Thirlestane Castle
Thirlestane Castle
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsCastles
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Public Tours Closed from October 2023 - May 2024.
Within just an hour's drive of Edinburgh, this magnificent 16th Century Castle is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland. With grand State Rooms featuring some of the finest plasterwork ceilings in Europe and one of the most extensive collections of family portraits in Scotland, Thirlestane Castle is steeped in history. The Toy Museum "School Room" features an impressive collection of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian toys. Guided tours of Thirlestane Castle led by expert local guides are also available from May-October (booking recommended), including a complimentary cup of tea and a treat at the end. The Castle boasts 5 luxury accommodation suites, as well as the option of exclusive use for the ultimate fairytale experience. Thirlestane has a world class, public events' calendar, featuring showstoppers such as the Sir Jackie Stewart Classic Festival of Motoring.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
208 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
45
Average
13
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Nettiemiester
United Kingdom31 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Very interesting guided tour by Lesley who gave us a very detailed journey through the house and history and regaled us with stories and scandals .. a refreshing cuppa and tea cake after our tour ended our lovely afternoon
Written 8 October 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.
Thank you so much for letting us have your feedback. It really helps us to understand what our visitors appreciate and we will make sure that Lesley receives your lovely words.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amfarnham
Farnham, UK95 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We were looking for something to make good use of a wet afternoon and Thirlestane did not disappoint
The tour led by Fiona was fascinating with a great mix of history and stories of the times
Thanks
The tour led by Fiona was fascinating with a great mix of history and stories of the times
Thanks
Written 8 October 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.
Fiona will be thrilled to hear this. We love it our visitors share our love and enthusiasm for Thirelstane Castle. Thank you very much for taking the time to give your feedback.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CUMBRIAVIEW
Conwy, UK2,914 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
You know when you travel to see an attraction the first thing you do is visit the website and check to see if it is open on the day of your visit.
I mean there is nothing worse than travelling for an hour or two to find the attraction closed and be disappointed.
Well today we chose to visit the Castle and of course checked to see if it was open to visitors.It was so off we trotted.
On arrival we were surprised to see the place was closed.
Decided to give the Castle a ring to find out what time the Castle would be open.
Oh no we are not open today or tomorrow as there is a private function on.
Wouldn't it be lovely if the website had been updated to save us a waste of time fuel and dissapointment.
I mean there is nothing worse than travelling for an hour or two to find the attraction closed and be disappointed.
Well today we chose to visit the Castle and of course checked to see if it was open to visitors.It was so off we trotted.
On arrival we were surprised to see the place was closed.
Decided to give the Castle a ring to find out what time the Castle would be open.
Oh no we are not open today or tomorrow as there is a private function on.
Wouldn't it be lovely if the website had been updated to save us a waste of time fuel and dissapointment.
Written 6 October 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.
We're really sorry to have disappointed you. We have taken on board your comments and we will make sure that we incorporate these into our review of the season as we are always trying to improve the experience for our visitors. Again, our sincere apologies.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bertiebassett2014
Verwood, UK188 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The best guided tour I have ever been on. The guide knew everything. She was friendly and welcoming and interested in the job and the surroundings. The castle was amazing. I have passed this castle for over 50 years and this was the first time I have gone in. The cost was well worth the money and you even got a cup of tea and a cake after the trip round.
Written 5 October 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.
It's so good to hear such a lovely review. Our guides take such pride in their work and their knowledge is second to none. We're so proud of them. We're so pleased that you decided to come and visit.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
William W
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wonderful display of antique furniture and paintings. Whole experience bought to life by Lesley who put everything related to the family in context and in a most engaging manner. Normally prefer looking around at my own pace but thank goodness we were on the guided tour. The time absolutely flew by. Thank you again,Lesley
Written 5 October 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.
We're so pleased that you enjoyed your tour here at Thirlestane. We'll be sure to pass on your lovely words to Lesley.
Written 31 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah J H
Auckland Central, New Zealand54 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Loved visiting this place. The lady at the gate, she reminded me of Margaret Thatcher with her beautiful hairdo and shoes. She walked us up to the entry and from there we joined a very knowledgeable guide who just knew so much about the generations that had lived there.
Lots of interesting things to see in each room and the tour finished off in what was the servant kitchen quarters where the bells would have sounded; we were served tea & coffee and a marshmallow type biscuit, delish.
Lots of interesting things to see in each room and the tour finished off in what was the servant kitchen quarters where the bells would have sounded; we were served tea & coffee and a marshmallow type biscuit, delish.
Written 1 October 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.
Thank you for taking the time to give such a lovely review. It's appreciated so very much. We hope you'll visit us again.
Written 4 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chrisgale
Sheffield, UK805 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
What a fabulous place and had a superb tour with Carol. Only 6 of us so it felt very personalised. Had a walk around the outside first as I arrived early and then a tour of the rooms and history. Allowed to take photos which was lovely. Tea and a Tunnocks tea cake and a little gift shop made it a perfect visit. Parking and a walk up to the castle. Best to book ahead on line as tours are not on all the time. You can stay in the apartments as well. Highly recommended.
Written 30 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.
We're so pleased that you enjoyed your visit to Thirlestane Castle. We'd love to welcome you back in the future - perhaps you'll come and stay in one of our apartments!
Written 4 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Welsh NZers
Auckland Central, New Zealand1,200 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This small but beautiful Castle exceeded our expectations.
We arrived early at Thirlestane so took some photos of the grounds and the exterior of the castle. Built of rose-pink sandstone and fairy-tale turrets, the current castle was built in 1590, previously there had been fortifications since the 13th century if not earlier - Lauder Fort. Thirlestane is one of the oldest & finest castles and home to one of the country’s most distinguished families - Maitland.
The Queen & the Duke of Edinburgh visited Thirlestane in July 2009 and the then 15th Duke Gerald Maitland was also her Lord Lieutenant. From 1999 to 2019 the Duke of Edinburgh used to visit for 3 days every August for the Riding Festival. Equestrian interests have seen Princess Anne and Prince Edward visit the Castle.
We had two guides for our tour, Malcolm and Duncan who were very knowledgeable as they guided us room by room through the Castle. We took photographs but not of all the rooms, as being smaller it was hard to get a wider view. Photography is not permitted of specific items. We found it so very interesting & really enjoyed learning about both the history of the Castle, its furnishings & the Maitland family.
There is no cafe here, but Malcolm kindly made us afternoon tea at the end of our tour. The grounds are park like with sheep grazing on the lower fields, and a perfect setting for such a beautiful castle.
Thirlestane is definitely worth adding to your “must see” list - you do need to book online first.
We arrived early at Thirlestane so took some photos of the grounds and the exterior of the castle. Built of rose-pink sandstone and fairy-tale turrets, the current castle was built in 1590, previously there had been fortifications since the 13th century if not earlier - Lauder Fort. Thirlestane is one of the oldest & finest castles and home to one of the country’s most distinguished families - Maitland.
The Queen & the Duke of Edinburgh visited Thirlestane in July 2009 and the then 15th Duke Gerald Maitland was also her Lord Lieutenant. From 1999 to 2019 the Duke of Edinburgh used to visit for 3 days every August for the Riding Festival. Equestrian interests have seen Princess Anne and Prince Edward visit the Castle.
We had two guides for our tour, Malcolm and Duncan who were very knowledgeable as they guided us room by room through the Castle. We took photographs but not of all the rooms, as being smaller it was hard to get a wider view. Photography is not permitted of specific items. We found it so very interesting & really enjoyed learning about both the history of the Castle, its furnishings & the Maitland family.
There is no cafe here, but Malcolm kindly made us afternoon tea at the end of our tour. The grounds are park like with sheep grazing on the lower fields, and a perfect setting for such a beautiful castle.
Thirlestane is definitely worth adding to your “must see” list - you do need to book online first.
Written 16 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.
Thank you for your super review of our castle. We will make sure that Malcolm and Duncan receive this super feedback.
We do hope to see you again in the future.
Written 23 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marlene M
Aberdeen, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023
We spent 5 nights in the Sculleries apartment and it was a fantastic experience.
The apartment itself was lovely and had everything required for the stay along with some literature on the history of the castle.
The one bed apartment had plenty of space for 2 adults and a dog.
The grounds are extensive and great for 4 legged friends with woodland and river walks.
We visit Lauder on a regular basis and although we have previously visited the castle, we had never stayed there.
I am so glad that we did and would definitely return in the future and possible try one of the other apartments.
The staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful.
The apartment itself was lovely and had everything required for the stay along with some literature on the history of the castle.
The one bed apartment had plenty of space for 2 adults and a dog.
The grounds are extensive and great for 4 legged friends with woodland and river walks.
We visit Lauder on a regular basis and although we have previously visited the castle, we had never stayed there.
I am so glad that we did and would definitely return in the future and possible try one of the other apartments.
The staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful.
Written 7 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.
Thank you for taking the time to review our lovely castle. We're so pleased that you had a wonderful stay. We would very much love to see you again in the future.
Written 23 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bea091
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK25 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Had a lovely tour with Norman, only 4 on the tour so lots of time to look around and ask questions.
Norman joined us at the end of the tour for free tea or coffee and a Tunnock Teacake.
Lovely walks around the grounds and to Lauder too.
Norman joined us at the end of the tour for free tea or coffee and a Tunnock Teacake.
Lovely walks around the grounds and to Lauder too.
Written 6 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.
We're so pleased you had a great time at the Castle and in its grounds. We'll make sure that Norman receives your super feedback. Thank you very much for visiting.
Written 23 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
T. B.
Winchester, UK3 contributions
We are staying in the apartments on site, do you have a restaurant at the castle for food?
Thirlestane Castle
Edinburgh, UK
There is no restaurant at the castle but there are a couple of very good places to eat in the town of Lauder which is a ten-minute walk from the castle. During our visitor season in the summer months there is a tea room at the castle serving light lunches, cakes and refreshments.
Joseph@malta
Glenrothes, UK90 contributions
I am planning to visit this castle on my way from Melrose to Edinburgh but on the google maps I cannot find exactly where the parking is. Any help is appreciated to programme my sat nav in advance. Thanks
Thirlestane Castle
Edinburgh, UK
Hi,
We have a large visitor car park within the castle estate. After you drive through the main gate you will approach the ticket hut where our member of staff will then direct you to the car park.
We open for the 2019 season on 28th April. We will be open every Sunday-Thursday from 10am until 3rd October 2019.
Thanks.
Rick M
3 contributions
De huidige openingstijden.
Thirlestane Castle
Edinburgh, UK
The castle is open Sunday-Thursday from 10am with last entry at 4pm. We close for the winter at 4pm on Sunday 30th September.
Can you purchase tickets for the tour ahead of time? If so, where? Thank you!
Thirlestane Castle
Edinburgh, UK
Hi Katie, you can purchase entrance tickets at local VisitScotland iCentres in advance or you can get them on the day at the castle. Unless it is a group booking, you guide yourself through the castle so there is no need for a tour ticket or to book in advance. Rhona - Thirlestane Castle
ROBERT R
Poulton Le Fylde, UK1 contribution
Can I park my motorhome
.
Thirlestane Castle
Edinburgh, UK
Yes there is plenty of parking for your motorhome while you visit the castle. There is also our Caravan Park if you would like to stay longer.
ailsacraig2014
Edinburgh, UK1 contribution
Are you able to walk dogs in the castle grounds?
Thirlestane Castle
Edinburgh, UK
Yes you are welcome to bring your dog on a lead in the grounds. We look forward to welcoming you.
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Claim your listingTHIRLESTANE CASTLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Thirlestane Castle
- Thirlestane Castle is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 - 15:30
- Hotels near Thirlestane Castle:
- (0.01 mi) The Maitland at Thirlestane Castle - Luxurious, spacious, castle retreat
- (0.01 mi) The Lauderdale at Thirlestane Castle - a luxurious haven in a Scottish castle
- (0.01 mi) Thirlestane Woodland Lodges
- (0.02 mi) The Earl and Countess at Thirlestane Castle - Dramatic, luxury castle retreat
- (0.02 mi) Elegant castle apartment for six people
- Restaurants near Thirlestane Castle:
- (0.26 mi) The Black Bull
- (0.27 mi) Flat Cat Gallery
- (0.25 mi) The Spotty Dog
- (0.27 mi) Firebrick Bakery
- (0.27 mi) Daisy Chain Cafe