Situated in the woodland in Bonnyrigg, nine miles south of the city and fourteen miles from the airport, this castle hotel was the 13th-century seat of the chieftains of Clan Ramsay. The red stone castle overlooks the Esk River. The drum tower goes back to the middle of the 15th century while the rest of the castle dates to the 17th century. The hotel’s falconry mews has Harris hawks, red tail buzzards, kestrels, merlins and lugger falcons, as well as Mexican striped owls. Your falconry experience starts at £85. You can also try your hand at archery.

The main restaurant is a barrel-vaulted dungeon offering delicacies such as rolled loin of lamb in oats and roast partridge. The Orangery is more airy and light but the standard of cooking is just as high. Book a medieval banquet or spoil yourself with the luxurious Royal Experience package and become lord and lady for the duration of your stay. A bagpiper will herald your arrival and lament (or celebrate!) your departure.