Destinations

10 Best Castles in Edinburgh

Whether you want to spend the night at a historic castle, or just visit for the day, you'll have plenty of options in Edinburgh.

By Freya Herring

February 6, 2019

Scotland Edinburgh Castle Tantallon Castle

So you thought Edinburgh only had one castle? Think again. Scotland’s capital and its surrounding areas are positively brimming with historic castles—there are castle hotels where you can lay your head; castles on islands that once kept queens captive; and of course there is the big kahuna itself, Edinburgh Castle. Here are 10 castles either within, or within short driving distance of, Edinburgh. Just don’t let all that majesty go to your head, or like the owners of these castles before you, it might end up chopped off.

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Stobo Castle
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Built in 1811 and located about one hour south of the city, Stobo Castle is now a luxury spa hotel where you can stay, swim, stroll, and be pampered. The Japanese Water Garden, built in the early 20th century, is a particular highlight—it’s like walking through a Monet painting. Some of the interiors stand to be upgraded, but the old-timey feel does lend a traditional regal vibe–as if a queen has decorated this place. Make sure you request a room in the old building, rather than the new one, or you might not find yourself staying in a castle at all.
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Dirleton Castle
Set within beautifully manicured 19th-century gardens, Dirleton Castle dates back to the 1200s and is located about 45 minutes east of Edinburgh. It housed three noble families until its eventual ruin, in 1650, when Oliver Cromwell came up from England and attacked. The Nisbet family designed gardens around the ruined castle in the 1660s, making them the centerpiece. Dirleton Castle is a great place to introduce castles to kids; it looks like the sort of castle you see in fairytales. Anyone interested in battle history will be thoroughly enthralled here, too.

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Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official Scottish residence. And it’s a palace, all right—every room feels more luxurious than the one before. It’s situated within easy walking distance from the center of town and is open year round. Because you get to access so many of the rooms—the King’s bedchamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ Chamber are particularly elaborate—you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. The gardens are beautiful, too, although opening times are limited. And be sure to check out the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey.
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Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous castles in the world; it towers above Scotland’s capital from its seat upon Castle Rock. Like the rest of Edinburgh, it is very, very old; the oldest building dates back to the 12th century, but there has been a fortress here since the Iron Age. Highlights include the grand and elaborate Great Hall, built for James IV in 1511; the Stone of Destiny, used to anoint Scottish kings since before the 1200s (famously stolen from Westminster Abbey in 1950 and brought back to Scotland in secret); and the Crown Jewels.

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Dundas Castle
Dundas Castle is the real deal: a 15th-century castle about 40 minutes west of Edinburgh that can only be rented in its entirety. There are 17 bedrooms, so you can be the Laird of your own castle for as long as you (can afford to) stay there. The oldest part dates back to 1416, with the grand, now-main building dating from 1818. Some of Scotland’s most glamorous weddings take place here.
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Hopetoun House
Calling Hopetoun a "house" is like calling the Met Gala a "get-together"—we all know it’s a bit more than that. In fact, Hopetoun is a palace by another name. The Hope family have lived here since the late 1600s when the house was built, and still do this day. Luckily for us, they allow visitors at certain times of the year, either for events, clay-shooting, archery, or just to have a walk around. Just 35 minutes west of the city, it's also popular among fans of the hugely popular Outlander show, as the castle is a regular filming location.

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Midhope Castle
Midhope Castle on the grounds of Hopetoun House is the filming location used for Lallybroch— i.e. Jamie Fraser’s home—in Outlander. It dates back to 1458 (perhaps earlier) and although its exterior appears to be in good condition, the interior is derelict. Before you leave, pick up some local produce from the delightful farm shop, including meat raised on the estate’s own grounds.
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Fa'side Castle
About 20 minutes west of Edinburgh, Fa’side Castle is inhabited by a family that rents out the castle tower as a B&B. Guests also get exclusive use of the Grand Hall, replete with a log-burning stove. Fa’side, which dates back to the 1400s, is a big draw for tourists who want to experience a Scottish castle firsthand, so people from all corners of the globe stay here. With only one room, you'll have the place to yourself (with the exception of the owners).

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Tantallon Castle
The spectacular Tantallon Castle is situated east of Edinburgh, right on a cliff's edge, and is surely one of the most magnificent ruins in Scotland. Having stood strong since the mid 1300s, despite three sieges, its last stand was in 1651 when Oliver Cromwell attacked. The damage was so severe that Tantallon was left to ruin—but what a glorious ruin indeed.
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Lochleven Castle
Lochleven Castle holds a special place in Scottish history. It was built in the 1300s, making it one of Scotland’s oldest castles. William Wallace is said to have visited here, as well as Robert the Bruce and John Knox. Most infamously, Mary, Queen of Scots was held captive in this very castle from 1567 until 1568, when she escaped not just the loch, but the country. (Queen Elizabeth I locked her up shortly after, and she never returned to her homeland again.) Now a ruin, the structure sits on an island about an hour north of Edinburgh on Loch Leven and is accessible only by boat.