Dalhousie Castle and Spa, Midlothian

It may only be four miles south of Edinburgh’s city bypass, but a visit to Dalhousie Castle feels like true Highland living. This grand castle come hotel dominates the surrounding countryside and its rolling hills. Edinburgh is within easy reach and its airport only 14 miles away. Glasgow airport is itself only 45 miles away.

Why is Dalhousie Special?

Dalhousie Castle oozes history and luxury. You can stay in the room where Edward I plotted William Wallace’s defeat at Falkirk. You can roam the ramparts that Oliver Cromwell patrolled after forcibly taking the castle. Then there are the connections with Queen Victoria, Sir Walter Scott – the list goes on. Don’t forget the top class restaurant and the soothing health spa. Many rooms have great view. These take in the distant Pentland Hills or the River Esk.

Characterful Bedrooms

The castle boasts 27 bedrooms that are awash with tartan, twill and tweed. Impressively the décor manages to stay on the right side of cheesy. The highlights are the 14 renovated historic theme rooms. Here you can recline in a four poster bed in the shadow of Edward I or have your own romantic liaisons in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots. In the Oliver Cromwell room there is an extra bed for your personal bodyguard. Nice touches include homemade biscuits and luxury organic hot chocolate. There are rooms in the estate lodges, but the castle is the place to stay.

French Influenced Fine Dining

There are two restaurants, but we prefer the unappetising sounding Dungeon. Delve below ground and away from the twenty-first century into a candlelit chamber. French-influenced fine dining is on the menu. The highlight is the Aberdeen Angus beef fillet topped with oxtail ravioli. Portions are a little nouveau cuisine. Three courses, a pre-starter and a pre-dessert mean you won’t go hungry. The Orangery serves a less formal menu and has views of the grounds.

Indulgent Spa

The Aqueous Spa offers myriad health treatments including facials and hot stone massages. Guests can use of the hydro pool, laconium, Roman sauna, Turkish steam bath and the rain shower. Relax in the tepidarium with its views across the River Esk. Dalhousie has its own falconry mews in the grounds if you fancy an encounter with one of the castle’s feathered friends.

If you manage to leave head for the Moorfoot Hills. Trails across these little known hills open up views over Edinburgh and the Forth Valley. The castle is also on edge of the Borders with its charming towns and rolling hills. Atlernatively the old East Lothian market town of Musselburgh – known for its racecourse, historic links golf course and Luca’s ice-cream is just twenty-minute drive away.

Dalhousie Castle and Spa, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, EH19 3JB. Tel: +44 (0)1875-820153. www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk

InsiderScotland Rating

For Families 7/10

For a Romantic Break 8/10

For Food 8/10

For Business People 8/10

InsiderScotland Rating 8/10