15 castles near Edinburgh

20 minutes from Seton Sands

Regarded as one of the finest examples of early classical homes in Scotland, Dalkeith Palace was completed in 1711 and sits in beautifully sculpted, inviting grounds, just southeast of Edinburgh. The palace was built for the 1st Duchess of Buccleuch by noted architect James Smith and developed out of an earlier medieval castle. 

The Country Park’s extensive grounds (over 1000 acres) have been protected as Sight of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with trees over 90 years old, a stable yard, and ornate circular orangery. It’s a great place to walk your dog (on a lead) or exercise with the kids with many miles of trails, bluebell groves and a winding river with historic bridges.

20 minutes from Seton Sands

Another of Scotland’s many scenic ruins, Direlton Castle is worth seeing if you’re visiting the nearby town of North Berwick, just 13 miles from our Seton Sands Holiday Village. 

Parts of Direlton date back to the 13th century, and much remains intact, which is remarkable given that it was twice besieged during the wars of Scottish Independence and then again by Oliver Cromwell. 

Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Firth of Forth, it can be explored via a reconstructed walkway, and sits in ornate and colourful gardens which are also fun to explore.

24 minutes from Seton Sands

Complete your hat trick of Cromwell-besieged ruins with this inland castle, which sits on the banks of the River Tyne just east of the pretty market towns of Haddington and East Linton (both well worth a visit). 

Hailes Castle is a fortified manor which dates to the 1200s. Mary Queen of Scots’ third husband may have been born there, and the couple certainly stayed there in 1567 on the way to their Edinburgh wedding at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

It was later owned by the Seton family, who also lent their name to Seton Sands. The surrounding parkland provides a scenic stroll or dog walk, with its woodland and rippling stream. Reach it in just 25 minutes from our Seton Sands Holiday Village.

24 minutes from Seton Sands

South of Edinburgh, situated in Craigmillar Castle Park is the castle of the same name, which dates to the 14th century, but is partially ruined today. Mary Queen of Scots famously stayed here, following the birth of her son, the future James VI (later James I of the unified crowns and translator of the Bible). 

Extended in the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle features an impressive square tower which provides stunning views. There are dramatic features, a family chapel, and extensive grounds. The Castle is open to the public daily and is well-maintained by Historic Environment Scotland.

26 minutes from Seton Sands

No listing of Edinburgh Castles would make sense without prime position being given to Edinburgh’s best-known landmark. Sitting on its impressive Castle Rock, it can be seen from all over the city, and is well-worth a tour. Highlights include the vaulted Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, and the Stone of Destiny, used in the crowning of Scottish (and British) Kings and Queens.

If you’re visiting during the Edinburgh Festival, consider getting tickets to the extraordinary Edinburgh Military Tattoo, held annually on the Castle Esplanade. It’s a remarkable display of music, military precision, dance, and pageantry, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

26 minutes from Seton Sands

No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a walk down the Royal Mile. At the top sits Edinburgh Castle of course, but at the foot, situated against a scenic backdrop of Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat, is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s residence in the capital. The current Palace was built at the turn of the 16th century, and the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and monastery can be seen in the grounds. 

There’s lots for public visitors to see including the royal art collection, throne rooms, dining room, and crown jewels. The gardens are worth a wander all year round, covering four hectares. Recent additions include a restored medicinal garden and a wildflower meadow.

27 minutes from Seton Sands

Another ruin near North Berwick is Tantallon Castle, maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. This too was besieged by Cromwell, and dates to the 1300s. Its impressive curtain walls are among the best-preserved in Scotland, and it sits looking directly over the Forth estuary. 

Featured in the Scarlett Johannsen-starring film Under the Skin, the ruin forms an impressive backdrop as you imagine yourself back to medieval times. Don’t walk too close to the cliffs however – it’s a long fall to the rocks below! 

The castle lies another two miles to the east of North Berwick by car and can be reached in half an hour from our Seton Sands Holiday Village.

28 minutes from Seton Sands

If you’re tiring of ruins, Borthwick Castle provides a dramatic contrast, being a fully refurbished and preserved medieval castle built in 1430 for Sir William Borthwick. 

Today it is a popular wedding and private hire venue, notable for its Great Hall, which has a painted Gothic ceiling and immense chimney.  

There is a circular walk from nearby Gorebridge, following the Gore Water to the Castle before turning back northwest along the farm road. This route can be muddy and challenging at times, however.

29 minutes from Seton Sands

If you’d rather head east and want to see one of Scotland’s oldest seaside castles, drive inland via the historic hamlet of East Linton to Dunbar. A word of caution though – there’s little left of this fortification, which has been situated on a rocky promontory since the 7th century, with the first stone structure built in the 11th century. 

Throughout Pict, Viking and medieval eras, the castle was besieged, occupied, disassembled, and rebuilt, with the existing stonework dating to the 12th century. The remains are very ruined yet photogenic and there’s a nearby museum where you can find out more. Dunbar also boasts the birthplace of Scottish conservationist John Muir, now a museum too.

45 minutes from Seton Sands

If you’re visiting Cramond, a trip to Lauriston Castle and Museum is well worth a visit, but visits to the house itself must be pre-booked in advance. The beautiful grounds are open to the public, and there’s Mimi’s Little Bakehouse for takeaway snacks. 

The castle is an historic tower house with later extensions, with views over the Firth of Forth. The home of the Napier family (Alexander Napier became Lord Lauriston) since the 17th century, the building resembles a country manor more than a fortification and has a largely Edwardian interior. 

The gardens, where many events are held, contains a bluebell wood, Japanese garden, and many money puzzle trees.

48 minutes from Seton Sands

Linlithgow boasts not one, but two castles, with Blackness occupying a commanding position on the Firth of Forth, overlooking the Victorian rail bridge. Hugely fortified, this castle from the 1400s featured as a key location in the TV series Outlander. 

Its imposing appearance is no accident since the castle chiefly functioned as a garrison fortress and a state prison. visitors can walk the ramparts and take in the stunning views of the Firth of Forth and its bridges. The castle’s dominating appearance and three stone masts earned it the nickname “the ship that never sailed.”

53 minutes from Seton Sands

Around an hour’s drive west of Seton Sands, on the other side of Edinburgh, lies the town of Linlithgow. It contains a beautifully preserved 1400s palace, previously a principal residence of the Scottish monarchs. It’s known for its “crossed swords” crown steeple, decorating its square tower. 

The castle reached its prime under extensive renovations by James I and his successors, and was a favoured home of the Stewart Queens, including Mary Queen of Scots, who was born there. The great hall and James IV’s royal apartments are particularly luxurious highlights of any visit. 

Also notable are the three-tiered courtyard fountain and James VI’s north quarter, one of the latest additions, partially destroyed by fire in 1746.

55 minutes from Seton Sands

A 17th-century stately home more than a castle, this is an architectural marvel located within view of the famous Forth Road and Rail Bridges. The house and extensive grounds are open between March and September, and there are often events held here, such as concerts, exhibitions, guided tours, and even a geology walk.

Remarkably symmetrical and grand in design, the building is often described as Scotland’s finest stately home. Much of the TV series Outlander was filmed here, including the red drawing room and west lawn; a handy map gives you the lowdown on locations.

There are nature trails perfect for the kids to explore, and plenty of deer to spot in the 6500-acre grounds.

59 minutes from Seton Sands

The Kingdom of Fife is well-worth visiting, including its East Neuk fishing villages, which are among Scotland’s hidden gems. On the way to the likes of Anstruther or Crail, make sure you check out Aberdour Castle, rumoured to be Scotland’s oldest standing castle, with the remains of an early 12th-century hall standing adjacent to the intact 17th-century portion of the building. 

Maintained for the public by Historic Environment Scotland, the castle includes a long gallery, impressive painted ceilings and a doocot (dovecot).

1 hour 12 minutes from Seton Sands

This one involves a bit of a drive (it’s around 55 miles from Seton Sands, in Clackmannanshire, north of the Firth of Forth). However, if you fancy a daytrip to one of the seats of the powerful clan Campbell, this is a worthwhile excursion. 

Built in the 1400s and very well preserved, this castle towers over its hilly, wooded surrounds and offer stunning views over Dollar Glen. Steep ravines and a tumbling river make this one of Scotland’s most iconic tower house castles. 

Inside, you’ll learn about famous visitors such as John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots. The terraced gardens offer scenic walks, including the European-styled loggia.