to catch up on missed celebrations and enjoy an idyllic overnight stay at Dalhousie Castle.
Inside the castle there are 29 characterful en-suite guest bedrooms reached by a maze of staircases and secret passages. Each one-of-a-kind room is luxuriously decorated with rich Scottish fabrics and period furniture and worthy of a stay from a royal visitor. Despite the historic surroundings, our rooms have been designed with today's discerning guest in mind and come complete with soft Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and robes, slippers and Temple Spa toiletries.All rooms have an en-suite bathroom, flat screen digital TV, direct-dial telephone, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities.
Reviews (25)
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Fred Fulford
Jun 05, 2022
Lovely historical hotel set in amazing area. Accessibility is poor as there are steps everywhere. Rooms are dated but have lovely features. Bad sound insulation. Spa is ok, functional. For s short stay it is good, but wouldn't for a long stay. The setting is what makes it nice.
Tanner Hill
May 24, 2022
I can't say enough good things about our stay here. The fact that it is a few hundred years old and in such a good state was incredible. The food was immaculate, the service 5 stars. Staying here was probably the best part of our trip. This is the only place we are going to stay when visit Scotland. I would definitely have dinner in the dungeon. They also have a falconry option but were booked when we were there, so book in advance if you want to do that.
Kade McKinney
May 14, 2022
Can't recommend this castle. Stayed 2 nights for a family members wedding and was disappointed with everything about our stay. The food was edible but nothing great. The room was very dated, the bathroom faucet leaked, the towel warmer didn't work. I also felt I was going to fall through the old creaky stairs at any moment. Service wasn't great either but the bar staff was especially terrible.

One guy was grumpy the entire time and slooooww. I've never waited so much on drinks in my life. I'm not sure how this place has the positive reviews they do. It felt as though this was the first wedding they had ever hosted. We really wanted to like this place but they dropped the ball in all aspects. 0 out of 10
Savannah Wallace
Apr 24, 2022
We were welcomed by a bagpiper and ushered into a beautiful lobby with very helpful staff. The grounds were incredible, as was the food at the Orangery. Such a neat experience staying in a real life castle! I highly recommend staying here.
Cynthia B.
Apr 16, 2022
Absolutely lovely spot for a romantic getaway. The dinner was incredible and the server we had was lovely and even shared a wee ghost story with us! The rooms are very comfortable and my favourite part was having a drink in the gorgeous library! We enjoyed the spa so much and my husband booked me in for a wonderful massage. I will say the breakfast service was a bit disappointing.

We were sat 30 minutes later than we had reserved a time for. Our table wasn't set so we had to ask multiple times for glasses, spoons, etc. There was lots of food on the floor under our table. The staff seemed disorganised and pretty uninterested. One couple with a baby ended up leaving after 40 minutes of not being served. Would definitely stay again, but will plan to go into town for breakfast. Overall, a really fabulous experience!
Marla Ferrie
Mar 24, 2022
Had my wedding at this gorgeous castle and it was a dream! We had to change the date due to COVID and the staff was so incredibly helpful and flexible with us. Our wedding day was perfect and went seamlessly thanks to everyone who worked that day, amazing food, service, and setting! I could not recommend this place enough! We also enjoyed the spa services and it was very relaxing. Can't wait to come back for another visit.
Alison Slack
Feb 13, 2022
The castle itself is interesting. Accommodation was adequate, although I have to say the shower was extremely good and the towels. We only had breakfast during our stay, not the best quality we have had. If you are staying during the winter months, we would recommend taking a torch with you. No lighting in the car park or at the entrance to the castle. The reception desk has no sight of the front door, so anyone can wonder in.
Christopher McGhee
Feb 06, 2022
It has been a couple of years but my wife and I visited Dalhousie for a mini honeymoon in 2017. We stayed in the tower room which was excellent. We spent 3 nights. On the first, we had room service which was very good quality. The wine choices are excellent. On the Second, we ate in the dungeon dinning room. The event of meeting in the library bar for drinks first and then moving down was good.

The food was very good and the service excellent. Part of the castle appeal is the history and when you wander around and get to see some history it is very good. There are stories abound about the castle and the family tree painting that links to the royal families it is very good.
Vivien Csiszar
Jan 24, 2022
My boyfriend surprised me for a weekend away for our anniversary to stay in the Dalhousie Castle. I must say it does have the "wow" effect! Very unique experience, the place is quite remote and quiet therefore super relaxing! Food was delicious and creative, the walk around the castle absolutely lovely! My only dislike was the service is just not what you would expect at this price point.
Craig Stevenson
Jan 23, 2022
Wow, what an amazing experience my girlfriend booked us in for one night just to get away from the kids we had a fantastic time. We accidentally booked a room out from the castle and had a chat with Denise at reception she was a great and helped us find a room in the castle. We did not book for dinner in advance and had to be squeezed in by keira who was also great help. The food was expensive as expected and tasty but definitely not plentiful. Thank you so much these two staff members definitely made our stay!
Pia Maria Saelen
Jan 05, 2022
The perfect magical experience I could have wished for my mum's 60th birthday! We were blown away by the beauty of the castle, spa and views! The perfect experience from the friendliest call with Denise when I booked it, through a lovely spa treatment, to the enchanting dinner at the castles dungeon. All finished with a wonderful breakfast to sooth the much had wine and cocktails, which were delicious! We always felt taken care off and peaceful, most wonderful escape for me and my mum :D Thank you so much for making my mum's birthday such a treat!
Jackie Reckling
Dec 14, 2021
My sister and I stayed at Dalhousie castle for 2 nights in early December to celebrate my birthday. The whole experience was wonderful, and we cannot recommend it enough for a relaxing getaway. The whole staff was very welcoming and always attentive. Our bedroom was spacious, clean, and had all the amenities needed. There is plenty to explore inside and outside of the castle.

All of the lounge rooms/restaurants/bar were beautifully decorated and cozy. There is a walking path through the woods where you can see all the lovely scenery. The three course dinner in the dungeon restaurant had a unique atmosphere and the food was superb. The breakfasts and afternoon tea in the Orangery were wonderful. We also booked an hour massage and had use of the spa area afterwards. The whole spa service was very relaxing. We had an amazing time, and we will definitely return next time we are in Scotland.
Ian Barr
Nov 24, 2021
Great location stunning setting Genuine Castle steeped in history. Lots of walks nice spa. Great foid and drink. Really nice friendly staff. Well with a visit. Disabled access and parking.
Grant R. Thomson
Nov 07, 2021
Best Hotel stay I've had so far, the rooms were clean, well kept and very well appointed. The staff were friendly and more than attentive, they consistently asked about food allergies and intolerances and couldn't do enough for you. It's a lovely location and a lovely looking hotel. I'd recommend the Spa and eating at the Dungeon restaurant. The steak I had was cooked perfectly and Megan was a very polite and efficient waitress. It's not cheap but it's worth every penny.
Marianna Balwierz
Oct 18, 2021
We had an amazing time at Dalhousie. Came over using their Autumn Break offer to celebrate my Birthday. There was a greeting card waiting for me in the room which was a lovely gesture. The staff could not be more attentive and helpful. Nothing was a problem, they made us feel so welcome. The rooms are absolutely stunning. Very authentic and taking you back in time.

Food to die for, especially the dinner menu (which is served in a dungeon). We were using their SPA facilities and services and were very satisfied. Overall, perfect wee break. We were sad to leave and will be coming back next year. Thank you
Henry Sheppard
Sep 12, 2021
Beautiful castle, great parking, tidy rooms with good facilities. Good breakfast and the falconry experience was exceptional. We expected a warmer greeting when we arrived. We also found the bar staff not particularly friendly or helpful on some of the days. We booked the themed room which, whilst very nice, was not as it appeared on the booking.com website. Overall we enjoyed our stay but feel there could be some improvements.
Martin T. Love
Aug 15, 2021
Great grounds. The castle itself is so tiered and needing a makeover. Our room had dead wasps on the carpet that had obviously been there a while. There was a coiled up power extension that was used to power the TV. Dinner was shockingly bad. The only saving grace was that breakfast and lunch was good. We also so had a couple's massage. This was amazing and the spa staff were great.

Friendly and helpful. We would give the spa 5 out of 5 but the accomodation a 0 out of 5. Evening meal 0 out of 5. Breakfast and lunch 4 out of 5. Recommend the spa, but not the castle.
Dawn Rodger
Aug 13, 2021
Lovely friendly staff. treatment was amazing afternoon tea excellent! highly recommended
Sarah McNicholas
Aug 11, 2021
I was treated to a 2 night stay for our wedding anniversary all I can say is wow. Husband did great. we had the Dalhousie suite, a massive bedroom in the tower and it was so peaceful and quiet. food amazing, . staff friendly, relaxing and full of history venue. Really didn't want to leave but I know we will be back. thank you for everything and see you again soon.
Paula Grady
Jul 28, 2021
Fantastic food and wine, staff friendly. If you travel with your dog don't expect to be accommodated in the castle
Elizabeth Panico
Jul 27, 2021
Spent my 40th birthday celebrating in this beautiful castle. The staff where where very attentive and helpful. The room was amazing true fairy tale experience. The building and grounds where stunning. We. enjoyed a lovely meal in the restaurant. The spa wasn't open due to covid however managed to get a fantastic massage and again the lady that did it was 5*. Will definitely return and next time hope to sample the spa.
Jacqueline Clark
Jul 21, 2021
Our 2 night stay in the Dalhousie suite was very relaxing, great service from everyone. Our room was very large and full of old world charm and character loved it, especially the 4 poster bed to add to the glamour. Food was excellent with plenty of choice at all meals including afternoon tea! Will definitely go back soon
Beki Stark
Jun 13, 2021
Fantastic food in an incredible, unique setting. lovely staff that couldn't be more helpful. And a brilliant massage to round off the visit. what more could you ask for?
Sheena Watt
May 27, 2021
Lovely location, spa treatments very relaxing and lovely lunch. x
Ccaroll Hrh
May 22, 2021
What a hidden gem. Stunning Wedding Venue with so much character. Everything we could've dreamt of