18 Epic Castles near Edinburgh That You Must Visit

Castles are a massive unique attraction to Scotland, representing the myths, legends and turbulent history. No trip to Scotland is complete without viewing at least one castle.

The very first castle was believed to have been built in the 12th century. The purpose of castles has changed through the centuries.

Most were built to defend the country from the English, then as extravagant homes to the nation’s wealthiest families. These majestic fortresses have welcomed many famous people and historical legends.

Craigcrook Castle

A total of twenty minutes drive from the centre of Edinburgh, Craigcrook Castle is in the west of the city.

The castle is a 16th century tower house, the central block involves three storeys and there are pleasant round turrets. Lord Jeffreys ghost is said to be haunting the building. 

Owners of the castle include Sit John Hall of Dunglass, Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1689, as well as the Meins, Pringles, and Strachans. In the 19th century the castle was home to Archibald Constable.

There has been a range of well-known people visited the castle including Charles Dickens, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Hans Christian Anderson. 

Nearby Accommodation: Hillhouse

Edinburgh Castle 

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic castles in Scotland, and it is the most iconic in Edinburgh.

The castle’s location is extraordinary and from the entrance, you will be amazed by the glorious views across Edinburgh, out to the River Forth and Pentland Hills. 

The castle is perched on an extinct volcanic rock and can be seen across the cities for miles. Located at the top of the Royal Mile in the Old Town (a Scottish UNESCO site), there is so much character when heading up to the castle.

From Princes Gardens and Princes Street, the castle stands proudly. Also, it is a great photo opportunity to stand in the gardens or in front of the castle. 

On a visit to the castle, you can discover the details of the city’s medieval past from the 12th century, including the sieges, military history and royal residences.

Also, you can wander through the prison which has held over 1,000 prisoners throughout its time. 

The castle’s importance within Scotland continued to this day. The annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo is carried out within its impressive esplanade.

This event is one of the most recognisable icons across the nation. 

This is one of the biggest attractions in Scotland, so make your book in advance. Tickets for adults cost £18.00 online.

Craigmillar Castle

Less than a twenty-minute car journey from the centre of Edinburgh is the stunning Craigmillar Castle. This destination is the closest castle near Edinburgh city centre.

Just located off the City Bypass, the journey is well worth it to explore all the historic nooks and crannies.

The 15th century castle is well known for being the place of safety for the Mary Queen of Scots back in 1566 before she was ironically imprisoned by Sir Simon Preston, the same man that owned the castle. 

Also, there is a tower house to climb, which is well known for being the second oldest Tower House in Scotland standing tall at 17 metres. 

From the top of the tower, you can take in the breath taking views over Holyrood Park and Edinburgh Castle.

Also, you can view the  character of a this medieval stronghold and walk around inside what they believe was once Queen Mary’s bedroom in 1566. 

Craigmillar Castle is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and entry to the castle is £7 per adult.

As the castle is quite famous it is important to pre-book. Buses are available which will take you from Edinburgh City Centre.

Nearby Accommodation: 18 Craigmillar Park

Lauriston Castle 

A gorgeous hidden gem in Edinburgh which is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s city centre.

This beautiful 16th-century tower house was home to a wealthy local couple, Mr and Mrs Reid from the late 1800s until 1926. Since then, it has been a museum. Inside the castle, it is a stunning example of Edwardian interior design.

As well as the gorgeous castle, there are excellent gardens to walk around which can be described as an oasis of calm.

Also, you can soak in the atmosphere at the award-winning Japanese Gardens. Moreover, you can enjoy the views across the River Forth and Cramond Island. 

Entry is free to visit the castle grounds. Keep an eye out on their website to find out more information on when they can go to go the castle.

At Lauriston Castle, there is a coffee shop too which sells amazing coffee and delicious cakes.

Rosslyn Castle

Located in the small stunning village of Roslin, this castle near Edinburgh is one of the easiest to get to. The journey is a car is a thirty-minutes.

Rosslyn Chapel is famous for being one of the most notable filming locations in Dan Brown’s film adaption of the Da Vinci Code, and you can book tickets to look around inside. 

Also, you can walk around the magnificent Roslin Glen where you will stumble across the ruined castle which is virtually unknown compared to the chapel.

There is an awesome photo opportunity if you decide to walk along the bridge approaching the castle to its ruined walls. 

Roslyn Castle is a spectacular site and is a real hidden gem in Scotland despite its closeness to Edinburgh. Admission to Rosslyn Chapel is £9.50 per adult.

Nearby Accommodation: Chapel Cross Guesthouse

Dalkeith Palace

An 18th-century grand classical house located in Scotland.

Dalkeith Palace is located southeast of Edinburgh, just five minutes outside the city. James Smith, a lead architect in Scotland designed the palace.

There was an original medieval castle which stood on the same site and had been occupied by the Buccleuch family since 1642. 

Throughout the years, visitors are visit join art exhibitions and events which are held at the country park and palace. The interior of the castle is not always possible to see.

However, it is worth stopping by to see the exterior and surrounding area. There are lovely walks in the surrounding area, a great cafe and a selection of shops in the courtyard.

Nearby Accommodation: The Dalkeith Hotel

Crichton Castle 

Crichton Castle is a 14th-century ruined castle near Edinburgh. Located a forty-minute drive southeast of Edinburgh on the River Tyne.

The views of the castle and surrounding area are gorgeous, and you will be greeted with the peace, quiet and isolation of the Scottish countryside.

You can explore inside the castle ruins, and walk through what would have been the kitchen, a bakehouse, the bed chambers, the grand great hall and the castle’s dramatic diamond-patterned facade. 

Another ancient castle means there is a great depth of history. Crichton Castle has a long rich history, starting with the Crichton family and the Mary Queen of Scots.

Moreover, Francis Stewart lived here and gave the castle the distinctive features that it is famous for today. 

Also, the castle’s extensive history is believed to have influenced a dinner scene at the Game of Throne’s Red Wedding. Also, there have been accusations of witchcraft at this castle.

The castle is currently cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and access is prohibited until further notice. However, you can walk around the grounds and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Nearby Accommodation: Pine Lodge

Borthwick Castle

One of the largest fortresses in Scotland is the towering twin towers of Borthwick Castle. Just over a thirty-minute drive south of Edinburgh, and you will reach Borthwick Castle.

Nobility is present on the exterior of the castle which was built by Sir William de Borthwick. 

The castle remained the seat of the Borthwick family for the last 600 years. The main purpose of the castle now is as an events venue.

However, there are open days throughout the year so make sure you do not miss out on the opportunity.

Nearby Accommodation: Borthwick Farm Cottage Annex

Preston Tower

This little gem is a small castle in Edinburgh, located in Prestonpans.

You can not go into the tower but it is great to sit and look at it. The gardens are lovely in all seasons.

Preston Tower dates back to the 14th century and has four storeys. One of the many locations attacked by Cromwell, also, the tower suffered damage from the Earl of Hertford at the behest of Henry VIII.

Visitors can not access the interior of Preston Tower. Located a half an hour’s drive from the east of Edinburgh, on the outskirts of Prestonpans. 

Nearby Accommodation: Winfields House

Dirleton Castle & Gardens

The tower at this castle is one of the oldest sights and dates back to the 13th century. Three noble families once called this castle their home.

The castle was in use for over 400 years before Oliver Cromwell’s siege in 1650, which led the castle to be declared unfair for military use.

In the 19th century, new owners took over the castle and turned the castle into an architectural marvel. Also, the stunning surrounding gardens were landscaped and are a popular sight for tourists still to this day.  

Dirleton Castle is only a fifty-minute drive east of the centre of Edinburgh. Dirleton Castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

Tickets for adults cost £3.50. The gardens, exhibitions and shops are now open. To ensure entry, I would recommend booking in advance. 

Nearby Accommodation: Hideaway Cottage

Hailes Castle 

A 13th-century ruined castle near Edinburgh which is approximately forty minutes from east of the city. James Hepburn who was the third final husband of Mary Queen of Scots was born here.

Then around a century later Oliver Cromwell took over. Now all that remains is an abandoned crumbling castle with scenic views across the valley of River Tyne. 

Hailes Castle site can be visited for free. However, the castle is currently closed due to safety reasons. There is parking a the side of the road which can take 3-4 cars maximum. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Crown’s Guest House

Saltcoats Castle

Saltcoats Castle is believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Livingstone Family. In the 1800s the castle fell into a gradual decline after some parts of the building were rescued as construction material.

Very little is remaining, however, you can make out that it was a four-storey building and an impressive arch still stands. 

It will take approximately a one-hour drive to get to Saltcoats Castle. Located on the east side of Edinburgh half a mile to the south of Gullane.

Also, the castle can be reached from a circular walk from Aberlady Bay. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Cottage

Tantallon Castle 

Perched on a clifftop looking over Bass Rock in East Lothian is Tantallon Castle. This castle near Edinburgh is just a thirty-mile journey from the centre of the city it takes less than an hour to get there.

The fortress was built back in the 14th century and was home to the Red Douglas of the dynasty. Little is left of the castle ruin, but it has done quite well despite being abandoned and located in an exposed spot to harsh weather conditions.

One of the main walls is no longer standing, however, you can marvel at the enormous curtain wall and incredible surrounding views. Many artefacts are displayed to help tell the castle’s dramatic stories.

The castle is currently cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Pre-booking is essential to view this castle.

Entry to the castle grounds is free. However, access to the castle is restricted due to safety reasons. The castle grounds and shop are open.

Tantallon Castle is a lovely castle located on the east coast of Scotland.

Nearby Accommodation: Auldhame House East Wing

Carlowrie Castle

One of the most romantic small castles in Scotland. Being a castle near Edinburgh, it is a popular wedding venue.

An imitation of 19th-century Gothic architecture, it s a well-known example of the famous architect David Rhind.

The castle belonged to Isobel Wylie Hutchinson who spent a full 93 years living in Carlowrie Castle. Carlowrie Castle is one of Scotland’s fairy tale castles.

The castle is mostly now used as an events venue. There is a beautiful well-kept garden and the front of the castle is covered in wines which have stunning red flowers on them throughout the year.

Midhope Castle 

Midhope Castle is a wonderful ruin. This castle near Edinburgh was the principal residence of the kings and queens of Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Located in between Blackness Castle and the Forth Road Bridge. This castle is a half an hour drive away from the centre of Edinburgh.

Midhope is one of the many locations which was a film scene for the TV series Outlander. The castle is the family home of Jamie Fraser, the meal lead character in Outlander.

Although the castle remains intact it is derelict on the inside. To enter the castle, it costs £5 per adult.

Nearby Accommodation: Parkhead House

Blackness Castle

Located overlooking the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle a 15th-century fortress which has had many uses throughout its time. This castle near Edinburgh was built for the Crichton family to be their lordly residence.

Then in 1453, it become a royal castle, followed by a garrison fortress. Later the castle became a state prison and then an ammunition depot before the visitor attraction it is today. 

Blackness Castle is also known as the “Ship that never sailed” due to its similar resemblance to a stone ship from one side.

Also, you can climb the tower to get amazing views, explore the different rooms and learn all about one of Scotland’s most powerful families of the past. 

The castle has gained popularity after appearing in the famous US TV show Outlander. Blackness Castle is currently cared for by Historic Environment Scotland.

The admission price for an adult is £7. There are toilet facilities and a picnic area. 

Linlithgow Palace

The stunning Linlithgow Palace and immense grounds are located east of Edinburgh, almost a forty-five minute drive from the centre of Edinburgh.

The palace was built in 1424 by James I. Afterwards, for centuries, the castle became home of countless Scottish monarchs and noblemen.

Also, the palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. For admission, adults have to pay £7.20 for a ticket, the structure is currently cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. 

Nearby Accommodation: Court Residence

Yester Castle 

Yester Castle is an old ruin castle near Edinburgh which is hidden in the trees, with a spooky hall underneath. The subterranean cavern is known as the Goblin Ha’.

This important border fortress saw action subterranean during the Wars of Independence and the Rough Wooing. 

To find this interesting place you can park near the gate to the Yester Walk path, it is very muddy so beware of that.

Alternatively, you can park at the golf course and walk about 10-15 minutes across the course. Approximately a forty-five minute drive south-east of Edinburgh.

Nearby Accommodation: Goblin Ha’

What castle is near Edinburgh Scotland?

Craigmillar Castle is a well-preserved castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Ruined castles near Edinburgh are Rosslyn Castle, Yester Castle, Tantallon Castle, Blackness Castle, Hailes Castle and Saltcoats Castle.

Well-preserved castles near Edinburgh are Carlowrie Castle, Dundas Castle, House of Binns and Dalkeith Palace. 

What are the three castles in Edinburgh?

The three castles which are in Edinburgh are Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar Castle and Lauriston Castle. There are more castles in the city of Edinburgh, however, these are private or unsafe to visit. 

Final Note

This post lists the best castles in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. All of these castles are within an hour’s drive of Edinburgh and most can be reached by public transport.

The castles near Edinburgh are rich with Royal and military history. In the surrounding countryside, you will find many castles that are owned or visited by the Scottish monarchy.

Also, there are so many other attractions near Edinburgh. You can see some Lothian waterfalls or climb local hills.

Edinburgh and the Lothians are not the only areas of Scotland that have castles. Visitors can also check out castles near Aberdeen, castles near Stirling, castles near Glasgow, castles near Perth, castles near Dundee and castles in Dumfries and Galloway.