Castles near Edinburgh

If you visit Edinburgh, you have to see the castles that ring the city. You can stand on a volcanic crag in the city centre or drive a short distance to see massive ruins hanging over the sea cliffs. These spots are some of the best places in Scotland to take pictures, and the highest ramparts give you a great view of the scenery.

We grouped these castles near Edinburgh by travel time so you can easily fill your day. You will find options for a quick morning walk or a full-day trip into the countryside. This list tells you exactly what you can do at each site and how long it takes to get there.

Castles Within Edinburgh City

You don’t have to leave Edinburgh to visit some of Scotland’s most admired medieval strongholds. Some castles have a geographical position so unique and convenient that they’re still being used for military functions. 

1. Edinburgh Castle

This fortress dominates the skyline from the top of a volcanic crag. You can stand next to the One O’Clock Gun when it fires or walk right up to the Honours of Scotland (the Crown Jewels). The castle ramparts give you the highest vantage point in the city for photos of the skyline and the sea. If you time your visit for August, you can watch the Military Tattoo performers on the esplanade.

The site is a major visitor attraction and an active military base. Adult admission is £21.50. The castle sits at the head of the Royal Mile, and visitors access the site from Waverley Station.

2. Craigmillar Castle

The Preston family built this L-plan tower house in the late 14th century. This ruin comes off like a giant medieval playground with a maze of dark tunnels and spiral stairs that you can still climb. You can stand in the same room where Mary, Queen of Scots stayed or look for the "P" carvings left by the Preston family. The castle walls offer a clear, uncrowded view of Arthur’s Seat. Arthur’s Seat is Edinburgh’s highest peak and, legend has it, it’s named after King Arthur.

3. Lauriston Castle

Sir Archibald Napier constructed the original tower house around 1590. You can walk through a cozy Japanese garden that looks out over the water. The interiors remain frozen in 1926, so you can see exactly how a wealthy family lived before the era of modern technology. On sunny days, you can join locals for a walk on the sprawling lawns or watch croquet matches near the tower.

Castles Within 30 Minutes

You can reach these castles near Edinburgh in less time than it takes to grab lunch. It allows you to swap the city noise for a falconry display or a private courtyard without a long journey.

1. Dalhousie Castle

The Ramsay clan held this seat for eight centuries. You can actually sleep in this 13th-century fortress. It operates as a hotel with a spa and a restaurant inside the old dungeon. Guests can handle owls and buzzards at the on-site falconry centre. It works well for a weekend of downtime where you don't have to leave the grounds to find entertainment or food.

A private operator currently runs the castle as a hotel and spa. Access is restricted to paying guests and patrons of the venue. The estate sits near Bonnyrigg, approximately eight miles south of Edinburgh, and can be reached in a 25-minute drive.

2. Dundas Castle

James Dundas obtained a licence from the Duke of Albany in 1416 to construct the original keep at Dundas. This estate focuses on private weddings and corporate events. You get the entire 400-acre ground to yourself for your function. It has a medieval keep and a massive 19th-century house. You cannot visit for a day trip, so you must book the whole venue to see inside.

Castles Within 1 Hour

The drive to East Lothian takes you to the edge of the cliffs where the ruins face the open sea. You can walk the high walls to watch the waves crash below and spot the islands that turn white with seabirds.

1. Tantallon Castle

This ruined castle clings to the edge of the cliffs. You can climb the high curtain wall to look straight down at the crashing waves. The view looks out to the Bass Rock, a massive island that turns white with gannets in the summer. It gets windy, but the scenery is dramatic and gives you great backgrounds. The castle is located near North Berwick. Drivers reach the site in just under an hour via the A1, approximately 30 miles (ca. 48 km) east of Edinburgh.

2. Dirleton Castle

The gardens here include the longest herbaceous border in the world at 215m. It even holds the Guinness World Record. You can walk through the flowers before heading into the 13th-century ruins. A well-preserved dovecot sits on the grounds, with hundreds of nesting boxes. It sits right in the village, so you can grab lunch nearby after your visit.

Castles Slightly Farther but Iconic

These castles near Edinburgh controlled the vital crossing points of the River Forth and remain functionally linked to Edinburgh’s defensive history.

1. Stirling Castle

At Stirling Castle, you can meet costumed characters in the Royal Palace who explain life in the 1500s. The Great Hall features a bright yellow exterior that looks exactly as it did for royal celebrations. You can walk the high battlements to see the William Wallace Monument across the valley.

2. Doune Castle

Learn About Castles in Europe

Visiting these sites shows you that a castle can still be a functional home or business. You see them working as luxury hotels, private retreats, and event venues. It proves that these historic walls adapt well to our current circumstances. We maintain a portfolio of heritage properties for sale across the continent.

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