| Dirleton Castle , Dirleton EH39 5ER | |
| 01620850330 | |
| Dirleton Castle Website | |
| 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
The People's Story gives an unique insight in to Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century.
READ MORESet 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 MOREThe John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.
READ MOREThe RCPE is an independent standard-setting body and professional membership organisation. Our aim is to improve and maintain the quality of patient care.
READ MOREWhen you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.
READ MOREThe Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
READ MOREEdinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.
READ MOREPrestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!
READ MOREThe Tron Kirk, or Christ’s Kirk at the Tron, has stood in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for almost 400 years.
READ MORENewbattle Abbey is set in 125 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Edinburgh and contains a wealth of Scottish history.
READ MORETake a journey into the dark side of old Edinburgh's history touring the haunted underground vaults with Auld Reekie Tours!
READ MOREDating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!
READ MORE