Dirleton Castle

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

About Dirleton Castle

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

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Dirleton Castle are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at Dirleton Castle

More History and Culture in Edinburgh

Auld Toun Walking Tours

Auld Toun Walking Tours , Edinburgh Old Town

Discover the people behind Edinburgh's stories with a walking tour of Edinburgh's UNESCO Heritage Listed Old Town!
Read more

Gladstones Land

477b Lawnmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT

The house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic...
Read more

Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot

Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot Preston Road, East Linton EH40 3DS

Preston Mill is an architectural oddity that will beguile visitors as much as it delights painters and photographers.
Read more

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JF

Explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, art and design, science and technology and Scottish history, all under one roof at the National...
Read more

Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes House and Gardens Newhailes Road , Musselburgh EH21 6RY

Discover 300 years of Scottish history through this magnificent and carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa.
Read more

Lauriston Castle

2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh West EH4 6AD

When 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.The Castle...
Read more

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow Partnership Centre 93 High Street , Linlithgow EH49 7EZ

A free museum, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Find out about our Royal connections, the trades of the town, the ordinary - and extra-ordinary! - people.
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

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 War Museum

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

The National War Museum is housed in Edinburgh, and forms part of National Museums Scotland. It is located within Edinburgh Castle, and admission is included...
Read more

All History and Culture listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues