Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Midlothian, Scotland
Photo: RHaworth, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: JonathonFowler, CC BY-SA 4.0 · RHaworth, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Hotel (Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Spa)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Hotel guests only
- Nearest station
- Newtongrange, 0.7 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- 13th-century castle; falconry; non-residents can dine
Pinpoint
Bonnyrigg EH19 3JB
Telephone 01875 820153
A 13th-century castle south of Edinburgh, now a hotel with falconry on the grounds and a dungeon that's been pressed into service for private dining and events. Reviews split sharply between guests who call the staff and service exceptional and at least one wedding party who had a booking badly mishandled - worth going in with realistic expectations around event planning specifically.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The falconry on the grounds - a genuine extra rather than a gimmick, and one of the few UK castle hotels offering it as part of the stay.
Before you go
Non-residents can dine here even without staying over; if you're planning an event (the dungeon is bookable), confirm details in writing and follow up closer to the date, as at least one wedding party had a late change to their booking.
What visitors say
Dalhousie Castle Hotel reviews · 4.3 / 5 across 1,162 Google reviews
Most reviewers describe an excellent stay at Dalhousie Castle, with particular praise for attentive, go-the-extra-mile staff, the breakfast, and experiences like falconry.
However, two recent reviews flag real problems tied to ongoing renovations - rooms and restaurant bookings changed or closed with little advance warning, leaving guests to sort things out on arrival.
One reviewer's vow renewal booking went badly wrong due to poor communication, while another had a rocky start that was ultimately salvaged by a manager's intervention.
Worth checking directly on the current state of the renovations before booking.
“We truly had the most magical experience at Dalhousie castle. We couldn’t have asked for more. The grounds were newly renovated and stunning, all the staff were more than friendly and very attentive and we felt like…”- Laurafoundever, visitor review
Within reach of Edinburgh (8 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Weddings at Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Dalhousie Castle Hotel is on our wedding roll because Hotel (Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Spa) mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Scotland, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
Simundus de Ramesie · c.1140
Simundus de Ramesie, a Norman knight from Huntingdonshire, founded the Ramsay clan and built the first castle around 1140. The oldest surviving structure, a drum tower in L-plan style, dates to the mid-15th century. The Ramsays held the castle for over eight centuries until 1977; it was converted to a hotel in 1972.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “It wasn't clear where to pull up or check in but eventually one of the doormen visited us in the parking lot and helped us bring our bags in.” - Hilary Cameron
Common questions about Dalhousie Castle Hotel
Where is Dalhousie Castle Hotel?
Dalhousie Castle Hotel is in Midlothian, Scotland, at Bonnyrigg EH19 3JB.
Can you visit Dalhousie Castle Hotel?
Dalhousie Castle Hotel operates as a hotel, so access is normally for staying guests rather than day visitors. Contact the hotel directly about staying or visiting.
Can you stay overnight at Dalhousie Castle Hotel?
Yes - Dalhousie Castle Hotel offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Dalhousie Castle Hotel?
The falconry on the grounds - a genuine extra rather than a gimmick, and one of the few UK castle hotels offering it as part of the stay.
Is Dalhousie Castle Hotel a ruin or still intact?
Dalhousie Castle Hotel is largely intact - 13th-century castle; falconry; non-residents can dine.
