Lauriston Castle
About Lauriston Castle
| 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh West EH4 6AD | |
| 01313362060 | |
| Lauriston Castle Website | |
| Follow EdinCulture on Twitter | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
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 and the collections it contains is one of Scotland’s greatest gifts. Collections include, Italian Furniture, Sheffield Plate, Crossley Wool Mosaics and Blue John ornaments. The interiors of the house are the work of Mrs Reid's husband, Mr W R Reid, the owner of Morison & Co., a leading Edinburgh cabinet making business.
The beautiful grounds were laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s. Much of the planting dates to this period. The award-winning Japanese Friendship garden, gifted by the prefecture of Kyoto, is a tranquil place to contemplate.
April through October: 2pm every day except Friday.
November through March: 2pm Saturday and Sunday only.
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 Lauriston Castle are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.
Upcoming Events at Lauriston Castle
Magic of the Séance at Lauriston Castle - POSTPONED
Sell out illusionist Ash Pryce takes you around the centuries old Lauriston Castle, demonstrating supernatural spookiness and séance magic.
Read more
Digital Lecture: Victorian Spiritualism: The Fox Sisters and the World they Created
Ash Pryce is a stage mentalist and founder of the Edinburgh Skeptics society. In his first traditional lecture in more than a decade, he will be looking at the world of the Victorian Occult.
Read more
The Housewarming
It’s the year 1905 and The Reids of Lauriston Castle, at the forefront of modern technology, have invited some guests to Lauriston in order to showcase these latest innovations!
Read more
Digital Event: Creepy Crawly Bug Hunt
Hunt the grounds of Lauriston for creepy crawlies in their natural habitat, then make a giant version of your favourite bug at Lauriston Castle!
Read more
RSPB Scotland at Lauriston Castle
Come along to Lauriston Castle to hear about your local feathered friends and to get a chance to do a quick art activity with the RSPB.
Read more
Summer Mosaics
Join us at Lauriston Castle for a 2-day workshop making beautiful mosaic panels inspired by the colours of summer with Margaret Findlay.
Read more
Family Craft: It’s a Bird’s Life
Learn about some of our feathered friends and explore a variety of projects celebrating the resident Lauriston Castle birds!
Read more
Family Craft: Fantasy Castles
Explore the secret and hidden rooms of Lauriston Castle then create your own 3D Castle using special papers and paints!
Read more
Family Craft: Celebrate World Oceans Day
Come along to a family class and make a variety of projects celebrating the magic of the sea!
Read more
Costumed Performance: Supporting the War Effort
It's the year 1916 with Mr and Mrs Reid planning a major event to raise money to support the conduct of the war. Walk through the Castle on a special tour watching the performance unfold.
Read more
Downton Abbey at Lauriston Castle
Come dressed for the era, upstairs or downstairs, at this film screening on Satuday 12th June at Lauriston Castle!
Read more
The Lauriston Horror Tour
Come along and see the sights of the castle as never seen before – hear the history of the castle and ghostly tales of the city with your professional tour guide.
Read more
Leith 2020: An Archival look at Leith
This talk at Lauriston Castle explores the rich heritage of Leith and its unique identity.
Read more
Descriptive Tour of Lauriston Castle for Visually Impaired Visitors
Join artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb for a tour specifically designed for visually impaired visitors around fascinating Lauriston Castle.
Read more
Family Craft: Pirate Treasure Hunt
Ahoy me hearties! Have our pirate hat, cutlass and parrot at the ready then out into the woods with a secret map to guide you through the grounds to find hidden treasure.
Read more
Leith 2020: Leith Theatre Past Present and Future
The joint speakers will outline the chequered history of Leith Theatre, where it is now and where it might go in the future.
Read more
Enchanted Woodland Cushions
Come along to this family class at Lauriston Castle and make adorable hand-felted panels and collage this to your own special cushion!
Read more
Lecture: Addressing slavery and Empire at the National Trust for Scotland
Join Jennifer Melville, Head of Curatorial & Conservation Services at the National Trust for Scotland, for this lecture at Lauriston Castle!
Read more
Introduction to Abstract Art
Learn to lose yourself in art for art sake in this taster session at Lauriston Castle!
Read more
Lecture: With the Royal Scots in Gallipoli
This lecture explores the journey of The Dardenelles - Edinburgh's Royal Scots Territorials - who were the first waves of the seaborne offensive that aimed to end WW1.
Read more
Lecture: Playing with the Past
What can Archaeology tell us about the world’s most popular sport? Archaeology Scotland will discuss some of its and others recent work on the archaeology and history of Football.
Read more
Linocut Printing
Explore ways of creating striking images by cutting into linoleum, and inking with colour to produce bold and dramatic prints.
Read more
Shakespeare at the Castle: Romeo and Juliet
Prepare for a carnival of passion and imagination as The Three Inch Fools present the world’s best-known love story at Lauriston Castle.
Read more
Family Craft: Croquet Tea Party!
Inspired by 'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' enjoy a game of 'Queen of Hearts' croquet on the lawns of Lauriston then decorate some spectacular cakes and biscuits for a special tea party!
Read more
How to be a Psychic Conman
Roll up! Roll up! Gather ye round the traveling caravan as Snake Oil Salesman, Ash Pryce, demonstrates the miraculous curative abilities of psychic surgery.
Read more
Treasure Island with Quantum Theatre
It’s pirates, ships and buried treasure for Summer 2021 at Quantum Theatre’s adaptation of Robert Louis- Stevenson’s classic adventure, Treasure Island!
Read more
Lecture: Murder, Power and … Pineapples?
Come along for a talk from archaeologist Doug Rocks-Macqueen about recent excavations of pineries in the Lothians and Falkirk!
Read more
Shakespeare at the Castle: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Prepare for a carnival of passion and imagination, as The Three Inch Fools present this rip-roaring Shakespearean comedy at Lauriston Castle.
Read more
BSL interpreted tour of Lauriston Castle
Join us for a BSL signed tour of Lauriston Castle and step back in time as you experience life in Edwardian Edinburgh!
Read more
Bookbinding and Botanicals
Join us at Lauriston Castle for a creative day of printing and bookbinding inspired by our gardens!
Read more
Summer Magic Workshop with Edinburgh International Magic Festival
Learn, create and perform your own magic in this workshop at Lauriston Castle this summer for Ages 7 - 11!
Read more
Family Craft: Pond life - Pond Dipping
Discover what lives in our wonderful pond in the Japanese Garden and like a scientist record what you have found in a special little book.
Read more
Spirits of the Dead: The Terror of Edgar Allan Poe
Edinburgh Horror Festival invites you along to Lauriston Castle this August to hear Gothic horror stories from the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe.
Read more
MagicFest at the Fringe - The Secret Room
What mysteries does Lauriston Castle conceal? Come along and explore untold mysteries in the Secret Room!
Read more
Lecture: A Curious Flowering: The Hydros in Scotland in the 19th Century
Join Jane Neil-MacLachlan, writer and novelist under the pen name of Jane Tulloch, for this lecture on Hydropathic institutions in Scotland in the 19th Century!
Read more
Woodland Treasure Box
Make your own little treasure box to store your Summer memories and decorate it with natures scenes with Lauriston Castle staff!
Read more
Pinhole Cameras
To celebrate World Photography Day (19 August), join us at Lauriston Castle for a special workshop exploring pinhole cameras!
Read more
Lecture: The Morton Photography Project at the National Trust for Scotland
Dr Antonia Laurence Allen will share collections, stories and projects from properties as diverse as Canna House, Brodie Castle and Tenement House at Lauriston Castle on 19th August.
Read more
Lecture: Earls, Maids, Dames and Gardeners
Vicky Garrington shares some key pieces from Edinburgh Museums & Galleries large and important costume collection.
Read more
Lecture: Ghosts of Edinburgh
Join Ash Pryce, stage mentalist and former Ghost Tour Guide, as he tells tales of Edinburgh’s old and ghostly world!
Read more
Costumed Performance: A Fairley Interesting Look at Lauriston
It’s the year 1923. Join Mrs Reid, her housekeeper Mrs Mackay and her steward and friend, John Fairleyus as they reflect on the many interesting people connected with the house and estate!
Read more
Lecture: Heroines of the Canongate: Women as Urban and Social Reformers in the Edwardian Old Town
This talk offers a different account of urban reform in Edwardian Edinburgh. It explores the many people who worked together to change the living conditions of the communities in the city’s Old Town
Read more
Lecture: Enlightened Golfers
This talk given by Jim Scanlon, a member of Leith local history society and Leith Rules Golf Society, will explore the variety of notable people who have played golf on Leith Links.
Read more
Scots at War at the Castle
Join Scots at War for an interactive family experience where you can join Scotland's army of yesterday- today!
Read more
Leith 2020: Leith: HQ of the Trainspotting Phenomenon.
Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting, now indelibly part of Leith’s legacy with international recognition, deserves more credit and study than it gets. Tim Bell will explore how Leith is presented.
Read more
Upstairs Downstairs
Come along to Lauriston where you will don an apron and mob cap to make lemonade and biscuits in the old kitchen then visit the magnificent rooms upstairs!
Read more
Burns V McGonagall: An evening with Scotland’s best poet and arguably the worst!
William McGonagall has long been regarded as ‘the worst poet in the history of the English language’. Join Scots actor Jock Ferguson for an evening of anecdotes and stories and a wee dram in betwe
Read more
Lecture: Discovering Leith through Maps
This lecture given by Laragh Quinney will consider how Leith has been depicted on maps from the 16th century to the present day.
Read more
Lecture: A Guid Cause Maks a Strong Arm
This talk explores the ‘gists, the ‘gettes and the fight for female emancipation, viewed by some as a campaign and by others as a war.
Read more
Memories of Autumn
Inspired by the season passing make a gorgeous autumn wreath lit by magical lights to adorn your door to take you right up to Christmas.
Read more
Halloween Wand Making Workshop
Join us at Lauriston Castle in a magical crafting class just in time for Halloween and create your own unique magic wand!
Read more
The Twilight Seance
Join paranormal illusionist Ash Pryce as he leads you into the netherworld at Lauriston Castle!
Read more
The Haunted Hunt: The Vampire’s Curse
In this interactive puzzle adventure aimed at families and children aged 8 and over, you get to explore the grounds and rooms of the castle, solve puzzles, find clues and remove the curse!
Read more
The Terror Trail
The Edinburgh Horror Festival have created an all new interactive morning adventure for families at Lauriston Castle.
Read more
Lecture: E. A. Hornel: from Camera to Canvas
This talk by Dr Antonia Laurence Allen is about Scottish artist Edward Atkinson Hornel and illustrates how Hornel’s travels and use of photographs influenced his artistic practice.
Read more
Lecture: Leith 2020: A Photographic Walk Through Time
Fraser Parkinson will illustrate the rich heritage of Leith through photographs, showing the history and changing face of Leith from the mid-1850s to the present day.
Read more
Such A Sweet Death?
Can you solve the mystery and bring a killer to justice? Join one of our unique Murder Mystery Evenings in atmospheric Lauriston Castle!
Read more
Lecture: Distant lives: The Earliest Photographs of St Kilda
In 1860 Capt. F.W.L. Thomas sailed to St Kilda to take the first ever photographs of St Kilda. This is the story of the quest to give these St Kildans back their identity and to tell their story.
Read more
Lecture: Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s
This lecture investigates a range of artworks by artists including S.J. Peploe, Dorothy Johnstone, Eric Robertson and William McCance, and places them within the context of their times.
Read more
Sock Snowmen
Make a beautiful little festive snowman to decorate your home for Christmas at this family workshop in Lauriston Castle!
Read more
Tartan Wreaths
Make a colourful and unique Christmas wreath for your door using tartan remnants, bells, baubles and ribbons. No sewing is required!
Read more
Christmas Patchwork Appliqued Cushions
Make a beautiful appliqued cushion using exquisite Christmas and vintage-inspired fabrics with Felicity Bryant!
Read more
Christmas Tricks with Edinburgh International Magic Festival
The Christmas magic show is back at Lauriston Castle! Witness mind-blowing magic and festive frolics for the whole family in a lavish, historic setting inside the Castle.
Read more
Lecture: Tokens of Festive Magic: The Victorian Christmas
Join artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb for an exploration of the 19th century Christmas through antique objects, many from her own collection which inspire her intricate etchings.
Read more
Printmaking for Christmas
Join us for an adorable Christmas class where you can print Robins, fir trees and other beautiful motifs with artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb!
Read more
Enchanted Christmas Pictures
Create a Christmas themed 3-dimensional framed picture that will light up like an enchanted magical forest in this workshop with Lauriston Castle staff!
Read more
An Edwardian Christmas
It’s Christmas 1910 all the family and staff come together to enjoy the season. Walk through Lauriston Castle on a special tour watching the performance by Edinburgh Living History unfold!
Read more
Paper Garlands and Silver Wings
Using a selection of beautiful papers and foils in silvery colours create a wreath, angel and garland in this relaxing workshop with Artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb!
Read more
Lecture: Upstairs, Downstairs: Glamorous gowns to working dress
Vicky Garrington explores a variety of historic dress from a much-mended maid’s uniform of the early 20th century to a sumptuous 18th century silk dress scattered with tulips.
Read more
Adult Special Event - Film screening: Scrooge
Join us at Lauriston Castle as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of this all-singing, all-dancing adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.
Read more
A Family Edwardian Christmas at Lauriston Castle
Join us at Lauriston Castle for our annual Christmas event where you can capture the magic of Christmas past!
Read more
Festive Decorations
Join us for a festive class making a variety of Christmas decorations to adorn your home!
Read more
Country Wreaths and Garlands
Make a sweet little natural wreath inspired by Scandinavia with little painted reindeers, stars and hearts and a magical lit garland to decorate your door, stairs or fireplace!
Read more
Green Wreaths
Always the highlight of the season, make not one but 2 stunning natural wreaths to decorate your home using Lauriston Castle greenery and a host of beautiful embellishments.
Read more
Fresh Giant Wreaths
Join Margaret Findlay as you gather natural greenery to make 2 giant wreaths for you home!
Read more
Descriptive Tour for Visually Impaired Visitors of Lauriston Castle at Christmas
Join us for a special Christmas Tour at Lauriston Castle specifically designed for visually impaired visitors.
Read more
More Museums in Edinburgh
Scott Monument
Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens ,
Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ
The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. It commemorates Sir Walter Scott.There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument...
Read more
Almond Valley Heritage Centre
Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield,
Livingston EH54 7AR
Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston, West Lothian, is an award winning farm, museum and discovery centre!
Read more
Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Road,
Edinburgh South EH16 4SY
Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!
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. Climb on...
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...
Read more
John Knox House
43 - 45 High Street,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR
Walk in the footsteps of its famous inhabitants and hear the drama unfold in every room. Look out for the tricks and traps to fool intruders; hunt for...
Read more
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
42 High Street,
Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1TG
The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and...
Read more
The Peoples Story Museum
163 Canongate ,
Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN
The People’s Story explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people. From work to home, healthcare to social activities, people of the past are brough...
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
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
All Museums listings in Edinburgh
Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. It commemorates Sir Walter Scott.There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument...
Read more
Almond Valley Heritage Centre
Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston, West Lothian, is an award winning farm, museum and discovery centre!
Read more
Craigmillar Castle
Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!
Read more
National Museum of Flight Scotland
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. Climb on...
Read more
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the...
Read more
John Knox House
Walk in the footsteps of its famous inhabitants and hear the drama unfold in every room. Look out for the tricks and traps to fool intruders; hunt for...
Read more
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and...
Read more
The Peoples Story Museum
The People’s Story explores the lives of Edinburgh’s ordinary people. From work to home, healthcare to social activities, people of the past are brough...
Read more
Prestongrange Museum
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
Linlithgow Museum
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
Sponsored Links
