CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Dirleton Castle

Dirleton Castle hase some of the oldest castle architecture surviving in Scotland – the de Vaux towers, built around 1240.

Dirleton Castle

About Dirleton Castle

Dirleton Castle , Dirleton EH39 5ER
01620850330
Dirleton Castle Website
Follow histenvscot on Twitter
Facebook information can be found here

In light of updated Scottish Government advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have taken the decision to close public access to our staffed properties and offices until further notice. All planned public events will also be postponed until further notice – full details of these can be found on our Events page in the coming days: historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

This magnificent fortress–residence served three successive noble families over 400 years. Badly damaged in Cromwell’s 1650 siege, Dirleton’s fortunes were revived by its new owners in the 1660s.

The Nisbet family built a new mansion house nearby to live in and made the picturesque castle ruins the central feature in their new designed landscape. They also breathed new life into the splendid gardens, now home to the world’s longest herbaceous border.

What to see and do

Admire some of the oldest castle architecture surviving in Scotland – the de Vaux towers, built around 1240

See the grim pit prison, pretty chapel and cavernous storage vaults in the Haliburton range

Lose yourself in the enchanting gardens dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s, which vie with the castle for attention

Seek out the dovecot – one of Scotland’s best-preserved pigeon houses, with more than 1,000 nesting boxes

Upcoming Events at Dirleton Castle

More History and Culture in Edinburgh

Curious About Edinburgh Tour

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Have fun discovering Edinburgh with two self-guided, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt... buy or instantly download & get curious!

READ MORE

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL

Explore the magnificent ruins of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.

READ MORE

Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum Morrisons Haven, Prestonpans EH32 9RX

Prestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!

READ MORE

The Edinburgh Dungeon

31 Market Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DF

The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh's darkest history as you see, hear and errr smell Edinburgh’s murky past!

READ MORE

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.

READ MORE

Traquair House

Traquair House , Innerleithen EH44 6PW

Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe and the famous Brewery!

READ MORE

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle , Blackness EH49 7NH

Blackness Castle stands by the Firth of Forth, at the port that served the royal burgh of Linlithgow in medieval times.

READ MORE

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ocean Drive, Leith EH6 6JJ

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

READ MORE

Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

Canongate Kirk is the parish church of Canongate in Edinburgh’s Old Town and a congregation of the Church of Scotland.

READ MORE

House of the Binns

House Of The Binns Binns View, Linlithgow EH49 7NA

Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house near Linlithgow has been the home of the Dalyells for over 400 years.

READ MORE

National Museum of Flight Scotland

National Museum of Flight Scotland East Fortune Airfield, EH39 5LF

Head off on a journey of discovery at this former airfield as you explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day

READ MORE

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.

READ MORE
All History and Culture listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Tea Green
MNB
Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
Wonder & Co
Go Ape
Hilton Glasgow
Mowgli
WST
Escape The Past
Salvation Army
Hilton Glasgow
Kevin Quantum
The Chocolatarium

Sponsored Links

Tea Green
MNB
Children's Classic Concerts
Fayre Play
Wonder & Co
Go Ape
Hilton Glasgow
Mowgli
WST
Escape The Past
Salvation Army
Hilton Glasgow
Kevin Quantum
The Chocolatarium

Popular Events

Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!
Edinburgh’s Christmas: Christmas Market
One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!
Belfast Brunch Co
Expect a fun fuelled afternoon filled with R’n’B favourites, sing-along classics and nostalgic dance moments with The Belfast Brunch Co. at Edinburgh Corn Exchange in May!
Castle Of Light
Make Castle of Light: Fire and Ice part of your festive plans and enjoy the largest annual projection show in the UK when it returns for its sixth year!
The Steamie
Step inside a 1950s Glasgow washhouse on Hogmanay, where the water's hot and the gossips even hotter when Tony Roper's classic play The Steamie comes to The King's Theatre Edinburgh!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall