Thirlestane Castle
The turreted castle at Lauder, home of the Maitlands for over 400 years, with some of the finest plasterwork ceilings in Scotland, open for guided tours from April to October.
On the edge of the little town of Lauder, Thirlestane Castle rises in a cluster of pink sandstone towers and turrets above wide lawns.
It has been the home of the Maitland family for more than 400 years.
The castle was completed in 1590 and remodelled in the 1670s, when it became the seat of the Duke of Lauderdale, then extended again in the 1840s. Inside are some of the finest plasterwork ceilings in the country and one of the largest collections of family portraits anywhere in Scotland, along with stories of Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
The castle opens for guided tours from late April to mid-October, and every visit must be booked in advance. After the tour there is a hot drink and a Scottish treat, and the grounds are open for walks.
Guided tours from 20 April to 18 October 2026, booked in advance; tours from £16.50.
- Where
- Lauder, TD2 6RU.
- Tours
- 20 April to 18 October 2026.
- Price
- From £16.50.
Scotland, in print.
Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.
For further reading, before you go.