Dirleton Castle & Gardens

A great castle that the whole family enjoyed there was enough detail without it becoming overwhelming or boring. There was lots of different sections and the boys loved running about and climbing over the rubble and broken down parts of the walls. The gardens were inviting and beautiful. The cherry on top for us was the historic section with the in-house historian that made some really interesting replicas that the kids loved.

A great small castle site to visit. Beautifully gardens that are well kept. On arrival you park in the small carpark and go through a door in the wall of the castle in to the grounds. We were met by a lovely lady who to the time to advise us that the castle was only open to 60% and the price reflected that. We stoll got some great photos and wonderfull views. We also have 2 dogs that were also welcome.

This Castle, Doocot and Gardens, is well worth visiting. Its currently at a reduced cost of £3.50 (for us concessions) because there are some areas closed for renovation - but there's still plenty to see. Free entry to English Heritage members (of a year plus membership). The gardens are beautiful, step inside the Doocot - a huge 'pigeon' house used to feed the banquets held at the castle. The main entrance to the castle is closed, but steps round the side take you on a wonderful exploration into cellars, kitchens and chapels. Amazing sights from the top. Information boards throughout. Friendly and informative woman (gave us leaflets of other places to visit, talked about this castle etc) at reception. Parking nearby, no height barriers.

Great Castle ruins in East Lothian. Ruins you can still walk inside. Some areas are closed due to the potential for falling masonry. We took Larry along and he enjoyed exploring the basement cellars and the pit area.

Part of the castle was closed unfortunately but I still enjoyed walking around. The gardens are beautiful.

Loved it here. Some areas under conservation work so unaccessible but still a beautiful old ruin, lovely gardens.

Dirleton Castle is a historic castle located in the village of Dirleton, Scotland. It dates back to the 13th century. The castle is known for its impressive architecture, including a 12th-century keep, a 13th-century gatehouse, and a beautiful walled garden. Dirleton Castle has a rich history and has been owned by several prominent Scottish families over the centuries. It has witnessed many significant events, including sieges, battles, and royal visits. The castle was eventually abandoned in the 17th century and fell into disrepair before being restored in the 19th century. Today, Dirleton Castle is managed by historic Scotland and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the castle's ruins, climb its towers, and learn about its fascinating history through exhibitions and audio guides. The walled garden surrounding the castle is also a popular attraction, featuring beautiful flowers, herbs, and sculptures. At present due to safety measures some of the castle is of limits to the public there is toilets in car park and great food and beverages are served at the castle bar across from the castle (not affiliated to castle ) Just Down from the castle you have yellowcraigs beach worth a visit beautiful views over the forth

Recently bought the Historic Scotland membership card and my nephews decided they wanted to visit Dirleton Castle on the bank holiday so that what we done. The ladies in the shop were very friendly and informative which was nice. The grounds and garden are very well kept. Some bits of the Castle were closed off due to needing some restoration but we pretty much had the place to ourselves so the boys loved getting to explore - especially down in the prisoner area. We took lots of photo's and maybe even captured a couple of 'permanent residents' under the stairs...

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.