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The 18 Best Castles You Should Visit in Edinburgh

The 18 Best Castles You Should Visit in Edinburgh

Our city, Edinburgh, is like a sprinkled doughnut of castles (if you’re into that sort of thing!) with a mix of the grand and renowned, the silently significant, and the beautifully ruined. Each castle tells a unique tale, and trust us, you’re going to want to listen up.

So, gear up for some castle-hopping fun as we trot through the best castles you absolutely need to visit in Edinburgh. Whether it’s for the ‘wow’ factor, the breathtaking views, or your inner history buff, there’s a castle calling your name. Read on!

Edinburgh Castle

Website: https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/ 

Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 131 225 9846

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Now, don’t go thinking that Edinburgh Castle is just another castle. This isn’t your regular old pile of rocks—situated on Castle Rock with views of the entire city, it’s an absolute beauty!

What’s even cooler is the castle’s extreme age, because we’re talking 1100 years old, with its oldest part, St. Margaret’s Chapel, dating back to the 12th century. You’ll also find the Great Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Scottish National War Memorial here.

Pro tip: 

Make sure to catch the one-o’clock gun. It’s not a literal gunfight, don’t worry—it’s a time-signal tradition that’s been happening daily since 1861.

Lauriston Castle

Media credit: exploringedinburgh

Website: http://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/Venues/Lauriston-Castle.aspx 

Address: 2 Cramond Rd S, Edinburgh EH4 6AD, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 131 336 2060

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM

Lauriston Castle is a 16th-century tower house that was turned into an opulent Edwardian home over the centuries. Inside, it’s untouched and preserved just as it was in 1926 when the last private owners kitted it out with their eclectic collections.

Though I’m not going to lie, the gardens and grounds of Lauriston are the real show-stoppers. Imagine the perfect insta-shot—a dreamy Japanese garden, the sprawling parkland, and the Firth of Forth making the perfect backdrop.

Pro tip: 

While it’s open daily, the house entrance is by guided tour only, so you better book in advance.

Carlowrie Castle

Website: http://www.carlowriecastle.co.uk/ 

Address: Boathouse, Bridge Rd, Kirkliston, Edinburgh EH29 9ES, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 131 335 3184

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Situated just 20 minutes from Edinburgh’s city centre, Carlowrie Castle is a fresh departure from usual castles. Featuring traditional Scots Baronial architecture but with a sleek and modern interior, this chateau is a proper mash-up of the old and the new.

But here’s the kicker: It’s not just about the castle. The estate has about 32 acres of lush green to explore.

Pro tip: 

Try to catch one of the many events hosted here. It can be anything from gallery shows to social gatherings.

Craigmillar Castle

Media credit: myinstascotland

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/craigmillar-castle 

Address: Craigmillar Castle Rd, Edinburgh EH16 4SY, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 131 661 4445

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Now, if you’re into off-the-beaten-path travel, let me tell you, Craigmillar is the place. We’re talking about a medieval castle with several generations of building work latched on, resulting in a fascinating labyrinth—tower house, courtyard, and walls.

Also, don’t sleep on its Mary Queen of Scots connection because the girl knew where to rest her head! Now, get yourself to the top of the tower house, look out, and there you’ve got it—an unspoiled vista of the Edinburgh skyline.

Pro tip: 

For the photography enthusiasts, go in the morning—the light’s on then!

Dirleton Castle

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dirleton-castle/ 

Address: Parking lot, Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5ER, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 1620 850330

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 4 PM

I get it. You don’t want to roam around another boring old ruin, but Dirleton is different. It’s got all of these nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered.

It’s a proper maze of towers, chambers, and underground pits, each spilling over with century-old tales. Oh, and just wait until you see the gardens – record-breaking long herbaceous border, lush green lawns, and blooming roses.

Pro tip: 

If you’re planning to bus it from Edinburgh, it’ll take you about an hour, so you’d better bring a good podcast.

Tantallon Castle

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/tantallon-castle/ 

Address: North Berwick EH39 5PN, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 1620 892727

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Perched on a cliff with the wild North Sea thrashing below, Tantallon Castle is the definition of dramatic. You can almost feel history oozing from the formidable stone curtain wall.

But it’s not just about what’s on the land. Try to look out toward the sea, and you’ll see Bass Rock dominating the seascape, blooming white with the world’s largest colony of Northern Gannets.

Pro tip: 

Try to time your visit for low tide to explore the rocky beach below the castle—another classy view!

Linlithgow Palace

Media credit: regina.van.den.berg

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace/ 

Address: Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 1506 842896

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of royalty—literally—the likes of James V and Mary Queen of Scots. But really, it’s the architecture that steals the show here.

One foot inside, and you’ll be gaping at the ornate and ostentatious design. The peel (parkland) surrounding it is simply lush, complete with a loch that’s buzzing with swans and ducks. great place for a bit of chill time.

Pro tip: 

If you manage to visit when they’re having one of their medieval jousting tournaments—great craic!

Dalhousie Castle

Website: http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/ 

Address: Bonnyrigg EH19 3JB, United Kingdom 

Contact details: +44 1875 820153

Operating hours: 

  • Open 24 hours

Just a short ride from downtown Edinburgh is Dalhousie Castle, a 13th-century fortress that’s actually Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle. If that doesn’t kick things up a notch, I don’t know what will!

And don’t go thinking it’s all about dusty old history because they’ve managed to convert it into a luxury hotel. It’s like a wee taste of the high life, with the four-poster bed, grand fireplace, and the works—whether you can afford it or not!

Pro tip: 

The castle’s afternoon tea is an absolute belter, but remember, booking is essential. Also, for adrenaline-seekers, trying their ‘Falconry Experience’ is a total must.

Stirling Castle

Website: https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/ 

Address: Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 1786 450000

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM

Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally. It’s almost like stepping foot on a movie set with grand halls, chapels, and palaces.

But listen. Stirling isn’t only about fancy views and architecture. Try to spend some time at the interactive displays and get the full scoop on the castle’s history and its former inhabitants.

Pro tip: 

You might want to plan your visit to coincide with one of the many historical reenactments they host.

Blackness Castle

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/blackness-castle/ 

Address: Blackness, Linlithgow EH49 7NH, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 1506 834807

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Perched on the southeast shoreline of the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle is often dubbed ‘the ship that never sailed’. Its boat-like shape ain’t just for show; it’s one of Scotland’s strongest artillery fortifications.

You can take a leisurely gander around and soak in its military might—courtyards, towers, walls, you name it. With its stunning coastal views and tranquil location, Blackness Castle sure knows how to charm its visitors.

Pro tip: 

Remember to bring a pair of binoculars because spotting seals or even porpoises in the surrounding waters is pretty common.

Craigcrook Castle

Media credit: fourproperty

Website: https://www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk/the-best-castles/other-articles/craigcrook-castle/ 

Address: Blackhall, Edinburgh EH4 3PE, United Kingdom

Craigcrook Castle—I bet you that’s a name you haven’t heard before! See, this private castle is tucked away from your regular tour guide books, but it’s worth seeking out.

And here’s a fun fact: literary bigwigs like Charles Dickens and Sir Walter Scott have hung out here. Oh, and while you can’t tour the inside (sorry, no snooping around the private property), the outside view is a real beauty.

Pro tip: 

Remember to always keep your camera ready because the outside view of the castle and the surrounding landscape is worth a few clicks for sure.

Crichton Castle

Media credit: historicscotland

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/crichton-castle/ 

Address: Crichton, Pathhead EH37 5XA, United Kingdom

Crichton Castle is sitting pretty on a hill overlooking the River Tyne. In terms of looks, this castle’s got that rugged, old-world outnumbered.

But the main draw here is not your run-of-the-mill castle. You’ll be gobsmacked when you see its fancy courtyard façade with unique diamond-faceted stones.

Pro tip: 

When you’re done ogling the castle, take a minute to explore the surrounding area. Rolling countryside, the nearby church, the old village—it’s got that whole rustic Scottish charm thing down to a tee.

Hailes Castle

Media credit: scotlands_stories

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/hailes-castle/history/ 

Address: Haddington EH41 4PY, United Kingdom

Hailes Castle ain’t just a castle—it’s a journey through time. You start at the 14th-century tower house, then onto the 15th-century keep, and wrap up in the 16th-century oak-beamed pit prison.

If you’re craving some good old peace and quiet, this is it. The castle is surrounded by lush trees and the gentle gurgle of the Tyne.

Pro tip: 

Don’t skimp on good walking boots because the castle grounds can get a little bit muddy. And you might want to pack a picnic—the setting’s perfect for a leisurely day out!

Preston Tower

Website: http://www.prestontower.co.uk/ 

Address: 3 Farm Cottages Preston Mains, Preston, Chathill NE67 5DH, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 7966 150216

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM

Preston Tower is a lesser-known historical hideout that has heaps of stories to tell! Well, it’s less of a castle and more of an old, fortified house, but don’t let that fool you, though.

It’s a no-frills ticket back in time, with spiral staircases leading to living quarters and a watch room, not to mention the whole vibe of medieval life! And the best part is that you’ve got the place to yourself because it is one of the less-visited spots.

Pro tip: 

The place closes down in the winter, so make sure you plan for a summer visit.

Falkland Palace

Website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/falkland-palace 

Address: East Port, Falkland, Cupar KY15 7BY, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 1337 857397

Falkland Palace was a hot spot for monarchs back in the day. We’re talking pristine gardens, elaborate ceilings, ornate furniture, and the complete royal package, so walking around is like getting a cheeky peek into the lives of kings and queens!

But it’s not just about indulgent interiors. The garden around the palace is a real bobby dazzler, and it also houses the world’s oldest tennis court!

Pro tip: 

A guided tour here is totally worth your time since the guides are chatty and full of juicy historical gossip.

Borthwick Castle

Website: https://www.borthwickcastle.com/ 

Address: North Middleton, Gorebridge EH23 4QY, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 1875 820514

Operating hours: 

  • Open 24 hours

Borthwick Castle is now like a hotel—well,  not any old hotel—it’s a fancy, schmancy one! Everything from the bedding to the dining room is top-notch, with a heap load of history thrown in.

The thrill doesn’t end there. If you’re an architecture nut or a history buff, the double-towered fortress façade or the fact that it sheltered Mary Queen of Scots is bound to tickle your fancy!

Pro tip: 

If you’re game for the overnight splurge, make sure to book ahead because this place fills up fast. Also, there’s a cool castle-themed menu here, so you might as well live the fantasy all the way, eh?

Rosslyn Castle

Media credit: castlesbook

Website: https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/rosslyn-castle-13940#availability 

Address:  B7003, Roslin EH25 9PX, United Kingdom

Rosslyn Castle is a stout fortress that whispers tales from yesteryear. Then, there’s the romantic Rosslyn Chapel, a masterpiece of architecture buzzed about in The Da Vinci Code.

But hold your horses; there’s more. The glen itself, with its woodland walks and waterfall views, is definitely worth a nosey around. It’s a full-service, one-stop visit.

Pro tip: 

Downloading the Rosslyn Chapel app beforehand might be a good idea because it’ll give you some solid backstory.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Media credit: sheilatool

Website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse 

Address: Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 303 123 7306

Operating hours: 

  • Monday, Friday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Thursday – 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Have you heard about the Palace of Holyroodhouse? That’s right, we’re talking about the late Queen’s official residence in Scotland.

This palace isn’t just a beauty on the outside, and the inside’s nothing to scoff at either. There’s even a good chunk of turbulent history folded in, with tales of murder and plotting that’ll send shivers up your spine.

Pro tip: 

Remember to check out the Queen’s Gallery. It hosts a rotation of exhibits from the Royal Collection.

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