8 Medieval Castles Near Edinburgh Worth Visiting

Edinburgh is surrounded by historic castles that are easy to reach and full of character. For this list we have left out Edinburgh Castle itself, simply because it deserves a full article of its own. Instead, these are the best castles to visit on a day trip from Edinburgh, each offering something different in terms of history, scenery, and experience.

Distance from Royal Mile: 5 km / 3 mi — approx. 10 minutes

Craigmillar Castle is one of the most rewarding castles to explore near Edinburgh, and it often surprises visitors to learn that there is another castle within the city limits besides the famous one on the Royal Mile. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed here in 1566, using the visit as a convenient alibi around the time of her husband Lord Darnley’s murder. The castle was built and expanded by the Preston family, who developed it from a simple tower house into the courtyard layout you see today, and later the Gilmour family added their own features while keeping much of the medieval structure intact.

Distance from Royal Mile: 27 km / 17 mi — approx. 35 minutes

Blackness Castle stands on the edge of the Firth of Forth and is often called the ship that never sailed because of its long, narrow shape and its position on the water. It was originally built in the 1400s for the Crichton family before becoming a royal fortress, and over the years it served many roles, including a state prison that held French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. Fans of Outlander will recognise it as Fort William, but even without the screen fame it is an impressive place to explore, with towers, walkways, and wide coastal views that show exactly why it was such an important stronghold.

Distance from Royal Mile: 29 km / 18 mi — approx. 35 minutes

Linlithgow Palace is a ruined royal residence and the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. The scale of the ruins is impressive, with grand halls, stairways, and the famous courtyard fountain that once flowed with wine during celebrations. The palace sits beside a picturesque loch that gives the whole site a calm, open feel. James V and Mary de Guise carried out significant building work here during their time, adding to the palace’s Renaissance character. Fans of Outlander will also recognise several scenes filmed around the entrance and corridors.

Distance from Royal Mile: 48 km / 30 mi — approx. 45 minutes

Tantallon Castle is one of the most dramatic fortresses in Scotland, built by the powerful Douglas family and long tied to their turbulent history. Its great curtain wall still stands high above the North Sea, a reminder of the days when enemies were warned to “ding doon Tantaloon” if they dared challenge the Douglases. The castle was finally brought down in 1651 when Cromwell’s artillery battered it into ruin, leaving the vast cliff‑top shell you can explore today, with sweeping views across to the Bass Rock.

Distance from Royal Mile: 35 km / 22 mi — approx. 40 minutes

Dirleton Castle was home to three influential families over the centuries: the de Vaux, who first built the stronghold in the 1200s; the Haliburtons, who expanded it with the great hall and added much of the structure you see today; and the Ruthvens, whose turbulent political involvement eventually led to their downfall and the castle passing to the crown. The ruins sit within peaceful, well‑kept gardens, and the castle itself is a classic medieval fortress with stout towers, thick curtain walls, a gatehouse, and the remains of a drawbridge that once defended the entrance.

Distance from Royal Mile: 24 km / 15 mi — approx. 35 minutes

Crichton Castle sits in a quiet valley and was once the stronghold of the Crichton family, one of the most influential political families of 15th‑century Scotland. It later became the setting for the lavish 1562 wedding feast of James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, whose future marriage to Mary, Queen of Scots gives the site an added layer of intrigue. The castle’s mix of medieval towers and its striking Renaissance façade make it one of the most distinctive ruins in the region, especially for visitors who enjoy quieter sites with a strong sense of atmosphere.

Distance from Royal Mile: 13 km / 8 mi — approx. 25 minutes

Roslin Castle predates the more famous Rosslyn Chapel above it, with the current stone castle built in the late 1300s as the stronghold of the Sinclair family, who controlled the area for centuries. Today only a section of the great wall and the dramatic high bridge leading to the site remain, perched above the wooded gorge of Roslin Glen. The setting is atmospheric and quiet, and the combination of ruins, cliffs, and forest light makes it a favourite spot for photographers.

Distance from Royal Mile: 48 km / 30 mi — approx. 45 minutes

Dunbar Castle was once the great stronghold of the Dunbar family, powerful medieval nobles whose most famous defender was Black Agnes, Countess of Dunbar, who held the fortress against an English siege in 1338 with legendary determination. Mary, Queen of Scots also sought refuge here in 1567 after the incident at Carberry Hill, adding another dramatic chapter to its history. Today the castle survives as a shattered coastal ruin above the harbour, its red sandstone cliffs and sea views giving a sense of how formidable it once was.

We specialise in group and private tours built around real stories, real history, and the landscapes that shaped them. Every itinerary is crafted with care, drawing on years of guiding experience and a deep knowledge of Scotland’s medieval past. Whether you want a relaxed day out, a photography‑focused trip, or a deep dive into royal history, we tailor the experience to suit your interests. Our goal is simple: to make your time in Scotland unforgettable.

Planning a trip can feel overwhelming, especially with so many castles, routes, and options to choose from. If you’re unsure where to start, want help building an itinerary, or need advice on the best day to visit a particular site, just get in touch. We’re always happy to answer questions, offer suggestions, or design a custom tour that fits your schedule and interests.

We can accommodate any group size, from individuals to large groups.