10 Castles Near Edinburgh To Visit For An Enthralling Experience

Castles Around Edinburgh

1. Craigmillar Castle
2. Tantallon Castle
3. Dirleton Castle
4. Crichton Castle
5. Blackness Castle
6. Lauriston Castle
7. Rosslyn Castle
8. Craigcrook Castle
9. Borthwick Castle
10. Dalhousie Castle

A journey to Scotland isn't complete unless you explore an array of castles near Edinburgh. These Scottish castles have been around since the 12th century when they were first built, and continue to be an essential part of the cultural identity of the country. In the past, they protected the country from foreign invaders and acted as the first line of defense, but later on, they were used as the mansions of the country's most powerful families. Therefore, the surrounding area of Edinburgh is dotted with castles, many of which are steeped in royalty and military history.

There are castle hotels to stay in, castles on islands that previously held captive queens and of course the big kahuna itself, The Edinburgh Castle, to astound you with its architecture. Visit the birthplaces of James V and Mary, Queen of Scots, marvel at Scottish tower homes, and explore the stunning Scottish countryside, everything right near the city walls of Edinburgh.

Here are some of the best Castles Near Edinburgh:

01

Craigmillar Castle

The castle of Craigmillar is one of the best-preserved castles near Edinburgh.

The castle looks like a fortress straight out of the Middle Ages, even now.

Take in the sights of Edinburgh from the top of the "other castle," have a picnic in one of its many courtyards, or play hide-and-seek in its mazelike corridors.

The castle's history is tied to Edinburgh and Mary, Queen of Scots. After Rizzio's death, she hid in Craigmillar Castle.

This castle plotted Lord Darnley's assassination as well.

Location: Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh, EH16 4SY.

Timing: From 1st April-30th sept, daily 10 to 5 and from 29th Dec to 31st march, Daily 10 to 4.

Tickets: £7 per ticket

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02

Tantallon Castle

This imposing castle among castles near Edinburgh was the bastion of the Douglas family, and it stood on the cliffs overlooking the ocean and Bass Rock.

Tantallon's towers are the best vantage points for seeing the Bass Rock and spotting gannets diving into the North Sea.

Tantallon was severely damaged and abandoned, but its ruin is beautiful.

Location: North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 5PN

Timings: 1st Apr-30th Sept: 9.30 am-5 pm, 1st Oct-31st Mar from 10 am-4 pm

Distance from Edinburgh: It’s a 50 min ride, that is 30.4 miles

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03

Dirleton Castle

Visit the highest point of the last remaining massive medieval fortress- the Dirleton Castle.

Dirleton Castle among the castles near Edinburgh was used by three noble families for over 400 years.

Well-known features of the gardens include a Victorian garden and an Arts and Crafts herbaceous border.

The herbaceous border's claim to fame as the longest in the world is confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records.

There are two steps leading down to the courtyard. fragrant flowers and plants can be seen in the main garden.

Location: Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5ER, UK

Timings:1st Apr-30th Sept: 9.30-5, 1st Oct-31st Mar 10-4

Tickets: £3.50

Distance from Edinburgh: It takes about 41 minutes to cover 21.9 miles to travel from Edinburgh to Dirleton Castle.

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04

Crichton Castle

One of the enormous, high-class castles around Edinburgh with an eye-catching, Italian-style front of faceted masonry is Crichton Castle.

Visitors can access places leading from there that rely on the visitor's mobility as each chamber and cellar has up to three steps leading to it.

Crichton Castle is most renowned for its spectacular north range, which features a diamond-faceted crimson masonry exterior.

Sir William Crichton's ghost is said to leave the stables and enter the castle tower on his death anniversary.

Location: Crichton, Pathhead, Midlothian, EH37 5XA

Timings: Temporary closed

Tickets: £6 per ticket

Distance from Edinburgh: It takes about 31 minutes to cover 14.6 miles to travel from Edinburgh to Crichton Castle.

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05

Blackness Castle

Blackness was a garrison stronghold and prison, not a lordly home.

This 15th-century castle in the list of castles near Edinburgh has a formidable fortification that looks like a "ship that never sailed."

In Season 1 of Outlander, Blackness Castle among the castles around Edinburgh stood in for Fort William.

Blackness was commissioned by the Crichtons, one of Scotland's most renowned families, to overlook the Firth of Forth.

Visitors can learn about them as they climb the castle's towers and curtain wall and observe the Firth of Forth and its bridges.

Location: Blackness, Linlithgow, EH49 7NH

Timings: 1st Apr-30th Sept: 9.30-5, 1st Oct-31st Mar 10-4

Tickets: £7 per ticket

Distance from Edinburgh: It takes about 41 minutes to cover 18.1 miles to travel from Edinburgh to Blackness Castle.

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06

Lauriston Castle

Another on the list of castles near Edinburgh is Lauriston, a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the Firth of Forth.

Stroll through the woods, relax in our Japanese garden, or visit a turn-of-the-century Edinburgh middle-class home.

This castle under the castles around Edinburgh is home to Mimi's Little Bakehouse.

William Robert Reid decorated Lauriston with mezzotint engravings, Sheffield plate, Scottish and English furniture, and Chinese and Dutch blue and white porcelain.

Location: Blackness, Linlithgow, EH49 7NH

Timings: grounds - 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mimi's Bakehouse 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Sunday.

Tickets: £8 (£6)

Distance from Edinburgh: It takes about 22 minutes to cover 5.9 miles to travel from Edinburgh to Lauriston Castle.

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07

Rosslyn Castle

Rosslyn Castle, primarily constructed in 1450, sits in a stunning setting, a tree-covered limestone spine rising sharply from the River Esk on three sides making it unique amongst the castles near Edinburgh.

Rosslyn Castle has been the home of the St. Clair family for centuries.

One of the famous castles around Edinburgh known for The Da Vinci Code, a novel by Dan Brown is estimated that the 'lantern' or 'lamp tower' by the bridge, was constructed sometime after the Battle of Roslin in 1304, making it the oldest surviving structure in the Castle.

Location: Rosslyn Chapel, Chapel Loan, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PU

Timings: Monday through Saturday, our first-time slot is 9 am- 5.10 pm

Tickets: £9.50 per ticket (Concession for the disabled over 60, the unemployed, students, or the armed forces)

Distance from Edinburgh: It takes about 32 minutes to cover 14.2 miles to travel from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Castle.

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08

Craigcrook Castle

Another on the list of castles near Edinburgh is Craigcrook Castle which was not notable when it was built.

However, building styles allowed much of the castle to be placed in the early 17th century.

The Castle has a mezzanine, three levels, and a boardroom with oak paneling.

The Castle offers bright, expansive office space with regal grandeur.

The ground floor has spacious, adaptable areas for office or client entertaining.

Visitors can also see a 17th-century wall enclosing the garden, which contains a 1626 roll-molded archway.

Location: Craigcrook Place 96, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Distance from Edinburgh: It takes about 14 minutes to cover 4 miles to travel from Edinburgh to Craigcrook Castle.

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09

Borthwick Castle

Step through the historic arched entrance of Borthwick Castle, and you'll be transported to a hidden world of luxury and grand style, surrounded by 600 years of spectacular Scottish history.

This magnificent and authentic castle dates back to 1430 and has been lovingly restored for use in private functions, business gatherings, and weddings.

As a result, Borthwick Castle provides peace, luxury, and a classic Scottish feel under one roof.

The venue's 12 plush bedrooms and three grand ballrooms make it an excellent choice for large corporate weddings and also different from other castles near Edinburgh.

Location: North Middleton, Midlothian, EH23 4QY

Distance from Edinburgh: It takes about 30 minutes by air and 12 miles by car.

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10

Dalhousie Castle

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, all you have to do is step inside this ancient fortress.

It's a place to make memories, relive 800 years of history, and experience the best Scottish hospitality on eleven acres of private parkland and forested valleys.

To experience the splendor of Scotland's oldest inhabited castle is to feel like a real-life prince or princess.

Falconry and archery are among the noble activities you might attempt during your stay, or you can simply relax in one of the plush chairs in the Library's oak paneling with a dram of whisky.

Location: Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH19 3JB

Distance from Edinburgh: Located only eight miles from Edinburgh.

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