Top 6 Castles In East Lothian
If you’ve already explored Edinburgh Castle and you’re looking for more, visit the castles in East Lothian, all within easy day-trip of the Scottish capital. Many of the castles overlook the spectacular coastline and all have a history of battles and sieges.
Immerse yourself in Scottish history as you see the dramatic ruins and reconstructed castles of East Lothian. There are 92 castles and fortified houses in the county, but you may struggle to get to them all – so here are the top six East Lothian castles you won’t want to miss.
Dirleton Castle and Gardens
13th-century castle with pretty gardens
Centuries of Scottish history await at Dirleton Castle, a couple of miles from North Berwick. See the remains of the 13th-century De Vaux towers and walk across the bridge over the moat into the heart of the stone ruins.
The Haliburton family, who owned Dirleton in the 15th century, expanded the castle and added several of the buildings you can see today. The castle was abandoned in the 1600s but extensive gardens were later added in the 18th and 19th centuries.
As you stroll around the manicured gardens, look out for the dovecote – it’s one of the best preserved in the country and can hold over 1,000 birds.
Pitch up at the best campsites in Lothian.
Dunbar Castle
Dramatic harbourside ruins
You should really visit Dunbar Castle as soon as possible, because this once-strong fortress is slowly falling into the sea. The scenic ruins overlook the harbour in the town of Dunbar and date from the 12th century.
Over the centuries, and most famously in the 14th century, the castle successfully defended sieges by the English – but it might be best known for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed here several times in the 16th century. She was brought to Dunbar Castle after she was kidnapped by the man she later married.
After Mary fled to England, the castle was ordered to be destroyed. You can’t enter the ruins, but you can view them from across the harbour.
Find more tourist attractions to visit in Lothian.
Tantallon Castle
Sea views and wildlife from a medieval castle
Climb Tantallon’s towers for views over the Bass Rock and the North Sea, and take in the scale of one of Scotland’s last great medieval castles. Built in the 14th century, the castle was home to the Red Douglas dynasty for over 300 years until it was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s army.
Take a tour of the castle to see the replica gun in the east tower and try to spot some of the wildlife around the grounds, including the large seabird colony. The castle’s dramatic clifftop location has led it to be featured in several films, including Under the Skin starring Scarlett Johansson.
See the best camping spots in Scotland.
Hailes Castle
Extensive ruins of a 13th-century castle
In the pretty River Tyne Valley, Hailes is one of Scotland’s oldest standing stone castles and dates from the early 13th century. Walk along the riverside path and see the castle from the north to get an idea of its scale. Explore the towers, curtain wall, vaulted kitchen and dovecote and look out over the river from above.
The castle was passed from its original owners, who supported the English during the Wars of Independence, to its new owner after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Learn about this history and the destruction of Hailes Castle in the 17th century as you wander around the grounds.
Find a campsite near Hailes Castle.
Fa’side Castle
Almost a millennium of history
If you’re in Edinburgh and want to escape the busy city centre without straying too far, head to Fa’side Castle. It’s close to the city but is a peaceful place to explore with countryside views across the Firth of Forth and the hills of Fife.
Fa'side is a 14th-century L-plan tower house and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, most recently in the 1970s when it was saved from being destroyed completely.
Want more places to escape to from Edinburgh? Check out these great places to walk in Lothian.
Redhouse Castle
A ruined 16th-century tower house
This 16th-century tower house is roofless and in ruins but it’s an atmospheric spot to explore in East Lothian. Once you’ve walked through the arched gateway into the enclosed courtyard, you can look up at the four-storey structure that remains here.
Look out for the dovecote and the carvings over the old doorway – they were done for John Laing, who owned the castle in the 17th century. There’s now a market garden with a café next to the ruins.
Want to see more of the coast of East Lothian? Check out the best beaches to visit in Lothian for some ideas.