Best Castles near Edinburgh

Visit Edinburgh, and you’ll be hard-pressed not to visit its most famous historical castles, but why stick to the typical tourist trail just visiting Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse when there are so many more castles to see and enjoy?

See where James V and Mary Queen of Scots were born, spend a night (or longer) in medieval grandeur, admire the Scottish tower houses, and see the beauty of the Scottish countryside, all of it right on Edinburgh’s doorstep.

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List of the best castles in and near Edinburgh

Map of Best Castles Near Edinburgh

How to Get Around

The easiest way to explore the castles near Edinburgh is by car. I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars. They offer the best price, you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. Click here for more information on availability and the latest prices.

As an alternative, you can use the ScotRail train. Click here for more information about train tickets. 

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Staying in central Edinburgh can get incredibly pricey, but there are many beautiful hotels outside of the city where you can base yourself. Be sure to book a rental car so you can explore these incredible castles at your own pace.

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club: Built-in 1725, this hotel is set within 1000 acres of parkland and a sprawling golf course, yet it is close to the motorway, so you can hit the road to the castles. With an on-site spa, award-winning restaurant, and opulent rooms, you can relax after exploring the castles in the area. Book your stay here.

Malmaison Edinburgh: Part of the luxury hotel chain Malmaison, this hotel sits on the banks of the Forth in Leith with views of the port. Edinburgh and Dalhousie Castles are a short drive away, with a spacious car park for guests to park their rental cars. The Malmaison is known for its brasserie style and comfortable rooms. Book your stay here.

Point A Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket: Set in the popular Haymarket area of Edinburgh, this Point A hotel is a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing style and comfort. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, some with huge curved windows overlooking the city. Book your stay here.

15 Castles to Visit Near Edinburgh

1. Edinburgh Castle

This historical fortress and royal palace dominate the city’s skyline from its position atop Castle Rock. One of the oldest fortified palaces in Europe, it is the castle where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI, who became King of Scotland at 13 months of age and who later united Scotland and England.

Visit this top tourist attraction to learn the history, and admire the interior and exterior architecture, as well as the jewels in the crown room. Also on site is the National War Museum.

Click here for more information and for tickets and tours available to Edinburgh Castle.

Where: Edinburgh
When: 12^th century
Style: Gothic / Renaissance
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.

2. Palace of Holyroodhouse

The official residence of the Queen when she is in Scotland on official business, Holyrood Palace was originally built as a monastery in the 12^th century before becoming a royal residence in the 15^th century.

Learn all about the Kings and Queens of Scotland who have lived here, including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, as you take a tour to see the state apartments, the throne room, and the great gallery before heading outside to admire the gardens and the ruins of the beautiful Holyrood Abbey.

Click here for more information and tickets and tours available for the Holyroodhouse Palace.

Where: Edinburgh
When: 17^th century
Style: Neoclassical
Open for visit: Open. Check the website for dates of closures.

You might also be interested in: Famous castles to visit in Scotland.

3. Craigmillar Castle

The lesser-known of the three castles in Edinburgh itself, Craigmillar Castle sits in ruin just 3 miles from the city center; built 1 mile outside of the original city walls, it was somewhat of a country retreat for royals of the past.

Walk in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots as you wander the ruins for it was here that Mary fled after the murder of Rizzio and where the plot was hatched to murder Lord Darnley.

Where: Edinburgh
When: 14^th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.

4. Liberton Tower

Built by the Dalmahoy family, of whose family crest can still be seen, this refurbished 4-story square tower house provides accommodation with stunning views across Edinburgh for those who wish to enjoy their very own medieval fortress for a night or two!

Where: Liberton, Edinburgh
When: 15^th century
Style: Lothian
Open for visit: Only for those who book it for accommodation. Click here for more information.

5. Lauriston Castle

With views overlooking the Firth of Forth, this tower house turned manor house turned museum (quite a hidden gem!) contains stunning Edwardian interiors with historical costumed performances that help bring history to life.

Enjoy the extensive grounds, which are open daily if you can’t make it on a guided tour of the house itself.

Where: Edinburgh
When: 16^th and 19^th century
Style: Jacobean
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.

6. Rosslyn Castle

This partially ruined castle is an imposing sight, surrounded by the ancient woodland of Roslin Glen, together with the restored five-story mansion of the St Clair family, which is now used for holiday accommodation.

Be sure to visit the remarkable 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel with its state-of-the-art visitor center which is a short walk away from the castle and allows you to admire the surroundings in more detail.

Where: Roslin, Midlothian
When: 14^th-16^th century
Style: Gothic
Open for visit: Mansion access for guests only. Chapel and ruins are open to the public. Click here for more information.

7. Crichton Castle

Home to Medieval lords and Renaissance noblemen (including Mary Queen of Scots thirdhusband, James Hepburn, the 4th Earl of Bothwell), wander around the atmospheric ruined castle of Crichton and admire the architecture as well as the panoramic views overlooking the River Tyne.

Where: Crichton, Midlothian
When: 14^th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.

8. Blackness Castle

This impressive-looking fortress that, as well as being a residence for the noble Crichton family, was also used as a state prison is in the shape of a boat hence being known as ‘The Boat That Never Sailed’.

If you think it looks familiar, it was used as the filming location for Fort William in season one of Outlander and also stood in as Holyrood Palace in the 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots.

Where: Blackness, Linlithgow
When: 15^th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Yes, for more information check here.

9. Midhope Castle

This picturesque 5-story tower house is located on the private estate of Hopetoun and was another filming location for the TV series Highlander in which it featured as Lallybroch. Though derelict inside, it remains an impressive sight from the outside and can be walked all the way around.

Where: Abercorn, South Queensferry
When: 15^th century
Style:
Open for visit: Open for more information, check here.

10. Aberdour Castle

Dating back to 1200, Aberdour Castle is one of the oldest masonry castles still standing in Scotland. Now a striking ruin, this tower house castle was once the luxurious home of Regent Morton, who was the most powerful man in Scotland between 1572-1578.

As well as the ruins and the painted ceiling from the 1600s, visitors can also enjoy a walk around the beautiful pleasure gardens.

Where: Easter Aberdour, Fife
When: 12^th century
Style: Renaissance
Open for visit: Open check here for more information.

11. Dalhousie Castle

Said to be the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, Dalhousie Castle has been turned into a luxurious spa hotel located within 11 acres of beautiful wooded parkland. Once the seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, the chieftains of Clan Ramsay, Dalhousie Castle ensures a romantic getaway on the banks of the River Esk.

Where: Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
When: 13^th and 15^th century
Style: Renaissance
Open for visit: Only for guests who book accommodation. Check here for more information.

12. Preston Tower

This 4-story L-plan tower house keep stands in ruins today and can only be admired from the exterior, but you can still catch a glimpse of some of its unusual features.

Built-in the 1400s by the Hamiltons of Rossavon, Fingalton, and Preston, Preston Tower was attacked twice throughout history, the 2nd time by Oliver Cromwell’s forces.

Where: Prestonpans, East Lothian
When: 15^th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Exterior only, dawn to dusk.

13. Linlithgow Palace

A principal royal residence for the 15^th and 16^th Scottish monarchs and the birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace is an impressive ruin located beside a beautiful loch. The palace was used as a retreat to break the journey when moving between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.

Where: Linlithgow, West Lothian
When: 12^th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.

14. Tantallon Castle

Built for the Red Douglas dynasty, Tantallon Castle enjoys spectacular views overlooking Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth from its clifftop position, where you can climb the battalions.

Its massive red sandstone curtain wall is the best example from the 1300s anywhere in Scotland, and visitors can also admire an exact copy of the gun used to defend against James IV and James V in the East Tower.

Where: North Berwick, East Lothian
When: 14^th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Open. For more information check here.

15. Dirleton Castle

Located within beautiful gardens and grounds are the ruins of this picturesque Medieval fortress. Dirleton Castle was home to three noble families over its 400-year history, falling into ruin after it was partially destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s forces in 1650.

Today, visitors can see the pit prison, the chapel, the storage vaults, and the dovecot and admire the world’s longest herbaceous border.

Where: Dirleton, East Lothian
When: 12^th century
Style: Medieval
Open for visit: Yes, for more information, check here.

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