The 16 Best Castles to Visit near Edinburgh

As a nation, Scotland is full of history. From the Neolithic settlements of the Western Isles to the battlefields where Wallace and Bruce fought the Wars of Independence, remnants of the past appear all throughout the country. Perhaps more so than anywhere else, however, Edinburgh and the surrounding area is filled with an overwhelming number of historical landmarks – especially castles. Here are 16 castles to visit near Edinburgh.

Towering above the city atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle’s dominant position in the skyline reflects its place as the jewel in the capital’s crown. Parts of the fortress date back to the 12th century, and invaders have besieged Edinburgh Castle more than any other location in Great Britain.

The castle’s importance within Scotland has continued to this day. The annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo is staged on its esplanade.

Although it lies just three miles from its older cousin, you would be forgiven for thinking the scenery surrounding Craigmillar Castle came from deep inside the Scottish Highlands. Famously the retreat (and later prison) of Mary Queen of Scots, its rich history makes Craigmillar well worth a visit. While much of its maze-like architecture has crumbled with time, its 12th-century tower house still stands proud at 17m tall.

Craigcrook Castle stands a few miles west of Edinburgh and is one of the most well-cared-for castles in the country. With a litany of owners throughout the centuries, one standout comes surprisingly late when publisher Archibald Constable became custodian of the castle. Visitors to the mansion include Alfred Lord Tennyson, Hans Christian Andersen, and even Charles Dickens. Built in a dizzying array of styles that merge into one beautiful structure, it is easy to see why Craigcrook received so many high-profile admirers.

Lochend Castle is, in fact, the merging of medieval ruins with the relatively recent building of Lochend House in the 19th century. While we can trace the land’s history through the centuries, the castle itself is shrouded in mystery, as historical sources refer to it vaguely as ‘the old tower’. Cropping up in maps from thereon, the enigmatic castle remains a fascinating spot to visit within the Edinburgh area.

Standing alone on the River Tyne, the ruins of Crichton Castle tell the story of its family’s fall from grace. The castle is surrounded by rolling pastures, yet it is close to Edinburgh. With a history that includes accusations of witchcraft and a dinner that inspired Game of Thrones’ Red Wedding, the atmosphere hanging over Crichton Castle is irreplicable. Even the architecture is unconventional, with a fascinating Italian-influenced facade that has no counterparts anywhere else in Scotland.

The towering twin towers of Borthwick Castle make it one of the largest fortresses in Scotland. Built by Sir William de Borthwick – who put himself forward for a hostage exchange with King James I – the opulence of the castle reflects the nobility of his character. Barring their ousting by Oliver Cromwell in 1650 until 1810, the fortress has remained the seat of the Borthwick family for the last 600 years. Now used as an events venue, the castle also holds open days.

We can trace buildings on the Dalhousie lands all the way back to the mid-1100s, when the English knight Simundus of Ramsey erected a castle as a vassal of the newly crowned King David. Although now rented as a picturesque venue and spa, Dalhousie’s history is far from a relaxing affair. Lived in by both Edward I and Oliver Cromwell, the fort’s titanic red stone walls have hosted the major players in Scottish military history.

Perhaps most famous for its use as a filming location in The Da Vinci Code, the chapel itself has seen its own fair share of conspiracies. After its sacking by Cromwell and subsequent overrunning by nature, Rosslyn became synonymous with romanticism and artistic musings, receiving visits from Alexander Nasmyth and Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns. The now-renovated castle stands 9 miles to the south of Edinburgh and is open for visits daily.

What Lauriston Castle lacks in complex history it makes up for in sublime beauty. Looking onto the Firth of Forth, the castle itself is enclosed by grounds which the public is free to explore. Tucked away within its sprawling greenery is Lauriston’s not-so-secret Japanese Garden. Losing yourself in the ghostly cherry blossom trees and tranquil streams may not be a typically Scottish experience, but its beauty is unmissable.

On the outskirts of what is now Prestonpans stands Preston Tower – the last remnants of a castle immersed in brutal history. One of the many locations attacked by Cromwell, Preston also suffered heavy damage from the Earl of Hertford at the behest of Henry VIII. While you cannot access the interior of Preston Tower, the looming structure pitted against a backdrop of gentle greenery is worth the visit alone.

In a word, Carlowrie Castle is stunning. Built in a 19th-century imitation of Gothic architecture, the castle is exceptional as an incredibly rare example of famed architect David Rhind’s style used for a domestic project. Carlowrie is perhaps most notable for its position as the home of Isobel Wylie Hutchison, whose contributions to exploration and botany are only now becoming as recognised as her male counterparts. When Hutchison was not adventuring in the Arctic Circle and beyond, she spent a full 93 years living in Carlowrie Castle.

Another home of the infamous Crichton family, Blackness Castle felt a resurgence in popularity following its feature in the Outlander television show. The sweeping, ship-like architecture of Blackness merges defensive capabilities with the splendour of noble living, creating a fortress that gazes out to the Firth of Forth.

Primarily lived in by the reigning monarchs of Scotland, Linlithgow Palace more than lives up to its opulent name. Both the grounds and the palace itself are immense, with the majority of the structure being built by James I around 1424. In the centuries after its completion, Linlithgow became the home of countless Scottish monarchs and noblemen and was even the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace remains open for visitors daily, making it one of the most-seen locations in the country.

The construction of Hailes Castle began sometime before 1300, making it one of the oldest tower houses in Scotland. Hailes rose to importance as the birthplace of James Hepburn – who would become Mary Queen of Scots’ third and final husband – and fell to Oliver Cromwell around a century later. What remains is now hidden in the scenic valleys of the River Tyne, and can be visited for free.

You can glean the tumultuous history of Tantallon Castle from the sheer scale of its coastal ruins. Playing a crucial role in the battles between the Red and Black Douglasses, the fortress’ strategic positioning meant only a singular immense wall was needed to protect the inhabitants. Visitors can climb the battlements, which are considered the best surviving example of their kind, and admire the views of Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth.

Just shy of 20 miles east of Edinburgh, Dirleton Castle’s haunting beauty is worth the journey entirely. The fortress is immersed in conspiracy and bloodshed, with three successive families holding the seat for over 400 years. Parts of the structure survive from as early as the 13th century, but the continual modifications done to Dirleton mean every nook and cranny holds something different. The castle is even in the Guinness World Records – the sprawling gardens contain a herbaceous border that stretches a staggering 705 feet (215 metres), longer than anywhere else on the planet.