Dalhousie Castle Hotel

Up for a spot of romance? Of course you are. Winter is a great time for a quick escape from everyday reality into a little world of fantasy, even if it’s just for a night.

If you are going to enjoy a mini-break in the east, why settle for one of those anonymous chain hotels when you can go the whole Game of Thrones and stay in a castle instead?

That’s the tempting prospect offered by today’s Big Deal, an overnight stay in the gloriously romantic Dalhousie Castle hotel, an atmospheric 13th-century fortress on the banks of the Esk, just eight miles from Edinburgh.

Enchanting setting

The ancestral seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, the Dalhousie Castle Hotel is recognised as Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle. Nestling against the river, the hotel is set in picturesque wooded parkland, making it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

Now equipped with an Aqueous spa and relaxed dining facilities, Dalhousie offers a warm welcome and luxurious comfort.

Relaxing break

Today’s Big Deal offers everything you need to ensure a memorable stay.

Available from Sunday to Friday, the offer includes an overnight stay for two in a Castle double room, with full Scottish breakfast and a two course meal in the Orangery restaurant.

In addition, guests are welcomed with a complimentary bottle of wine in their room and have access to the hotel’s leisure facilities.

Elegant rooms

Individually-styled Castle rooms maintain an authentic historic atmosphere while embracing modern luxuries. Décor uses Scottish fabrics, period furniture and rugs to create a warm, luxurious ambience.

Amenities include Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels, robes, slippers and Molton Brown toiletries.

Dining in style

The Big Deal offers diners a two course meal in the hotel’s elegant Orangery restaurant, a light-filled and relaxed space distinguished by panoramic views over the surrounding woodlands.

Menus feature contemporary brasserie fare where the accent is on Scottish flavours, with a few Mediterranean touches.

Choose from starters that include tiger prawn and mango salad or Stornoway black pudding croquette, and mains such as Moroccan spiced Perthshire lamb and homemade Borders beef burgers. Desserts include such delights as banoffee parfait and lemon meringue pie.

Leisure facilities

There’s nothing that medieval clan-leaders liked better after a hard day’s massacre or a raid into Northumberland than retiring to Dalhousie Castle for a refreshing session in the pool or tepidarium.

That tradition continues in the hotel’s Aqueous Spa, a relaxing space equipped with the latest contemporary facilities. Guests can enjoy the multi-massage jet pool, the Roman-style laconium sauna, the Ottoman steam bath, tropical rain showers and Kneipp foot baths.

See and do

Just eight miles from Edinburgh, Dalhousie castle offers a luxurious and tranquil base for a city break with a difference.

The castle itself is a fascinating place to explore, with its own falconry and archery range.

Within a short distance of Dalhousie, attractions include Butterfly & Insect World, with regular tours and demonstrations, and the mysterious, mystical Rosslyn Chapel.

Contented guests

The Dalhousie Castle Hotel is besieged by enthusiastic reviews on TripAdvisor. These are some recent contributions:

‘Room was extremely comfortable, the food was excellent (dinner and breakfast), and the service was friendly and helpful.’

‘The meal in the Orangery was really good, the food was fabulous and the service excellent. It is such an interesting building. We loved it.’

Winter romance

Whether planned as a pre-Christmas getaway or a thoughtful festive gift, today’s Big Deal of a mini-break in the 13th-century Dalhousie Castle is a great way to secure some romantic quality time in a superb rural setting close to the capital.