Recognized as a Category A heritage building by Historic Environment Scotland
The Scots love golf; after all, they invented the modern version of the sport. It's no surprise then that some hotels and resorts in Scotland embrace both the game and their local heritage. Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club is one such property, offering a beautiful rural getaway while still conveniently close to Edinburgh. This makes the hotel a prime choice for both locals and foreign travelers looking for a retreat near the capital. Though the mansion was built in 1725, the estate retains its splendor and period charm, recognized by Historic Environment Scotland. Aside from the golf course, it also offers a variety of services and amenities, including lovely restaurants, a variety of fitness activities, and bespoke event venues.
Kirknewton, Midlothian, Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH27 8EB
Before the estate became known as the country retreat it is today, this land belonged to the Dalmahoy family, from whom Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club gets its name. They held this domain from the 13th until the 18th century, when it was acquired by the Dalrymple family. In 1720, George Dalrymple, the youngest son of the Earl of Stair, commissioned a grand country house. This new building was designed by William Adam, whose other works included the Duff House in Aberdeenshire and Craigdarroch in Dumfries and Galloway. Later in 1760, Dalmahoy passed into the hands of the Douglas family, the Earls of Morton, who remain its owners to this day.
The 20th century marked a turning point as the Dalmahoy estate transitioned from an aristocratic residence into a place for leisure and recreation. It became a golf club in 1928, opening part of the estate grounds as golf courses. It became a full-fledged country club in 1976, along with a small collection of guest rooms. Expansions and refurbishments in the following years created the Dalmahoy we now know, boasting over 200 rooms and modern amenities, while staying true to its heritage beauty.
At the heart of the Dalmahoy Hotel estate is Dalmahoy House, which was completed in 1725 and designed by the Scottish architect William Adam. The building features a symmetrical facade, refined stone detailing, and a distinguished entrance reminiscent of a fortified castle. Over the following century, other architects, including Alexander Laing, William Burn, and Brown & Wardrop, contributed extensions and alterations to the structure. For its architectural significance, the manor is recognized as a Category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland.
Dalmahoy’s architecture is tied to its surrounding landscaped estate, originally woodland and meadows that have since been transformed into golf course greens. The transition from private estate to a hotel and country club also introduced new buildings and modern amenities. Later hotel wings and facilities stand apart from the protected historic house, ensuring the original architecture remains intact while providing comforts and services to guests.
Recent refurbishments have updated interiors with contemporary comforts while incorporating traditional Scottish motifs. This ensures the building’s heritage aesthetics are retained, even when updated or replaced. Also added with the renovations are fully accessible rooms for guests with mobility impairments. These include features such as roll-in showers, lower height spy-holes, wide door access, as well as bathroom grab handles and emergency pull cords.
The Pentland Restaurant
Dalmahoy Hotel's signature dining venue uses the refined manor house ambiance to elevate the traditional menus. Savor dishes that draw on Scotland’s classic recipes, made with items from the estate's seasonal larder and gardens.
Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7 am - 11 am
Dinner: 6 pm - 9 pm
The Brasserie
Dalmahoy Hotel's restaurant that specializes in comfort food like pizzas, burgers, and roasted delights. The Brasserie is ideal for families and individuals looking for a more laid-back and casual setting while they dine.
Opening hours: 12 pm to 9 pm
Afternoon Tea
Dalmahoy Hotel's Afternoon Tea service serves delicious desserts that go astoundingly well with your choice of beverage. They also offer variants such as vegan desserts or glasses of champagne upon request.
Availability: 2 pm - 4 pm
Cocktail Bar
Relax and unwind in a cozy lounge decked with leather sofas, a roaring fireplace, and gorgeous views of the estate. At the Cocktail Bar, you can enjoy light bites to go with your beers, wines, spirits, or Scottish single-malt whiskies.
Opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11 am - 12 am
Friday & Saturday: 11 am - 1 am
The James Braid Bar
A stylish sports bar space where guests, including golfers and leisure club visitors, can gather before or after their activities. The bar serves light meals like bacon rolls, coffee, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and offers live sports games via the TV.
Opening hours: 7 am 10 pm
The Douglas Lounge
For those who prefer an elegant and exclusive setting to savor their tipple, The Douglas Lounge offers a comfortable den with lovely views.
Couples who wish to celebrate their Happily Ever After amidst the gentle landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands would do well to check out what Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club offers.
Set on a historic Scottish estate with a manor house and verdant parklands, Dalmahoy can be transformed into a magical venue for your event. The hotel is licensed to host a variety of wedding types, from traditional religious weddings to civil ceremonies. The hotel also offers wonderful packages that can suit a variety of scales and budgets. Another unique item they offer you don't see with most other hotels and venues is the special Groom's Room, where the main man and his best buds can relax and prepare for the big day, enjoying drinks, food, and all sorts of games and activities.
Dalmahoy Suite
The main function hall of the hotel, featuring various amenities including a dance floor, moveable partitions, built-in AV equipment, and many more.
Capacity: 250 guests
The Boardroom
A spacious salon located inside the manor, featuring high ceilings decorated with chandeliers, as well as sweeping views of Edinburgh.
Capacity: 50 guests
Lothian Room
A stylish venue with lovely period decor lit up by chandeliers and kept warm by a classic fireplace.
Capacity: 50 guests
Leisure, sports, and relaxation come together during your stay at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club. The estate is home to two full-fledged 18-hole golf courses and has hosted premier events in the past. They also have golfing practice facilities such as a driving range and a putting green. Other ways to keep active during your stay include exercise routines at the modern gym or playing a match on the tennis court. If rest and relaxation are your goals, you can take a dip in the swimming pool or detox in the steam or sauna rooms.
If you're planning to be out and about the Edinburgh countryside, you can visit a variety of nearby landmarks and locations. Edinburgh Castle is in the heart of the city and is home to museums and the Scottish Crown Jewels. If you prefer something off the beaten path, you can drop by the ICE Scotland Museum in the Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Campus. If you're looking to meet some animals, Edinburgh Zoo is now home to many species brought from all over the world. You can also do a bit of hiking in walking at Corstorphine Hill, and visit the Corstorphine Hill Tower.
Hold your special events in style at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club's amazing venues. The hotel offers a wide range of locations, from intimate boardrooms to large suites, which can be customized and configured to suit the vision and theme of the event. To help you plan the function, dedicated event coordinators will help manage aspects such as logistics, catering, room setups, and the overall event flow.
For the venues, here are a few examples:
Dalmahoy Suite
The signature venue of the hotel, and also the largest, offering space and flexibility with equipment, decor, and configuration.
Capacity: 250 guests
Castle Room
A classic meeting room with wood finishes and lovely views of the estate.
Capacity: 20 guests
Dalrymple Room
A sleek and stylish venue with a blend of period and contemporary charms.
Capacity: 30 guests
Small university museum dedicated to the Institution of Civil Engineers and features a variety of equipment and memorabilia from various projects around the country. (10-minute drive)
Historic zoo from 1913 and is currently the home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including binturongs, pygmy hippos, and cassowaries. (16-minute drive)
Stonework tower atop Corstorphine Hill, erected in 1871 as a dedication to writer Sir Walter Scott. (16-minute drive)
The nearest airport to Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), just a quick 11-minute drive from the property.
The nearest railway is at Curriehill Station, just 7 minutes from Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club.