Dalhousie Castle

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.

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. Today the castle’s long tradition of hospitality continues and you can still be assured a royal welcome and the highest standards of food and service at this fine four-star hotel.

Please note that despite our best efforts it is has not been possible to install a lift in the castle. Instead we invite you to start discovering the castle from the moment you arrive, taking in every nook and cranny and peeking behind unlocked doors and to satisfy your curiosity on the way to your bedchamber.

THE HISTORY
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.

Back in the days when our guests arrived with swords and suits of armour, they’d enter by crossing a drawbridge over a deep dry moat. The moat remains today, and you can still see the holes where the beams for the drawbridge mechanism were above the main door, and the machicolations used by castle guards to drop nasty things on invaders below. Today’s guests are guaranteed a much friendlier welcome!

Other interesting things to look out for include the mural staircase from the banqueting hall to the vaults, and the spiral staircase leading from what was the first floor of the keep, down to the top of the ‘bottle dungeon’ -which might sound like a very secure wine cellar, but is in fact a gruesome, windowless cell into which prisoners were lowered by rope – you can still see the rope marks worn into the stonework.

When a castle’s history stretches back over 800 years, precise facts become lost in the mists of time. Some evidence suggests that the founder of the Ramsay family line and the first to have land at Dalhousie (then known as Dalwolsey) was Simundus de Ramesia, who followed King David 1st to Scotland from the village of Ramsay in Huntingdonshire around 1140.

Certainly, the Ramsay name appears in Midlothian records all through the 13th century. William Ramsay, who witnessed deeds regarding land in 1280, was the first to be known as Ramsay de Dalwolsey and his name can be seen on the Ragmans Roll of 1296, paying homage for those lands to Edward I of England.

The king even spent a night in Dalhousie Castle before going on to Falkirk where he defeated William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace. Later, William Ramsay switched sides, riding out with the armies of Robert the Bruce and swinging his mighty broadsword at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 – changing the path of Scotland’s history, forever.

Many more battles were fought, lost and won. The English gained possession of several Scottish castles including Dalhousie, but Sir Alexander Ramsay formed a band of loyal knights, organised a series of daring raids on the English and, by 1342, had retaken most of the occupied land and castles, including our beloved Dalhousie.

The Ramsays proved a brave bunch. Sir William Ramsay of Dalhousie defeated the English at Nisbet Moor in 1355; in 1400 a later Sir Alexander Ramsay withstood a six-month siege at Dalhousie laid by King Henry IV of England. Sadly, Sir Alexander met a sticky end two years later at Homildon Hill, a battle immortalised in Shakespeare’s Henry IV (part 1).

One Ramsay succeeded the next, generation after generation, down the centuries. Sir Alexander’s great great grandson, also an Alexander, was slain at Flodden in 1513. When Mary, Queen of Scots, escaped from her imprisonment at Loch Leven in 1568, the Laird of Dalhousie was one of those who met her and fought for her at the Battle of Langside.

Sir George Ramsay – whose initials you can still spy on the wall of the keep – was granted a royal charter in 1618 by King James. George’s brother John was also a favourite of the King, having saved the monarch’s life by foiling a kidnap plot. In 1633 George’s son William was raised to Earl of Dalhousie and Lord Ramsay of Keringtoun.

But eight years later, he’d changed sides – fighting for Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarians in the civil war, and commanding a regiment at Marston Moor in 1644. Perhaps that’s why Cromwell himself moved into Dalhousie for a while, using the castle as a base for his invasion of Scotland.

The civil war had been a major drain on the family’s finances, and when the 8th Earl brought his bride home she had to pick her way to the accommodation across bare beams. Newlyweds today will find their rooms at Dalhousie a good deal more hospitable.

As the Anglo-Scottish quarrelling eased in the 1700s, the Ramsays of Dalhousie turned gradually from warfare to politics. After the 9th Earl George Ramsay fought alongside Wellington in battle, he went on to serve as Lt-Governor of Nova Scotia, sowing the seed for one of the finest educational establishments in Canada – Dalhousie University. He later became Governor-in-Chief in North America and Commander-in-Chief of India. Not a bad career.

After restoring Dalhousie to much its original grandeur, George died in 1832, mourned amongst others by his old school friend Sir Walter Scott. His youngest son, James, 10th Earl and Marquis of Dalhousie became the youngest ever Governor-General of India.

According to Lord Curzon, “no man ever gave his life to his country more completely or with more consuming devotion” than James had done – he was so beloved that Queen Victoria even popped in at Dalhousie in 1840 “to take tea with her devoted servant” James.

James had no sons, so was succeeded by his cousin Lord Panmure, and since the turn of the 20th century, the Earls of Dalhousie have actually lived at Brechin castle – where James Hubert Ramsay, 17th Earl, still lives today as chieftain of Clan Maule of Panmure and Clan Ramsay of Dalhousie.

Dalhousie Castle’s rich history continued with a variety of owners in the late 20th century – it was used as a private boarding school (which must have felt rather like Hogwarts!) before being transformed into a luxurious hotel in 1972.

Today, we’re proud to continue the castle’s century-spanning tradition of dedicated service and hospitality. Although today you’ll find the comforts of modern life all around, Dalhousie’s long and fascinating history remains all around us.

As you walk the halls, climb the ancient stone stairs or drift off to sleep in your four-poster bed at night, take a moment to reflect on all the life, love and drama that has unfolded in this very special place.

CASTLE ROOMS
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.

Unfortunately, being a 13th century castle, it has not been possible to install a lift at this property and there are many stairs and narrow corridors here. The accommodation is arranged over multiple levels as are the two restaurants so this hotel and regrettably getting around the hotel is a challenge to anyone who has mobility issues.

CASTLE LODGE
Just a two-minute walk away through the castle grounds over Dalhousie Bridge you’ll find our lodge house, Castle Lodge, a collection of six plush, oversized bedrooms and suites offering an altogether more modern twist on traditional castle living.

Spacious and luxurious, the rooms provide clean modern lines in contrast to the authentic medieval-style castle rooms and benefit from large walk-in showers, free WIFI and a secluded private garden.

DUNGEON RESTAURANT
Awarded the coveted double AA rosettes, the Dungeon Restaurant serves a modern interpretation of classic Scottish dishes cooked and prepared in a classic French style. Once a dark and fearsome place, it’s now a warm, atmospheric dining room where candlelight flickers across the barrel-vaulted ceiling and shining suits of armour.

ORANGERY RESTAURANT
Open daily for lunch and dinner to both visitors and hotel residents, the Orangery Restaurant is a place to savour dishes that are highly imaginative, beautifully presented and crafted using only the best seasonal produce from the local area.

AFTERNOON TEA
Taking Afternoon Tea at Dalhousie Castle is a top-drawer affair. Make time to escape the everyday and indulge with our signature selection of sandwiches, homemade scones, savoury tarts and sweet pastries served with your choice of freshly brewed tea or coffee.

THE SPA
Our Spa combines relaxing and therapeutic treatments designed to invigorate and rejuvenate your body and mind. We are delighted to offer a wide range of therapeutic and beauty treatments using products from the holistic, vegan spa brand Ytsara.

Use of the hydro pool and spa facilities is by appointment only for the time being and guests will be limited to a pre-booked time slot. Timings will be strictly adhered to so that we may ensure all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience. Please note that persons under the age of 16 years are not permitted to use the spa.

HYDRO POOL
This multi-massage jet pool incorporates an airbed, neck and specific muscular body massage jets. Designed to relieve aches and pains leaving you feeling energized.

LACONIUM
A Roman style dry sweating room with a lower temperature than a common sauna, releasing heat through the benches and floor.

RAIN & FOG SHOWER
Activate your senses with a Tropical Rain shower with lighting effects to induce a feeling of warmth and well-being. The Cold Fog replaces a traditional plunge pool to cool down the body.

FOOT BATHS
Designed with hot and cold taps to bathe and relax your feet, these Kneipp foot baths have been specially designed with stones and pebbles to massage your feet.

WEDDINGS
That castle still stands, and its grand rooms have been transformed into the perfect place for your fairy tale wedding. Dalhousie towers over its own 11-acre parkland estate beside the River Esk. Just eight miles from Edinburgh but a very long away from the bustle of modern life.

It’s a place like no other, a place of beauty, history and award-winning cuisine. Of spiral staircases and four-poster beds. Of indulgence and relaxation. A place where fairy tales come true.

We know that it’s the little details that make your big day special. The Scottish light shining through arched windows, the thoughtful service, the soft white towels in our heavenly spa. And of course, this being your fairytale, there are lots of little ways we can bring a little extra magic to make it even more memorable.

Perhaps the castle pipe sergeant will welcome your guests with a stately skirl of bagpipes, or one of the castle’s owls will deliver the wedding rings during your ceremony. Let our dedicated events team help you create your perfect day, your way.

MEETINGS
It was also designed to bring people together – its ancient halls built to entertain and impress. So, if you’re looking to host an event that will energise your guests and leave a lasting impression, join us in the historic surrounds of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle.

Standing proud in its own parkland estate, the castle’s conveniently close to Edinburgh with good transport links and plenty of complimentary car parking, making it a very smart choice indeed for your business meeting, conference or event.

Choose from our five, impressive function and conference suites, or be bold and book the whole castle for your exclusive use. Our team of experienced event planners will be on hand to make sure your event goes smoothly and gets results. We can even give your guests a taste of falconry or archery for the full castle experience, making yours a real meeting to remember.

THE GROUNDS
Learn about the historic and noble art of falconry or try your hand at archery. You don’t need to roam too far from the castle walls to create memories that will last a lifetime. With eleven acres of private grounds on the doorstep, you may like to take a stroll while you’re staying at the castle.

From a genteel wander to discover the private burial grounds of the Ramsay clan to delightful woodland walks where you’ll have a chance to spot roe deer and otters along the way, there’s plenty to explore from the doorstep.

FALCONRY
The castle falconry, set within the grounds of the estate, houses an impressive selection of birds. Get hands on with hawks, owls, falcons and eagles under the expert supervision of trained falconers for an ornithological experience like none other.

Suitable for all ages and available to book individually or as part of a group, our falconry sessions are extremely popular and we recommend booking before your arrival.

ARCHERY
Go for gold as you try your hand at the medieval sport of archery in the surrounds of the castle falconry. Under the guidance of experienced archery leaders and using traditionally crafted recurve bows, you’ll have the chance to shoot at a variety of targets from the classic bullseye to balloons or tic-tac-toe. Suitable for all abilities and strengths!

THE LOCAL AREA
Dalhousie Castle lies just 8 miles from the centre of Scotland’s capital with its cosmopolitan mix of shops and eateries, historic monuments, family attractions and a thriving arts and entertainment scene.

The nearest train station, Newtongrange, is a mere a 5 minute drive (1.7 miles) from Dalhousie. From here trains into the city centre run every 30 minutes with a journey time of 22 minutes. Here’s our list of the top things to do in the area.

EDINBURGH CASTLE
This most famous of Scotland’s castles is a city icon and houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O’ Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. Take a tour to explore the castle’s dramatic history and architecture.

ROSSLYN CHAPEL
One of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings which is still used today as a place of worship, attracts visitors from around the world for its unique and mysterious carvings and beautiful setting.

Featuring in Dan Brown’s controversial novel and the subsequent film, The Da Vinci Code, has perhaps added to the countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel.

ROYAL YACH BRITANNIA
Home to the British Royal Family for over 40 years, Her Majesty’s Yacht gives a fascinating insight into this most famous of floating royal residences. Explore the five decks, eat in the Royal Deck Tea Room and take a peek inside the royal apartments and bedrooms. A great, all-weather day out for all ages.

ARTHUR’S SEAT
The highest point in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is actually an ancient volcano and the site of a large, well-preserved fort dating from around 2000 years ago. Climb to the top for fantastic views across the city and take in some of the diverse flora and geology at the same time.

THE REAL MARY KING’S CLOSE
Beneath the City Chambers on the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret, a warren of hidden streets where real people lived, worked and died between the 17th and the 19th centuries. With a costumed character tour guide based on a one-time resident you can uncover the myths and mysteries surrounding the hidden closes in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

GLENKINCHIE DISTILLERY
The home of ‘The Edinburgh Malt’ is located close to Dalhousie Castle and offers a great day out for budding whisky aficionados with a full tour and tasting. There’s also a shop onsite should you wish to bring back a wee dram.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
A world-renowned centre for plant science and horticulture and home to one of the world’s largest collections of living plants. Check their exciting programme of events throughout the year.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
One of the UK’s top 10 visitor attractions the National Museum of Scotland houses over 20,000 artefacts that take you on a journey through the history of Scotland, taking in nature art, design and fashion and science and technology.

THE ROYAL MILE
This stretch running between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh’s Old Town is iconic the world over. Take in some of the city’s most famed historic sites, architectural gems and the best spots for eating and drinking as you soak up the atmosphere in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
Her Majesty The Queen’s official residence in Scotland stands at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, and is open year-round to the public. Visitors can explore the 14 State apartments, the ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey and gardens as well as many fine exhibitions from the Royal Collection in the Queen’s Gallery.

DYNAMIC EARTH 
Travel back through space and time to witness the first big bang, experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet and see the earth as you’ve never seen it before. Exciting, engaging and educational – for all ages.

GOLF
Golf and royalty have been linked throughout history – and no more so than in Scotland, the birthplace of the sport. So where better to base yourself when partaking in Scotland’s national sport, than in Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle?

Midlothian is a veritable golfer’s paradise and with eighteen courses located within twenty miles of Dalhousie Castle you’ll be spoilt for choice for scenic spots to play a round or two, whatever your ability.

Website: www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk

Rooms: 29

Price: from 235 EUR per night