Dirleton Castle
Dirleton Castle
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This site is open for you to enjoy but there are some access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure. There is currently no visitor access to the Guard House, South Entrance and De Vaux range. Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee entry. A romantic castle often in the forefront of Scottish history since it was built in the 12th century. The renowned gardens include an Arts and Crafts herbaceous border and Victorian garden. The herbaceous border has been authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest.
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See what travellers are saying
- Julianne DEyemouth, United Kingdom116 contributionsStill a nice way to fill an afternoon, don't be put off by the half closed works.Yes the castle is only half open, but it was still a good way to kill an hour or so on a sunny afternoon (there's a little playpark near by to) Plenty to see and explore and the gardens are beautifully kept. The guy in the ticket office was lovely. Prices are half price due to works being carried out which is like £6 for 1 adult and 1 child. Beware though, as South entrance is currently closed, entry to the actual castle is up lots of steps.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 October 2023
- imogenBlairgowrie, United Kingdom3 contributionsBeautiful views, helpful staff, very peaceful.We used to visit Dirleton Castle with our young kids. This was the first time I had been back in a while - this time with my grown-up daughter. I was delighted that the welcome from the lady in the ticket office was just as warm and friendly as I remember. She was very helpful, informative and happy to point out the highlights I had forgotten! The garden with its magnificent border and lawn, the views and general sense of peace were just as beautiful bringing back lots of happy memories. There are useful signs explaining why some areas are currently closed but its well worth going to see as you can still wander round pretty much all of it still. A lovely place to visit that is close to Edinburgh. timeVisited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 April 2024
- CEGSt. Andrews, United Kingdom178 contributionsLovely gardens and more to see than expectedWe were pleasantly surprised by our visit. A small area of the castle is currently inaccessible, but there is plenty to explore. You can visit most of the castle ruins and the us a doocot and beautiful gardens to explore too. A wee hidden gem. Very peaceful and relaxing. Really enjoyed our visit and good value for money too.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 June 2024
- Mike the DiverEdinburgh, United Kingdom198 contributionsGreat Afternoon OutTook my 9 year old here today. Despite regularly exploring around North Berwick I was until recently unaware of this place. Lovely place! Beautiful gardens, big and impressive castle with loads to explore. The pigeon house thingy was particularly cool !Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
430 reviews
Excellent
287
Very good
124
Average
14
Poor
4
Terrible
1
LorKatie
St Austell, UK7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We visited this Historic Scotland building with the knowledge that some of the structure would be restricted. We paid to visit what we thought would be a great photo opportunity. We paid to enter, with our camera's in hand, we were unable to take any photos of this castle as the whole are was completely surrounded by a very large fence. The small garden and bowling green took no more than 10 minutes to walk around. This is so disappointing that yet another castle has been fenced off. We tried to visit all the castles we could in the area they were all fenced off. What's is the point of charging when you can't see or go around even the outside.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are sorry to hear that your visit did not live up to your expectations. Unfortunately, the Castle building at Dirleton remains closed as a precautionary measure, until a full inspection of High Level Masonry can be carried out, and any necessary remedial works programmed. The grounds and gardens remain open, as well as the exhibition and the shop.
Over winter, we allowed free access to the gardens. During the peak summer months, while the gardens are in full bloom, we have introduced a small charge for the gardens (half of the normal admission price). We understand that you are disappointed by the castle closure, but we feel there is much to see in the gardens, and our team of gardeners and grounds maintenance staff work really hard to create and maintain interest in the various garden areas at Dirleton. The gardens date from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The formal Victorian garden was faithfully reconstructed in 1993. Visitors can also explore the Arts and Crafts Garden with its herbaceous borders. The garden at Dirleton also boasts a rare and distinctive ginkgo tree.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Written 4 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FolkestoneJack
London, UK564 contributions
Sept 2021
This is a strange site to visit right now with just the gardens open due to risks from unstable masonry at a high level identified at around 20 buildings in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.
I visited with what were clearly unrealistic expectations of being able to get a decent view of the castle, even if I wouldn't be able to enter. After all, the admission fee is not reduced by that much (down from £6 to £4.80). However, it soon became clear that the fencing blocks off quite a bit more of the path around the castle than I would have anticipated. You can't get anywhere near the classic exterior view of the bridge into the castle.
As pleasant as the gardens were for a 15 minute wander, this didn't really feel worth the cost of admission.
I visited with what were clearly unrealistic expectations of being able to get a decent view of the castle, even if I wouldn't be able to enter. After all, the admission fee is not reduced by that much (down from £6 to £4.80). However, it soon became clear that the fencing blocks off quite a bit more of the path around the castle than I would have anticipated. You can't get anywhere near the classic exterior view of the bridge into the castle.
As pleasant as the gardens were for a 15 minute wander, this didn't really feel worth the cost of admission.
Written 11 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review Dirleton Castle. We are very sorry to hear that your visit did not live up to your expectations. The gardens, exhibition and shop are open but unfortunately the rest of the castle currently remains closed as a precautionary measure while we undertake site inspections, we apologise for the inconvenience this caused. Admission is now free to reflect this closure.
Thank you for your feedback.
Written 12 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hstevens282
Leven, UK309 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The castle is situated in a lovely village very near North Berwick where we were staying. I found out it had lovely gardens which I thought might be good for our dog. The castle itself is not open to the public as it is unsafe but I don’t think you are missing much as it is a derelict ruin. The garden is lovely. It is in 2 parts-a large herbaceous border around a lawn and a descending garden with lovely flower beds on a slight incline. It looks beautiful but it is all seen and done in 30-45 minutes. However it only cost the 2 of us just over £6 which I think is a fair price. You can take a dog in but you have to keep it on a lead which is fair enough.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DBayley47
Leicester, UK17 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Well, first the bad...as I explained to the two attendants at the gate on the way out, we were somewhat disappointed. We knew that the castle interior was closed before we arrived due to safety concerns around the masonry, but we were surprised at how little of the castle we were actually able to see. On raising this, it was explained that the fall risk of the masonry was actually wider than the area of the path which went round the castle. So, be aware, you won't be able to see the view on the publicity photos.
However, the good...the staff were absolutely lovely, helpful, chatty and more than willing to answer questions. In fact, the young man we spoke to (with the long hair) recommended that we visit Hailes Castle nearby, which was free and stunning, so I would particularly like to thank him for that.
The gardens were lovely, very well maintained, and it was nice to see a couple of new beds being replanted.
There was a game of bowls going on on the bowling green on the front lawn, and that was just lovely. How nice to see a castle still providing a relevant service to the local population.
Fortunately, the good outweighed the bad for us. We hope to return once the castle is properly reopened.
However, the good...the staff were absolutely lovely, helpful, chatty and more than willing to answer questions. In fact, the young man we spoke to (with the long hair) recommended that we visit Hailes Castle nearby, which was free and stunning, so I would particularly like to thank him for that.
The gardens were lovely, very well maintained, and it was nice to see a couple of new beds being replanted.
There was a game of bowls going on on the bowling green on the front lawn, and that was just lovely. How nice to see a castle still providing a relevant service to the local population.
Fortunately, the good outweighed the bad for us. We hope to return once the castle is properly reopened.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review Dirleton Castle. We are glad to hear that you found your visit interesting and our team helpful. However, we’re very sorry to hear that your whole visit did not live up to your expectations. The gardens, exhibition and shop are open but unfortunately the rest of the castle currently remains closed as a precautionary measure while we undertake site inspections, we apologise for the inconvenience this caused. Admission is currently free to reflect this closure.
Thank you for your feedback.
Written 12 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
voodoosue
Wigan, UK910 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
I wasn’t expecting much from the small entrance fee
How wrong was I! The castle itself is a bit of a ruin & unfortunately due to safety you can no longer go inside.
The gardens are beautiful & very well kept. Nice to stroll around or have a picnic.
The highlight for me was the talk & demonstration. The guy made it fun & interesting & even carried on despite the rain.
How wrong was I! The castle itself is a bit of a ruin & unfortunately due to safety you can no longer go inside.
The gardens are beautiful & very well kept. Nice to stroll around or have a picnic.
The highlight for me was the talk & demonstration. The guy made it fun & interesting & even carried on despite the rain.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
imogen
Blairgowrie, UK3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We used to visit Dirleton Castle with our young kids. This was the first time I had been back in a while - this time with my grown-up daughter. I was delighted that the welcome from the lady in the ticket office was just as warm and friendly as I remember. She was very helpful, informative and happy to point out the highlights I had forgotten! The garden with its magnificent border and lawn, the views and general sense of peace were just as beautiful bringing back lots of happy memories. There are useful signs explaining why some areas are currently closed but its well worth going to see as you can still wander round pretty much all of it still. A lovely place to visit that is close to Edinburgh.
time
time
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vikinglongboat
Derby, UK165 contributions
Oct 2020
Bit tricky to find. No sign for small car park which is a small public one next to a kids play area. Man on the gate really friendly and chatty. A credit to SH. The place itself was a bit disappointing. A quick wander around and back out again. Nothing special or magical about the place really. Just a bog standard castle with little in the way of endearing features. Ok if you are in the area and want to pass an hour.
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review regarding your recent visit to Dirleton Castle. We are very sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your experience when visiting us. We have been working incredibly hard to ensure that we can re-open safely, but as a result of Scottish Government guidelines we are currently unable to re-open all areas of the castle. However, as it is only the De-Vaux tower and Prison closed off due to the one way system in place, we feel that there is still lots for visitors to see and explore.
Again we'd like to thank you for taking time to send us your feedback.
Written 9 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike the Diver
Edinburgh, UK198 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Took my 9 year old here today. Despite regularly exploring around North Berwick I was until recently unaware of this place.
Lovely place!
Beautiful gardens, big and impressive castle with loads to explore.
The pigeon house thingy was particularly cool !
Lovely place!
Beautiful gardens, big and impressive castle with loads to explore.
The pigeon house thingy was particularly cool !
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CEG
St. Andrews, UK178 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We were pleasantly surprised by our visit. A small area of the castle is currently inaccessible, but there is plenty to explore. You can visit most of the castle ruins and the us a doocot and beautiful gardens to explore too. A wee hidden gem. Very peaceful and relaxing. Really enjoyed our visit and good value for money too.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickCGardner
Edinburgh, UK19 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Atmospheric castle in pleasant settings with nice views.
As photo shows there are many steps, although parts of the attraction can be viewed without climbing.
Only around an hour's interest, but would be pleasant for a picnic, and in a nice location.
Would make a good way station during a day's excursion.
As photo shows there are many steps, although parts of the attraction can be viewed without climbing.
Only around an hour's interest, but would be pleasant for a picnic, and in a nice location.
Would make a good way station during a day's excursion.
Written 18 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you get photos without entering
Written 13 August 2023
Sorry I don't know. But I would think it should be OK really.
Written 22 August 2019
Is this suitable for small children?
Written 25 July 2017
I was there with my 7 year old son & 5 year old daughter, for a 7 year old, the castle is easily accessible but for my daughter, the steep stone steps and narrow staircases caused a few problems. - lot of hand holding and close supervision was required.
Written 25 July 2017
*allowed
Lol. If your dog barks too much you may be kicked out ;)
Written 23 January 2017
Sorry to be so long in replying we are staying where there is no internet connection. We travelled by bike so parking not a problem, in fact caretaker took our bikes into castle grounds! Dirleton is a quiet we place and there should be no problem re parking
Written 24 June 2016
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