Sleeping in a Real Scottish Castle: Dalhousie Castle Review

700 years of history, dungeon dining, and castle magic just 8 miles from Edinburgh.

Let’s be honest – there’s something absolutely magical about staying in a proper castle. Not the Disney fantasy kind, but a real, honest-to-goodness Scottish castle with turrets, ivy-covered walls, and centuries of stories whispering through its corridors. That’s exactly what we experienced at D alhousie Castle & Spa, and it was everything we hoped for and more.

A Fairytale First Impression

Driving up to Dalhousie Castle is an experience in itself. Those red sandstone walls rising majestically from the trees look like something straight out of a storybook, and you can’t help but feel a little thrill knowing you’re about to sleep somewhere that’s been standing since the 13th century. The castle was once home to the Ramsay family (one of Scotland’s oldest clans!) and has hosted everyone from kings to knights over the centuries. You can practically feel the history in every creaky staircase and thick stone wall.

A Castle with Character (and a Work in Progress)

Full transparency – Dalhousie is currently getting a bit of a makeover, so not everything is picture-perfect just yet. Some areas feel a little tired, and there are a few sections closed off for renovations. But honestly? There’s something quite charming about staying during this transformation. You get a sneak peek at what’s coming, and it’s easy to imagine how absolutely stunning this place will be once it’s all finished. Plus, it means you’re experiencing it in a more authentic, less polished way – which somehow feels more genuine to the castle’s long history.

Our Castle Bedroom Experience

Our four-poster bedroom was everything you’d want from a castle stay – bags of character, high ceilings, deep windows, and just the right amount of medieval quirkiness. It wasn’t over-the-top luxury, but it was clean, warm, and absolutely full of charm. The best part? Waking up to views across the grounds with morning mist rolling over the River South Esk and deer grazing peacefully in the distance. Pure magic!

Peaceful Walks and Secret Doors

Before checking in, we took advantage of the lovely woodland walk along the banks of the River Esk. It’s one of those perfect spots where the kids can run free while parents actually relax and forget about the endless to-do lists back home. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and so peaceful.

Later, we discovered the Library Bar – oh my goodness, it’s exactly what you’d dream of in a castle! Deep squishy sofas, leather armchairs, wood paneling, old books lining the walls, and even a secret door (because of course there is!). We enjoyed tea and hot chocolates, but it’s also the perfect spot for a pre-dinner G&T. The atmosphere is wonderfully hushed and mellow – pure castle vibes.

Spa Bliss in a Castle Setting

We treated ourselves to some time at the Aqueous Spa, and we were incredibly lucky to have this hidden gem all to ourselves. The tranquil space features a hydropool, laconium (a Roman-style dry sweating room), rain and fog shower, foot baths, and a relaxation room where I genuinely could have fallen asleep. I indulged in a soothing back, neck, and shoulder massage plus an express facial, and it was absolutely heavenly. If you’re staying at Dalhousie, definitely treat yourself to some spa time – it’s the perfect escape from everyday pressures.

Dining in a Medieval Dungeon (Yes, Really!)

The absolute highlight of our stay was the five-course dining experience in The Dungeon Restaurant. And yes, it’s actually set in the ancient barrel-vaulted dungeons! Armor and weapons adorn the walls, flickering candlelight creates the most intimate atmosphere, and you genuinely feel transported back a few hundred years (but thankfully with much better food than medieval times offered).

The tasting menu was absolutely delicious from start to finish, showcasing beautiful local ingredients in surprisingly modern preparations despite the medieval surroundings. The kids had their own menu (thankfully not five courses!) and loved the unique experience of fine dining in such a historic setting. It’s the kind of dinner you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Perfect Base for Edinburgh Adventures

One of Dalhousie’s biggest advantages is its proximity to Edinburgh – just 25 minutes by car or easily accessible by train. We decided to taxi into the city to avoid parking hassles, and it was so worth it. Edinburgh has something for everyone, and we made the most of our day there.

My husband kicked things off with a whisky tasting tour (which put him in a very good mood for the rest of the day!), we enjoyed some retail therapy at St James Quarter and Princes Street, and then discovered the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions experience, which the kids absolutely adored. The interactive exhibits and brilliant city views from the top of the building were fantastic. We finished with some tourist boutique browsing, watching incredibly talented street performers on the Royal Mile, and an early evening theatre show. Edinburgh really is one of those cities that gets better every time you visit!

Castle Activities (That We’ll Try Next Time!)

We didn’t manage to fit in the falconry experience due to time constraints, but we watched other groups enjoying it from our bedroom window – and let me tell you, there’s something very Game of Thrones about seeing a bird of prey perched on a gloved hand just outside your castle room! It’s definitely on our list for next visit.

Service with Heart

While the service had a few minor hiccups (occasional delays and some newer staff still finding their feet), every single team member we encountered was genuinely kind and eager to make sure we had a wonderful experience. Their warmth and professionalism more than made up for any small imperfections, and we felt genuinely cared for throughout our stay.

A Place with Soul

What really stayed with us about Dalhousie is that it’s not just a hotel – it’s a living piece of history you get to step into and be part of. Even with some renovation work happening, it’s such a unique place to stay. There’s something deeply grounding about spending time surrounded by so much history and so many untold stories.

If you’re looking for accommodation with real soul, character, and a genuine sense of place and past, Dalhousie Castle is an absolute gem. It’s particularly perfect if you’ve got kids who love a bit of castle magic and grown-ups who want to indulge in excellent food, whisky, and candlelit atmosphere.