Edinburgh stands as Scotland’s crown jewel for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike. The city’s skyline bristles with ancient fortifications and noble residences that have witnessed centuries of Scottish heritage.
From dramatic clifftop strongholds to elegant manor houses, Edinburgh offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the grandeur of medieval Scotland. Here is a list of 15 magnificent castles to explore while visiting Edinburgh, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.
Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline with imposing authority. This 12th-century fortress houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.
Visitors can explore the Great Hall with its magnificent hammerbeam roof, comparable to dining in a wooden ship turned upside down.
Craigmillar Castle
Just three miles southeast of Edinburgh’s city center stands the remarkably preserved ruins of Craigmillar Castle. This medieval stronghold served as a refuge for Mary Queen of Scots following her illness after the birth of her son, James VI.
The castle’s maze-like structure features a central tower house surrounded by a series of courtyards and gardens, making it feel like a small walled town rather than a single fortress.
Lauriston Castle
This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of architectural styles spanning several centuries, from its 16th-century tower to Edwardian interior decorations. The castle sits surrounded by stunning Japanese and Italian-inspired gardens overlooking the Firth of Forth.
Inside, the rooms remain exactly as they were left by the last private owners in 1926, complete with original furniture, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a time capsule.
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Dalhousie Castle
Located just 8 miles south of Edinburgh, this 13th-century fortress now serves as a luxury hotel where guests can sleep within ancient stone walls once besieged by Henry IV’s armies. The castle retains many original features, including secret passages and a dungeon that now serves as a unique fine dining restaurant.
Visitors not staying overnight can still enjoy afternoon tea in the castle’s grand drawing rooms or explore the falconry center on the grounds.
Blackness Castle
Often called ‘the ship that never sailed’ due to its unusual shape resembling a stone boat jutting into the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle was built in the 1440s. This uncompromisingly stern fortress served primarily as a garrison fortress and state prison rather than a residence.
The castle gained recent fame as Fort William in the popular Outlander series, bringing a new generation of visitors to marvel at its formidable stone walls and spectacular waterfront location.
Dirleton Castle
Dating back to the 13th century, Dirleton Castle boasts one of the oldest castle architecture examples in Scotland. Its massive stone drum towers have withstood numerous sieges throughout history, including attacks during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
The castle grounds feature the world’s longest herbaceous border, according to the Guinness Book of Records, creating a stunning contrast between rugged medieval stonework and meticulously maintained Victorian gardens.
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Tantallon Castle
Dramatically positioned on a cliff edge overlooking the North Sea, Tantallon Castle presents one of the most spectacular castle settings in Scotland. The red sandstone fortress was the seat of the powerful Douglas family for over three centuries.
Its massive 14th-century curtain wall, standing 50 feet high in places, represents the last great curtain wall castle built in Scotland and offers breathtaking views across to Bass Rock.
Crichton Castle
Hidden in a peaceful valley in Midlothian, Crichton Castle presents an intriguing mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Its most remarkable feature is the Italian-inspired diamond-faceted façade added in the 1580s by the Earl of Bothwell after his travels in Italy.
The castle’s remote location and unusual decorative stonework make it a fascinating destination for those looking to escape the more crowded tourist attractions.
Borthwick Castle
Standing 70 feet tall, the twin-towered keep of Borthwick Castle creates an unmistakable silhouette on the Midlothian landscape. Built in 1430, it is one of Scotland’s largest and best-preserved medieval towers. Mary Queen of Scots famously fled here with her third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, in 1567 and reportedly escaped pursuing lords by disguising herself as a page boy when the castle was surrounded.
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Dundas Castle
This 15th-century tower house has been expanded and renovated over centuries into a luxurious residence that combines medieval architecture with modern comfort. The original ‘Auld Keep’ features walls up to 7 feet thick and a spectacular Great Hall with a soaring vaulted ceiling.
Now serving as an exclusive-use venue, the castle offers a glimpse into how Scotland’s historic fortifications have evolved from defensive strongholds to elegant homes.
Midhope Castle
Better known to many as ‘Lallybroch’ from the Outlander series, Midhope Castle stands as a fascinating shell of a once-grand 16th-century tower house. The exterior remains largely intact, allowing visitors to walk the grounds and imagine life in Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home.
Located on the Hopetoun Estate just west of Edinburgh, the castle offers excellent photo opportunities for both history buffs and television fans alike.
Hailes Castle
Nestled in a tranquil spot on the banks of the River Tyne, Hailes Castle dates back to the 13th century, making it one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles. This hidden gem features rare domestic accommodations seldom preserved from this era, including a remarkably intact brewhouse and bakehouse.
The peaceful riverside setting offers a stark contrast to the castle’s turbulent history during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
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Rosslyn Castle
Situated in a dramatic ravine near the famous Rosslyn Chapel, this partially ruined castle offers an atmosphere of romantic decay and mystery. Built on a rocky promontory protected by a natural defensive position, the castle is accessed via a narrow bridge spanning the deep glen.
Parts of the structure remain habitable and can be rented as holiday accommodations, allowing guests to experience life within 15th-century walls while enjoying modern amenities.
Inchcolm Island
Although technically an abbey rather than a castle, Inchcolm Island deserves inclusion for its defensive structures and remarkable state of preservation. Located in the Firth of Forth and accessible by boat, the island features not only the best-preserved monastic complex in Scotland but also extensive military fortifications from both World Wars.
The unique combination of medieval religious architecture and modern defensive installations tells a thousand-year story of Scottish history in one compact location.
Niddry Castle
This lesser-known 15th-century tower house played a significant role in Scottish royal history when it sheltered Mary Queen of Scots on her escape from Lochleven Castle in 1568. Recently restored after centuries of neglect, the four-story tower now stands as a prime example of a Scottish laird’s fortified home.
The castle’s intimate scale gives visitors insight into the daily life of Scottish nobility in ways that larger royal fortresses cannot match.
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Stones That Speak Across Centuries
Edinburgh’s castle heritage represents more than just military might—these structures tell the story of Scottish royalty, politics, and daily life across eight centuries. From royal births to imprisonment of nobles, from lavish banquets to military strategies, these walls have seen it all.
The preservation of these magnificent structures allows modern visitors to walk the same halls as Scottish kings and queens, touching history in a tangible, unforgettable way. Each castle holds its unique place in Scotland’s rich tapestry, offering glimpses into different eras and aspects of the nation’s past. Whether you’re fascinated by military architecture, royal intrigue, or simply appreciate stunning views, Edinburgh’s castles provide a journey through time that goes far beyond ordinary sightseeing.
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