Edinburgh Castles and Beyond

The most famous and the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland is Edinburgh Castle.  The Castle is perched high atop the Royal Mile, and can be seen from many areas around the city.  This popular and magnificent feature of the Edinburgh Skyline is lit up in the evenings giving its it majestic beauty to it visitors.

The castle is entered at the top of the Royal Mile, through is Esplanade and car park.  The castle was a favourite for the Royal family during the middle ages, but it soon became more useful for its military importance, where it also became a military prison.  The castle has both Military memorabilia as well as Royal Residence to view.   There are daily guided tours available, where the guides will fill you with interesting information about the history of the castle. The castle is home to the Crown Jewels and The Stone Of Destiny, which was only returned to Scotland in 1996. Try not to miss the 'One O'Clock' gun which is (surprisingly) fired at One O'clock, (daily except for Sunday).  Audio tours of the castle are available at the entrance and are  in French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Dutch.  There is an admission charge for entry into the castle.  The castle is operated by Scottish Heritage and you can find further information at www.edinburghcastle.biz.

During the summer month of August, the Esplanade is filled with stands to host the infamous 'Tattoo'.












Crichton Castle
Crichton
EH37 Pathhead,
You can find more information by emailing:: hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Crichton Castle,built in the mid 1400s, is only a few miles south of Edinburgh. The castle is built up on the hillside allowing for great views to the surrounding area. It is under the care of Historic Scotland. For its opening  times please refer to the Historic Scotland Webiste (www.historic-scotland.gov.uk) before visiting.

Dirleton Castle and Gardens
EH39 5ER North Berwick,

Direlton Castle is located to the east of Edinburgh.  This beautiful castle was built in the 12th century, and is located close to the seaside of Yellowcraigs Beach in East Lothian.  Authenticated as having the longest herbbaeceous border garden.It is open from Apr-Sept 9.30am-6.30pm, Oct-Mar 9.30am-4.30pm.  Direlton Castle is owned and operated by Historic Scotland.

Lauriston Castle
Cramond Road South
Davidson's Mains
EH4 Edinburgh,
Located close to the Firth of Forth, and has spectacular views over to Fife. Once privately owned at the beginning of the 20th Century, Lauriston Castle is now owned and operated by the Edinburgh City Council.  It houses a large collection of furniture and decorations from a wealthy family in the early 1900s.  There is a large parkland and gardens through which to wander.  Please check with the Edinburgh Council website to confirm opening times, and guided tour times.

Tantallon
North Berwick
EH39 5PN East Lothian,   

Owned and operated by Historic Scotland.  This castle is located east of Edinburgh in East Lothian.  Spectacular views to across the Forth.  This castle is one of the most dramatically set castles upon the cliffs.  Please check with Historic Scotland for opening times.

Hailes Castle
Located in East Linton, this castle is owned and operated by Historic Scotland.  Although this castle can appear to be parts of ruins of towers, it has much to be explored.  Built in the 1200s, Hailes Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland.

Glenkinchie Distillery

Glenkinchie is a single malt whisky produced at the Glenkinchie Distillery just outside of Edinburgh in the village of Pencaitland- which is about 20 km. outside of Edinburgh on its east side.   It is one of only three remaining malt whisky in production in the lowlands of Scotland.  Enjoy and explore the area outside of Edinburgh and can promise to be a fascinating trip outside of Edinburgh for all malt whisky lovers.