A castle stay within reach of Edinburgh now comes with a new look. Dalhousie Castle, an 800-year-old landmark in Midlothian, has reopened following a £6 million refurbishment of its guest rooms and public spaces. The project brings contemporary comfort to the historic building while keeping its original stonework and distinctive architecture in view.
Set on an estate near Bonnyrigg, about eight miles from Edinburgh’s city center, the hotel gives travelers the option of exploring the capital by day and returning to quieter surroundings in the evening. It is also a destination in its own right, with dining, whisky and outdoor experiences on the grounds.
Castle Rooms With Individual Character
The restoration has updated all 35 guest rooms. Rather than imposing the same design on every space, the interiors respond to the castle’s varied architecture. Depending on the room, guests may find exposed stone, high-set windows, arched ceilings or a private balcony overlooking the estate and woodland.
The Castle Feature Room is among the most distinctive accommodations, with a vaulted well, a separate sitting area and details that emphasize the building’s past. Across the hotel, the refurbishment pairs the historic setting with updated bathrooms and warmer interiors. Travelers choosing a room should check its individual description, as architectural features vary.
From the Ballroom to the Dungeon
Food is a substantial part of the castle’s new chapter. The Ramsay Restaurant, in a restored former ballroom, focuses on Scottish produce through grill dishes, seafood and seasonal ingredients. It is open to hotel guests and other visitors for lunch and dinner. The Alexander Bar takes its name from Sir Alexander Ramsay, part of the family long associated with the castle.
For a more theatrical setting, guests can dine beneath the castle’s stone vaults at the Dungeon Restaurant. Its eight-course tasting menu draws inspiration from the estate’s history and Scottish ingredients; a shorter market menu is also offered. The restaurant holds an AA Rosette award. Reservations are advisable, particularly for travelers planning dinner as the centerpiece of their stay.
Another addition is Chapters, a whisky library concealed behind a bookshelf. Its collection centers on single-cask bottlings, giving interested guests a place to explore a more specific side of Scotland’s whisky culture.
Eight Centuries Beyond the Guest Rooms
The castle’s link with the Ramsay family reaches back to medieval Scotland. Its recorded history includes a siege in 1400, when a later Sir Alexander Ramsay held the castle against forces of England’s Henry IV. Over the centuries, the property also had connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Queen Victoria. The building became a hotel in the 20th century, opening another chapter in a long and sometimes turbulent story.
Guests can spend time outside the walls, too. Falconry and archery are offered on the estate, while the surrounding grounds invite a slower walk before or after a day in the city. For travelers building a wider Edinburgh itinerary, St. Margaret’s Chapel at Edinburgh Castle is among the Scottish stories featured in DRIFT Travel Magazine’s Summer 2026 issue.
Dalhousie Castle is open for stays. Check the hotel’s current dining hours and activity availability when planning a visit.
