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Rosslyn Castle, the ruined tower above the high stone bridge that leads to its gate.
Lothian

Rosslyn Castle

A castle of the Sinclairs on a rock above the River North Esk in Roslin Glen, reached by a high bridge, a short walk from Rosslyn Chapel.

Welcome

Below the village of Roslin, where the River North Esk loops through a deep wooded glen, Rosslyn Castle stands on a rock with water on three sides.

It was the stronghold of the Sinclairs, Earls of Orkney, who lived here like princes, and their famous chapel is only a short walk away.

You reach the castle as its builders meant you to, over a tall, narrow stone bridge across a deep ditch cut in the rock, one of the most dramatic castle entrances in Scotland. The oldest part is a ruined round tower of the 14th century. Beyond it, a later range of the 16th century rises five storeys, with vaulted chambers, a great kitchen fireplace and a hall with a fireplace carved in 1597.

The ruins can be explored from the glen, where there is parking and a short, steep path up, while the restored part of the castle is let as a holiday home by the Landmark Trust. Look out for the old orchard and a yew tree said to be eight hundred years old.

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Before you go

The ruined part is open to walk round at any time; the house is let for holidays.

Where
Roslin Glen, EH25 9PX.
Built
The 14th century on.
Nearby
Rosslyn Chapel.

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Where it is

In Roslin Glen, half a mile south-east of Roslin village; parking in the glen and a short, steep walk up.

Close byRoslin.
  1. Diners at outdoor tables outside The Original Rosslyn, flag flying above the entranceOriginal Rosslyn InnA family-run inn in Roslin since 1837, a three-minute walk from Rosslyn Chapel, where Burns, Wordsworth and Scott all stopped.1 mile 2 min by road
  2. Rosslyn ChapelRosslyn ChapelA 15th-century chapel at Roslin, founded by Sir William St Clair and richly carved inside, famous from The Da Vinci Code.2 miles 3 min by road
  3. Tartan blanket beside a mug on a book, tray scattered with autumn leavesAngelina Coffee SnugA small cafe in the golf clubhouse on the Whitehill House estate near Rosewell, baking its cakes and scones fresh every day.2 miles 6 min by road
  4. Metal footbridge crossing a river beside trees and a stone buildingDalkeith Country ParkThe park round Dalkeith Palace.6 miles 13 min by road
  5. Craigmillar CastleCraigmillar CastleThe castle on Edinburgh's edge.9 miles 18 min by road
  6. Large white letters spelling Newhailes framed by overhanging trees on a drivewayNewhailesThe Palladian house at Musselburgh.10 miles 19 min by road
Directions
Green fields and woods near Roslin on a grey day.AttractionsBattle of Roslin Monument2.5 miles
Celtic cross gravestone among tombs leading to a spired stone churchAttractionsGlencorse Old Kirk3.1 miles
Whitewashed thatched cottage with chimney, surrounded by flowering shrubs and conifersAttractionsSwanston5.3 miles
Standing stone beside a stone wall and house on a residential streetAttractionsThe Caiy Stane5.4 miles
Clermount Cottage, EdinburghPenicuikClermount CottageSleeps 2 · 5.7 miles
The dining room at Condita by candlelight, with round wooden tables laid for dinner in the foreground and string-art panels on the white walls beyond.RestaurantsCondita5.9 miles
The pale front of Pomelo at 27 Sciennes Road, its name painted small beside the open door and a wooden bench under the window.RestaurantsPomelo6.0 miles
The cream-painted shopfront of Nàdair at 15 Roseneath Street in Marchmont, its name in green above the door and wine bottles along the windows.RestaurantsNàdair6.0 miles
The chef at work in the open kitchen at Argile, seen across the long wooden counter where guests sit, with a wine glass and a folded napkin laid in front.RestaurantsArgile6.0 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the castle, and when each is next free.

Clermount Cottage, EdinburghClermount Cottage
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Penicuik
  • 4 miles from Rosslyn Castle
Check datesWhite cow parsley blooms in front of a stone cottage with skylightsSteading
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Penicuik
  • 6 miles from Rosslyn Castle
Check datesStone cottage courtyard with slate roof, chimney and rolling green hills behindThe Byre
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Penicuik
  • 6 miles from Rosslyn Castle
Check datesA black kitchen counter with flowers on the worktop stands before a curved timber slatted screen opening onto a bedroom.Cartshed
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Penicuik
  • 6 miles from Rosslyn Castle
Free 9–11 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in LothianAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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ArticleThe Secrets Buried In Roslin Glen
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