Searching for an “Edinburgh Castle hotel” usually means one of two things: you are looking for a historic castle stay near Edinburgh, Scotland, or you are trying to find one of the several Australian pubs named Edinburgh Castle Hotel. This guide resolves the confusion by walking through both paths—true castle accommodations near Edinburgh and the character-filled pubs in Australia—so you can choose what fits your trip.
Last checked: 2026-06-16
Historic Castle Stay near Edinburgh: Dalhousie Castle – 35 characterful en-suite guest bedrooms, grand staircase, secret passages · Luxury Hotel Near Edinburgh Castle: The Witchery – 5-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh · Edinburgh Castle Hotel (Brunswick, Australia): Pub serving food and drinks 7 days a week, live music and DJs from Thursday · Edinburgh Castle Hotel (Kedron, Australia): Family bistro, function room, free WiFi
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-06-16.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel websites, TripAdvisor attraction and restaurant listings, Expedia hotel profiles, Hotels.com listing pages, Yelp business profiles, regional news articles, and community history discussions.
We did not conduct on-site visits, staff interviews, or independent price verification; data reflects published rates and guest reviews from 2023–2025 where available.
At a glance: four distinct Edinburgh Castle Hotel options
- Dalhousie Castle offers 35 characterful en-suite guest bedrooms, a grand staircase, and secret passages, located 8 miles south of Edinburgh city centre (Stoked to Travel).
- The Witchery is a 5-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh, located near Edinburgh Castle (Expedia).
- A long-standing pub at 681 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Victoria, serving food and drinks seven days a week with live music and DJs from Thursday (Edinburgh Castle Brunswick).
- A family bistro and bar located about 10 km north of Brisbane CBD, offering a function room and free WiFi (Edinburgh Castle Hotel Kedron).
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Dalhousie Castle distance from Edinburgh Castle | 8 miles south of Edinburgh city centre |
| The Witchery average price position | Luxury 5-star, premium segment |
| Edinburgh Castle Hotel (Brunswick) established | Longest standing pub in Brunswick, operating for decades |
| Edinburgh Castle (Kedron) rating | Family bistro with great food reviews (no specific score provided) |
Can you stay at a castle in Edinburgh?
Visitors cannot sleep inside Edinburgh Castle itself—it is a historic fortress and paid attraction operated by Historic Environment Scotland, not a hotel. The castle is open daily for tours, but overnight stays happen in nearby accommodations.
Castle hotels near Edinburgh
Dalhousie Castle is the most direct option for a true castle stay. Located 8 miles south of Edinburgh—roughly 30 minutes by car—it features 35 en-suite bedrooms set within a medieval tower house with secret passages and a grand staircase. According to a review by Stoked to Travel, rooms can start at just under £100 midweek including breakfast, while a Saturday night stay cost £175 in their reported example.
What staying in a castle is like
Dalhousie Castle offers a blend of historic character and modern amenities. The same reviewer described the property as “really clean and well-kept,” with traditional décor that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The setting is rural, so guests rely on taxis or rental cars to reach Edinburgh’s city centre.
Are there luxury hotels near Edinburgh Castle?
Yes, several luxury properties sit within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, offering convenient access to the Royal Mile and Old Town. The Witchery, a 5-star hotel in a historic building near the Castle Esplanade, consistently ranks among the most exclusive options.
The Witchery | Luxury 5-Star Hotel in Edinburgh
The Witchery is known for its opulent, gothic-themed suites and fine-dining restaurant. It sits at the top of the Royal Mile, steps from Edinburgh Castle’s entrance. Guest reviews highlight its theatrical decor and impeccable service, but pricing sits in the luxury tier—expect to pay several hundred pounds per night.
Other luxury options
The Balmoral Hotel is another top-tier choice, located about a 12-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. As a 5-star hotel, it offers a full luxury experience including a spa, Michelin-starred dining, and views of the castle from some rooms.
Edinburgh Castle Apartments and Suites, listed by Hotels.com, provide a self-catering alternative. Guest reviews praise the central location, spacious clean rooms, and friendly staff, making it a solid mid-range option for travellers who want kitchen facilities.
Where do celebs stay in Edinburgh?
Celebrities touring or performing in Edinburgh often choose luxury hotels near Edinburgh Castle, particularly during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe or major concert events. The Witchery and The Balmoral are frequent choices due to their privacy, service, and central location.
Where Taylor Swift reportedly stayed in Edinburgh
During her Eras Tour stop in Edinburgh in June 2024, Taylor Swift reportedly stayed at a luxury hotel near the city centre, though the exact property was not publicly confirmed by the hotel or her team. The Balmoral and The Witchery are both commonly speculated venues for high-profile guests, based on their history of hosting celebrities.
Celebrity-favored hotels
Beyond Edinburgh, celebrities visiting Scotland for events like the Edinburgh International Festival frequently book into castle hotels such as Dalhousie Castle for a more secluded retreat. The 30-minute drive from the city makes it a practical option for those wanting to escape the crowds while staying close to performances.
Edinburgh Castle Hotel menu
When searching for an “Edinburgh Castle Hotel menu,” you are likely looking at one of the Australian pubs. Neither Dalhousie Castle nor The Witchery operates under the “Edinburgh Castle Hotel” name, but the two Australian venues do offer menus worth examining.
Menu at Edinburgh Castle Hotel Kedron
The Edinburgh Castle Hotel in Kedron, Brisbane describes itself as a family bistro. According to the official site, the venue serves classic pub food in a family-friendly setting, with a function room available for events. Menu items typically include steaks, burgers, seafood, and kids’ meals—the kind of comfort food that suits a suburban pub.
The Edinburgh Castle in Brunswick, Melbourne also serves food seven days a week. Its own marketing describes the venue as offering “gastro pub food” alongside an extensive craft beer list. Yelp reviews referenced on the official site highlight reasonably priced drinks, a classic menu, and live music on Sunday afternoons.
The Edinburgh Castle Hotel reviews
In Sydney, the Edinburgh Castle Hotel at 294 Pitt Street is listed on TripAdvisor as “The Edinburgh Castle” (also called The Eddy). It is described as a casual dining venue in the CBD offering pub classics, top-quality food, beer, wine, and cocktails. Operating hours posted on Yelp suggest it opens from 10:00 or 12:00 until midnight or 2:00 AM depending on the day.
Is it better to stay in Old Town or New Town, Edinburgh?
The choice between Old Town and New Town depends on your priorities: proximity to historic attractions versus quieter, elegant surroundings.
Proximity to Edinburgh Castle
Old Town is the clear winner for castle access. Edinburgh Castle sits at the top of the Royal Mile, and most Old Town hotels, including The Witchery and Edinburgh Castle Apartments and Suites, are within a 5–10 minute walk. The Balmoral, while in New Town, is still only about 12 minutes on foot, but the walk involves a slight uphill gradient toward the Castle Esplanade.
Neighborhood character
Old Town offers historic closes, cobblestone streets, and a lively atmosphere with pubs on every corner. New Town, built in the 18th century, features Georgian architecture, wider streets, and more upscale shopping along Princes Street. For pub lovers, a guide by Wilde lists Royal Mile Tavern (127 High Street) and Deacon Brodie’s Tavern (435 Lawnmarket) as two of the best pubs near Edinburgh Castle, both in Old Town.
Edinburgh Castle Hotel options compared
| Property Name | Location | Type | Key Features | Approximate Price Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalhousie Castle | 8 miles south of Edinburgh | Historic castle hotel | 35 en-suite rooms, secret passages, grand staircase, on-site dining, spa | Luxury (from £100 midweek inc. breakfast) |
| The Witchery | Near Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile | Luxury 5-star hotel | Thematic suites, fine-dining restaurant, historic building | Premium luxury (several hundred £ per night) |
| Edinburgh Castle Hotel (Brunswick) | 681 Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC, Australia | Pub / live music venue | Large beer garden, craft beer, gastro pub food, live music from Thursday | Affordable (pub prices) |
| Edinburgh Castle Hotel (Kedron) | ~10 km north of Brisbane CBD, QLD, Australia | Family bistro / bar | Function room, free WiFi, family-friendly menu | Affordable (pub prices) |
Best for different travel styles
- Couples seeking romance: Dalhousie Castle offers a secluded castle setting with luxury amenities, ideal for a romantic getaway.
- History enthusiasts: Both Dalhousie Castle (medieval tower house) and The Witchery (historic building near the castle) deliver deep historical atmosphere.
- Nightlife seekers: Edinburgh Castle Hotel in Brunswick is the go-to for live music, DJs, and a bustling beer garden.
- Budget-conscious: Edinburgh Castle Hotel in Kedron offers affordable pub dining without the luxury price tag.
Our pick for most travellers
For a first-time visitor to Edinburgh who wants the castle experience without the premium price: Edinburgh Castle Apartments and Suites provide a central location, self-catering convenience, and easy access to both Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, at a mid-range price point. For those specifically seeking a castle-stay, Dalhousie Castle offers the most authentic experience at a lower entry price than The Witchery.
For travellers in Australia: If you are after a classic pub night, Edinburgh Castle Brunswick has the best live music and beer garden; if you need a family-friendly meal, the Kedron location is your pick.
“Edinburgh Castle is a must-see for its rich history and breathtaking views, though some travelers find it crowded and pricey.”
– Tripadvisor editorial summary, Travel review platform description
“Dalhousie Castle hotel was really clean and well-kept.”
– Stoked to Travel reviewer, Travel blogger reviewing Dalhousie Castle
For travelers weighing castle stays against pub options, a broader look at Edinburgh city centre hotels can help clarify which neighborhood best suits their itinerary.
Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh Castle hotels
Can you stay at a castle in Edinburgh?
Yes, Dalhousie Castle is a historic castle hotel located 8 miles south of Edinburgh with 35 en-suite bedrooms. Edinburgh Castle itself is not a hotel—it is a paid attraction.
Where do celebs stay in Edinburgh?
Celebrities often stay at luxury hotels near Edinburgh Castle such as The Witchery, a 5-star hotel, or The Balmoral, which has an approximate 9.8 guest rating on Expedia.
How much does it cost to stay in a castle in Scotland?
Prices vary widely. At Dalhousie Castle, rooms can start at just under £100 midweek including breakfast, while a Saturday night in the reviewed example cost £175. The Witchery and The Balmoral sit in the premium luxury tier at several hundred pounds per night.
Can you walk around Edinburgh Castle grounds for free?
No, Edinburgh Castle grounds require an admission ticket. The castle is a historic site operated by Historic Environment Scotland, not a hotel.
What is The Edinburgh Castle Hotel?
There are two main properties in Australia: one in Kedron, Queensland (a family bistro and bar) and one in Brunswick, Victoria (a pub with live music). Neither is a hotel near Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.
Does Edinburgh Castle Hotel have a restaurant?
Yes, both the Kedron and Brunswick locations have restaurant menus serving food daily. In Sydney, the Edinburgh Castle Hotel also serves pub classics.
Is it better to stay in Old Town or New Town, Edinburgh?
Old Town is closer to Edinburgh Castle and historic attractions like the Royal Mile. New Town offers Georgian architecture and a quieter atmosphere, with the castle still about 12 minutes away on foot.
For another historic pub-stay experience, read our review of The North Sydney Hotel: A Boutique Stay Above a Historic Pub. If you are interested in heritage accommodation in Australia, Craig’s Royal Hotel: Historic Gold-Rush Stay in Ballarat offers another excellent historic option.
Sources and further reading
- TripAdvisor – Edinburgh Castle attraction page
- Stoked to Travel – Dalhousie Castle review
- Expedia – hotels near Edinburgh Castle
- Hotels.com – Edinburgh Castle Apartments and Suites
- Edinburgh Castle Brunswick – official site
- Edinburgh Castle Hotel Kedron – official site
- Glam Adelaide – Edinburgh Castle Hotel Adelaide report
- Yelp – Edinburgh Castle Hotel Sydney
- TripAdvisor – The Edinburgh Castle, Sydney
- Wilde – 7 Best Pubs Near Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile