Dirleton Castle & Gardens

Have been to more interesting castles. A lot of it was shut off and was not available. What there was made it just about worth visiting. The dovecot...they call it a doocot...was interesting. Not particularly memorable overall. The gardens are lovely.

Fantastic little castle from 12th century to the time of Oliver Cromwell. Nice gardens too. About half of the castle can't currently be accessed, awaiting renovation, but still lots to explore. Full moat and bridge access. Huge cellars. Currently half price due to loss of access (£4.50) so great value. Takes about an hour to visit, free parking. Access is via gate on main road (back down slope from car park). No cafe, but pub just across the road.

This was a lovely find. A very charming castle ruins with its own fascinating quirks, stood overlooking a beautifully kept, colourful garden - loved the Hollyhocks - with an unexpected bowls' lawn in immaculate condition. Nearby was a Doocot in excellent condition which allows you to walk in and imagine the scene, back in the day, when it was full of nesting pigeons.

Even half closed for maintenance, it was still worth going. Looking at the description boards in each section and comparing to the ruins really transported you back to what it might have been like. Helpful young man on the entrance counter. Beautifully kept gardens.

Entrance fee at half price (£4,50 instead of £9) as there is currently no visitor access to the Guard House, South Entrance and De Vaux range.

Absolutely loved our visit here with my 7 year old who loves Castles. Considering some parts were closed off to the public there was still lots to see in such beautiful gardens. Definitely recommend and a lovely little play park at the grounds too.

The castle ruins are interesting, though mostly ruins there’s plenty to explore. Such a beautiful place, the grounds are lovely, first time we have seen a Doocot. Would be even better in the summer with all the flowers out. Parking available along the road.

We visited when an event was on. The gentleman had a vast amount of information to share. He had displays of the various helmets over the years. A very good history lesson. The gardens are beautiful, and the castle was stunning. Some areas out of bounds, which was a shame , but definitely worth a visit. We purchased tickets online but wasn't necessary , you can pay at the desk . A lovely gift shop too.

Dirleton Castle is my absolute favourite castle of those I've visited in Scotland. When I visited it was a gorgeous day which perfectly highlighted the lovely grounds, and here were hardly any other people there, which was an absolute blessing. Dirleton, like many other castles around Edinburgh, is very under-appreciated. Everyone seems to go to THE castle, or Stirling as a second choice, which leaves castles like Dirleton blissfully quiet, and means that you have free rein to roam wherever you like. Literally. We were actually able to clamber all over the ruins which, while I'm sure was absolutely not allowed, was extremely cool. The views are gorgeous and there is plenty to explore. This would be fantastic for a family day out, but is an equally fun to visit for adults who like a bit of history which is uninterrupted by crowds, and also enjoy a proper bit of ruin and not the overly made up attraction which more major castles have become.

Scottish Heritage ruined stronghold with neatly trimmed gardens! It's definitely nicer to visit during the summer months when you can see the gardens coming to life with all the flowers blossoming. The ruins of Dirleton Castle are surrounded by a wall and enclose a lovely garden where you can enjoy a nice walk (when the wind is not blowing as much and the snow storms actually let you walk around peacefully). In its hey days the castle might have been a mighty stronghold with thick walls, mounted high on a rock and with wonderful views over the surrounding valley. Nowadays you can watch the "wind fans" and small country roads with cars passing by. Somehow the castle's spirit has been removed and all that remains are pieces of history nicely laid out for the occasional visitor. Still, I was amazed by all the passages and "rooms" which survived the degradation of time. Find your imagination and you can feel how the de Vaux family lived in the 13th century. Later on the castle fell into the hands of the Haliburtons and Ruthvens. After the civil wars the castle was neglected and fell into ruin. Tip: Go and see the beehive-shaped doocot where they kept masses of pigeons. It looks amazing.

It was a women at the desk when we went who was amazed at the amount of castles we were getting around in a weekend. We didnt think that this castle would be as good as is was as from the outside it doesnt look big and when you see the lovely gardens you think it would just be a small ruin but there is so much to see. The dovecote is a great examples and inside there are a maze of small rooms off each other There is a dome outside which we didnt have a clue what it is for but when you go to one of the lower levels there is a beautiful room with a fireplace and a domed ceiling which echoes You can have a look at the scary pit prison and wander around the towers It has a small shop it is historic scotland so if free for member and members of english heritage

This castle ruin has enough rooms to explore for children and adults to enjoy the visit. I have been a number of times as I like going for a wander around the castle but I particularly like the gardens - beautiful and peaceful. It's worth tying in a visit to the castle with lunch at a nearby pub or with a visit to the coastal town of North Berwick. If you have bought a Historic Scotland membership - Tantallon Castle is not too far away from Dirleton - other side of nearby North Berwick.

Dirleton Castle is absolutly brilliant. You can almost picture yourself with long flowing skirts and headress with your knight in shining armour battling for your honour. It has a proper Ye Olde Worldy feel about it and the grounds are kept to perfection. The old guy at the desk is great as well he is so happy and helpful.

We've passed this place many times on our way to other places. Last month we decided to stop and it was well worth the visit. There are beautiful gardens, a well stocked, but small gift shop, with a very cheery member of staff, and the castle itself was very interesting, built in 3 stages, as a fortification and private residence. There were plenty of information plaques as you went round, and the sun shining made it a perfect place to meander for an hour or two.