Dirleton Castle
East Lothian, Scotland
Photo: Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- North Berwick, 2.0 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Medieval fortress with famous gardens
Pinpoint
Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5ER
Telephone 01620 850330
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 9.30am to 5pm |
| 1 October - 31 March | Monday : 10am to 4pm Tuesday : 10am to 4pm Wednesday : 10am to 4pm Thursday : Closed Friday : Closed Saturday : 10am to 4pm Sunday : 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- 24 December to 4 January
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
A medieval fortress a short trip from Edinburgh, ringed by gardens that reviewers rate as highly as the castle itself, and substantial enough inside, kitchens, great hall, a former prison, to reward a proper explore. Some sections are currently closed for repairs, and Historic Environment Scotland has reduced the entry price to reflect it.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The gardens - reviewers rate them consistently, and they're accessible even to those who find the castle itself less compelling.
Before you go
Entry has been discounted while repair works close off some sections, so it's worth checking current pricing before you go - and don't skip the doocot near the entrance, which reviewers flag as a small but genuinely interesting detail.
What visitors say
Dirleton Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 1,264 Google reviews
Most reviewers enjoyed Dirleton Castle, particularly the well-preserved ruins alongside what several call superb gardens.
A repeated theme is that parts of the site were closed off for repairs during visits, though multiple reviewers note the entry price was discounted to reflect this and it didn't spoil the overall experience; one visitor felt it was less memorable than other castles they'd seen, largely because so much was inaccessible at the time.
“A great place for a quick getaway from the city, not far from Edinburgh. Not much remains of the castle, but it is still worth seeing, plus there are beautiful gardens. Free parking and toilets on site. I recommend it.”- Marek Kurowski (Kuri), visitor review
Within reach of Edinburgh (17 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
John de Vaux · 1240
John de Vaux began building Dirleton around 1240, modeling it on Château de Coucy in France. Heavily damaged during the Wars of Scottish Independence, it was repaired by the Haliburton family in the 14th century. The Ruthvens acquired and expanded it after 1505, but lost it after plotting against King James VI.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Free parking and toilets on site.” - Marek Kurowski (Kuri)
Common questions about Dirleton Castle
Where is Dirleton Castle?
Dirleton Castle is in East Lothian, Scotland, at Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5ER.
Do you need a ticket to visit Dirleton Castle?
Yes - Dirleton Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Dirleton Castle?
The gardens - reviewers rate them consistently, and they're accessible even to those who find the castle itself less compelling.
Is Dirleton Castle a ruin or still intact?
Dirleton Castle is a ruin - Medieval fortress with famous gardens.
