A few years ago, I traveled to the UK to visit my friend who was studying abroad in Colchester, England. Because it was a holiday, and she was so far from her parents, they offered to pay fora luxury getaway for one night. We flew to Edinburgh, Scotland from the London airport, slept in a hostel by the sea and spent two days touring the city. We saved the final night for a trip to Dalhousie Castle, one of finest luxury hotels in Scotland.
Upon arrival, we had just missed the Hogmanay celebration, which is the Scottish holiday for the New Year, but the decorations for the festivities still hung in windows and around lampposts. We took a riding tour of the city, walked for miles and admired the architecture and even did some shopping. I know it may seem a little silly to mention, but Scotland is extremely cold in the winter. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes and shoes. (I left my boots at home, so I know how uncomfortable a few days with chilly toes can be.) It would be remiss not to mention that Edinburgh is the home of King Arthur’s seat, a beautiful
hill that offers a panoramic view of the city and is possibly the location of the legendary stories of King Arthur and Camelot. It makes sense that Edinburgh would inspire the setting of such a legend – because Edinburgh is full of castles.Craigmillar Castle is located near King Arthur’s seat, a few miles from the city center. It is one of the country’s most perfectly preserved castles. Built around 1400 this medieval castle was a retreat for Mary Queen of Scots. Edinburgh castle sits on a volcanic rock on top of the Royal Mile (the main thoroughfare of Old Town), and will take at least two hours to visit.
Dalhousie Castle is located in Bonnyrigg, about 7 miles from Edinburgh. It is a 13th century fortress that has been extensively remodeled, but has retained its winding staircases and medieval charm. The castle has a spa as well as a chapel. (When I visited, a traditional Scottish wedding was being held; complete with groomsmen dressed in kilts!)
We stayed in the Sir Walter Scott room, which had great furnishings and a spectacular view. My favorite memory of my stay at Dalhousie Castle was drinking an aperitif in the Library Bar followed by a gourmet meal in the Dungeon Restaurant. The library was a cozy room – accessed by a secret passageway – with large bookcases and leather furniture. We sat by the fire and read over the menu as we sipped wine and waited for our table.
The Dungeon Restaurant has stone walls and dim lighting, but the atmosphere is far from grim. There were many other patrons in the underground room, the dinner felt intimate and relaxed. Although I enjoyed each course, I specifically remember the rabbit with orange marmalade as a favorite.
The next day, my friend and I explored the grounds. We happened upon a group of guests
watching a falconer and his bird, which we enjoyed for a moment before moving on to the
wooded area behind the castle. Though we were in the shade of trees and traveling in the dead of winter, we were surrounded by the rich greenness of the Scottish landscape.
On our return trip from the grounds, we caught a glimpse of the castle’s second restaurant, The Orangery, which is encased behind large windows across the back of the castle. It is a more casual option for guests of the hotel and its spa, and during the day, it is the very opposite of the Dungeon Restaurant as sunlight streams through the windows.
Author: Mariana Ashley, writes online college news and commentary for various websites and is happy to receive your responses at mariana.ashley031@gmail.com.