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Bonnyrigg
United Kingdom
Castles
Photo by Roger W Haworth, license: CC BY-SA 2.5
Bonnyrigg is a quiet Midlothian town set in the Esk Valley, just 8 miles south of Edinburgh. Its main draw is Dalhousie Castle, a 13th-century fortress that served as the seat of the Earls of Dalhousie for centuries and has been transformed into one of Scotland's most celebrated castle hotels. Guests stay in rooms with 14-foot thick walls, dine in a medieval dungeon restaurant, and unwind in a falconry or spa. The surrounding area offers easy day trips to Rosslyn Chapel — made famous by its mysterious carvings and intricate stonework — Dalkeith Country Park, and Edinburgh's Old Town. The River Esk runs through wooded countryside nearby, and the Pentland Hills are within easy reach. Bonnyrigg makes an ideal base for those who want Scottish history and countryside without straying too far from Edinburgh.
Dalhousie CastleEdinburgh proximityRosslyn Chapel
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Things to Do
- •Stay or dine at Dalhousie Castle and explore its medieval dungeon restaurant and spa
- •Visit Rosslyn Chapel in nearby Roslin — famous for its extraordinary carved stonework and Knights Templar history
- •Walk the Esk Valley Trail through wooded riverside countryside between Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith
- •Explore Dalkeith Country Park — 400 acres of parkland with woodland walks and a fort adventure playground
- •Day trip to Edinburgh's Old Town, Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle, 30 minutes by car or bus
- •Walk in the Pentland Hills Regional Park — open moorland with panoramic views over Edinburgh and Midlothian
- •Visit the National Mining Museum Scotland at Newtongrange — a fascinating insight into Midlothian's coal heritage
Nearby Attractions
- Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin — a 15th-century chapel with extraordinary carved stonework, 3 miles from Bonnyrigg
- Dalkeith Country Park — 400 acres of woodland and riverside walks in the grounds of a historic estate
- Edinburgh Old Town — the medieval heart of Scotland's capital, 8 miles north
- Pentland Hills Regional Park — open hillside walking with views over Edinburgh and the Forth estuary
- National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange — the story of Midlothian's coal-mining history in a preserved colliery
Monthly Weather
January
6°/1°
Least crowded
55mm
Cold and often overcast. The castle is especially cosy and atmospheric in winter.
Cold and quiet. The castle is warm and atmospheric — a good time for a cosy winter break.
February
7°/1°
Least crowded
45mm
Cool and dry compared to later winter months. Quiet and peaceful.
Still cold but the quietest period. Good for those who want the castle to themselves.
March
9°/2°
50mm
Early spring. Days lengthen and the Esk Valley begins to come alive.
Early spring. The Esk Valley starts to wake up and Edinburgh is less crowded.
April
12°/4°
45mm
Mild with spring blooms. The castle grounds are beautiful and the weather is comfortable.
Mild and fresh. A pleasant month for exploring both the countryside and Edinburgh.
May
15°/6°
Best weather
50mm
Warm and pleasant. One of the best months for exploring the area and visiting Edinburgh.
One of the best months. Warm weather, spring colour, and comfortable conditions.
June
18°/9°
Best weather
55mm
Long days and comfortable temperatures. Great for outdoor walks and day trips.
Long warm days. Edinburgh is busy but Bonnyrigg stays relaxed and green.
July
20°/11°
60mm
Warmest month. Edinburgh is busy with the Festival — Bonnyrigg offers a quiet alternative base.
Edinburgh Festival season. Great base for the city while sleeping in a castle.
August
20°/11°
65mm
Warm and lively. Edinburgh Festival in full swing — ideal base for day trips to the city.
Peak Edinburgh Festival. An excellent base for day trips to the city.
September
17°/9°
Best weather
60mm
Mild and golden. A lovely time with autumn colour in the Esk Valley woods.
Autumn begins. Mild weather and beautiful colours along the Esk Valley.
October
12°/5°
65mm
Cool and atmospheric. The castle grounds turn golden and copper.
Cool and golden. The castle grounds are lovely and the crowds have gone.
November
8°/2°
Least crowded
60mm
Cold and quiet. Good for a castle break without the crowds.
Quiet and peaceful. Perfect for a castle retreat with few other visitors.
December
6°/1°
55mm
Cold with festive atmosphere. Dalhousie Castle is beautifully decorated at Christmas.
Cold and festive. Dalhousie Castle is particularly special at Christmas.
Best weatherLeast crowded
