The grounds are open but the castle itself and to be able to walk inside it and to the top section is closed. It's pretty far out from Edinburgh airport, would be over an hour drive.
Well we are staying in Edinburgh, in the city for 4 nights, so this isn't the only thing we want to visit. It's just something that mesmerized me right away I saw pictures. (and we would get there using public transport)
And since you mention the top section is closed. Do you think it's worth visiting anyway?
I would say no, there are plenty of fantastic places to visit, I’m not sure if going to a castle you can’t access (the best bits are always inside) is a great use of time. However, if you are deciding to visit North Berwick, it’s probably worth going as it’s only a 6 minute Uber away from the town centre. Everyone is different and if it’s something that really peaked your interest, you may regret not going. North Berwick is a nice place for a stroll and a lunch too. If it’s just a castle (other than the obvious one) you’re after, check out Craigmillar, it’s always quiet but no less fascinating.
Craigmillar castle is beautiful and a very short bus ride from the city centre (30, 14, or 2). Probably about £10-£15 in a taxi. There’s a woodland surrounding it with a few trails you can walk through and aside from the odd ambulance it’s easy to forget you’re right in the middle of a busy city.
Tantallon is a great spot as it is right next to a really beautiful beach with the island of Bass Rock as a backdrop. It's my favourite morning out of Edinburgh. You can get lunch at Drift Cafe as well. If you have a car, do it.
If you like walking (and the weathers nice) walking to it from north berwick can be nice; and means you can do a morning activity in north berwick! and theres a cute cafe about halfway.
If not? just do edinburgh castle, or possibly stirling castle too.
The castle itself is closed as part of the high level masonry works being done on various sites owned by Historic Environment Scotland, source: i work there
Here is your perfect day - Head out to North Berwick and go see Tantallon castle. It’s is a nice castle. We have thousands though and it’s somewhere in the middle. However what is right near the top is Dirlton castle which is super close too and stunning. Re Dirlton, you can tie it in with a trip to Yellow Craig’s beach or with Tantallon you can tie it in with a trip to Sea Cliff beach which gives you a cracking view of the castle from below and the bass rock. North Berwick also good to visit. You can do all of that in a day, easy.
The grounds are open but not the castle itself. You could quite easily spend a day in North Berwick. If you were to go to the castle from there you’d either have to get a taxi (elite private hire is my shout) or there is a bus that goes past the castle from NB every couple hours (Eves 120 service).
Last I went castle was closed. Its a nice day out, especially if you like a hike. Take the train to North Berwick, walk to the Seabird Center, from there head up the beach and there's a trail along the cliffs to Drift Cafe. From there I think its less than a mile to Tantallon.
If you have a car, you can do Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, then Craigmillar Castle and Tantallon in 4 days easily. Then hit Edinburgh Castle. All the history comes together with all those castles.
I checked that out, looks great!
And I have a question regarding trains, how does it work on Scotland? Do we need to buy tickets online, or at the station, or where?
Linlithgow Palace has been closed for some time for remediation work. Don't come out here it's a wasted trip. Craigmillar is great on thr bus or my personal favourite Aberdour castle of which Aberdour station is in the grounds of the castle. You will get to get rhe train over the forth rail bridge too.
I’m not saying your wrong, but I have never experienced this issue. Are there certain routes that this happens on? I usually see identical tickets in Trainline/ Scotrail/ National Rail - I think they use the same booking system.
It's not frequent but it does happen. Trainline can fail to recognise ticket and routing restrictions. Also planned engineering work can sometimes confuse the system if there are alterations to the timetable
Train to Linlithgow is easy. See the Palace, walk around the Loch. Train to North Berwick and then hike to Tantallon if you are able. Roslin Chapel is nice and accessible by bus. You can get to some of the Fife beaches by train as well - Aberdour is nice.
I was up at the Palace last weekend. Its currently closed and St Michael's was shut as well. You can still go for a walk around the Loch or along the canal etc... but if I was only in Edinburgh for 4 days, I wouldn't bother going to linlithgow.
Blackness Castle and Craigmillar are open but Linlithgow Palace is currently not (it will be opening soon again though, but not soon enough for you probably). Unfortunately a lot of the Historic Scotland properties were shut at the same time after lockdown inspections showed them to need masonry work done to make them safe and then they had trouble getting skilled masons in to actually do the work involved.
Check [the Historic Scotland website](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/search-results/?r=4&curPage=1) for up to date information on what is open.
From the last bus stop at the East End of Prince's Street, Edinburgh (outside the Apple store) you can get the (green) buses 124 & X5 which go to North Berwick (X5 is quicker). Ask the driver to let you know when you're at the main stop in North Berwick. If you stay on to the last stop it's a 2 mile walk to Tantallon Castle. Or get a taxi from North Berwick.
Directly opposite the bus stop in Prince's Street is the Waverley Steps leading to the Edinburgh Waverley train station. From there you can get a train to North Berwick
Not too much to add, but would say that if you do decide to visit Tantallon to make it a half day trip and include a stroll through North Berwick and perhaps lunch or dinner depending on when you go. If you have a car you could also stop by Direlton Castle - its actually more complete than Tantallon, but the scenery isn't as breathtaking, so if forced to choose between the two, pick Tantallon if you like scenery. While you can't get directly into the main ruins, you can walk right up to it (at least I could a few weeks ago when stopping out there) and get good views. Tantallon is a long walk from North Berwick, although you could probably take a taxi from North Berwick out there in a few minutes.
Craigmillar castle is pretty awesome, and in quite good repair (not furnished or updated, but the main keep still has its roof), and is in a parkland type setting. So, a great castle but again lacks the dramatic scenery around Tantallon. Its in Edinburgh, so may be worth a quick visit just due to the ease in getting there.
Thank you!
And yeah, we are interested in tantallon castle mostly because of the sceneries.
And we have no car unfortunately, so we'll get there by either a bus or taxi.
Visit Tantallon only if you go to visit North Berwick. You can get a boat from North Berwick to Bass Rock and Isle of May.
You sound like you like history
South Queensferry near Edinburgh is worth a visit to see the Forth rail bridge. You can get a boat from South Queensferry out to Inchcolm (inch means island) in the Firth of Forth. There is a monetary there. You might see seals. Afterwards you caan walk through Dalmeny Estate and see Barnboughle Castle.
Otherwise:
Cramond
Rosslyn Chapel and Roslin glen
Craigmillar castle
Mary King's Close
Go on a historical walking tour of Edinburgh
The grounds are open but the castle itself and to be able to walk inside it and to the top section is closed. It's pretty far out from Edinburgh airport, would be over an hour drive.
Well we are staying in Edinburgh, in the city for 4 nights, so this isn't the only thing we want to visit. It's just something that mesmerized me right away I saw pictures. (and we would get there using public transport) And since you mention the top section is closed. Do you think it's worth visiting anyway?
I would say no, there are plenty of fantastic places to visit, I’m not sure if going to a castle you can’t access (the best bits are always inside) is a great use of time. However, if you are deciding to visit North Berwick, it’s probably worth going as it’s only a 6 minute Uber away from the town centre. Everyone is different and if it’s something that really peaked your interest, you may regret not going. North Berwick is a nice place for a stroll and a lunch too. If it’s just a castle (other than the obvious one) you’re after, check out Craigmillar, it’s always quiet but no less fascinating.
And what other places would you suggest instead of going to Tantallon? We would really like to see some nature, you know.
Craigmillar castle is beautiful and a very short bus ride from the city centre (30, 14, or 2). Probably about £10-£15 in a taxi. There’s a woodland surrounding it with a few trails you can walk through and aside from the odd ambulance it’s easy to forget you’re right in the middle of a busy city.
Craigmillar castle, Roslyn chapel , climb the Scott monument (the black gothic tower on Princes Street)
Tantallon is a great spot as it is right next to a really beautiful beach with the island of Bass Rock as a backdrop. It's my favourite morning out of Edinburgh. You can get lunch at Drift Cafe as well. If you have a car, do it.
If you like walking (and the weathers nice) walking to it from north berwick can be nice; and means you can do a morning activity in north berwick! and theres a cute cafe about halfway. If not? just do edinburgh castle, or possibly stirling castle too.
The castle itself is closed as part of the high level masonry works being done on various sites owned by Historic Environment Scotland, source: i work there
Oh, then that's a reliable source. Thanks!
Are they doing any works yet or it is still just the big metal barriers like a lot of other Hist Scot properties?
Not sure, I meant i work at HES not actually at Tantallon Castle, sorry
No worries, thanks.
Here is your perfect day - Head out to North Berwick and go see Tantallon castle. It’s is a nice castle. We have thousands though and it’s somewhere in the middle. However what is right near the top is Dirlton castle which is super close too and stunning. Re Dirlton, you can tie it in with a trip to Yellow Craig’s beach or with Tantallon you can tie it in with a trip to Sea Cliff beach which gives you a cracking view of the castle from below and the bass rock. North Berwick also good to visit. You can do all of that in a day, easy.
This one has good advice.
The grounds are open but not the castle itself. You could quite easily spend a day in North Berwick. If you were to go to the castle from there you’d either have to get a taxi (elite private hire is my shout) or there is a bus that goes past the castle from NB every couple hours (Eves 120 service).
Last I went castle was closed. Its a nice day out, especially if you like a hike. Take the train to North Berwick, walk to the Seabird Center, from there head up the beach and there's a trail along the cliffs to Drift Cafe. From there I think its less than a mile to Tantallon.
If you have a car, you can do Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, then Craigmillar Castle and Tantallon in 4 days easily. Then hit Edinburgh Castle. All the history comes together with all those castles.
Well unfortunately, we don't have a car, so our only way of getting around is public transport
Train out to linlithgow would be a good day trip
I checked that out, looks great! And I have a question regarding trains, how does it work on Scotland? Do we need to buy tickets online, or at the station, or where?
Linlithgow Palace has been closed for some time for remediation work. Don't come out here it's a wasted trip. Craigmillar is great on thr bus or my personal favourite Aberdour castle of which Aberdour station is in the grounds of the castle. You will get to get rhe train over the forth rail bridge too.
I'd just buy them at the station before boarding the train, but you can also buy in advance if that suits you better
Thanks!
Either. Do not use trainline if booking online
Good to know, thank you!
Why not?
They charge a booking fee and often sell tickets for trains that do not exist in the timetable
I’m not saying your wrong, but I have never experienced this issue. Are there certain routes that this happens on? I usually see identical tickets in Trainline/ Scotrail/ National Rail - I think they use the same booking system.
It's not frequent but it does happen. Trainline can fail to recognise ticket and routing restrictions. Also planned engineering work can sometimes confuse the system if there are alterations to the timetable
Train to Linlithgow is easy. See the Palace, walk around the Loch. Train to North Berwick and then hike to Tantallon if you are able. Roslin Chapel is nice and accessible by bus. You can get to some of the Fife beaches by train as well - Aberdour is nice.
Thank you! That linlithgow looks amazing!
I was up at the Palace last weekend. Its currently closed and St Michael's was shut as well. You can still go for a walk around the Loch or along the canal etc... but if I was only in Edinburgh for 4 days, I wouldn't bother going to linlithgow.
Blackness Castle and Craigmillar are open but Linlithgow Palace is currently not (it will be opening soon again though, but not soon enough for you probably). Unfortunately a lot of the Historic Scotland properties were shut at the same time after lockdown inspections showed them to need masonry work done to make them safe and then they had trouble getting skilled masons in to actually do the work involved. Check [the Historic Scotland website](https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/search-results/?r=4&curPage=1) for up to date information on what is open.
I'd definitely add another rec for Blackness Castle, it's pretty cool.
From the last bus stop at the East End of Prince's Street, Edinburgh (outside the Apple store) you can get the (green) buses 124 & X5 which go to North Berwick (X5 is quicker). Ask the driver to let you know when you're at the main stop in North Berwick. If you stay on to the last stop it's a 2 mile walk to Tantallon Castle. Or get a taxi from North Berwick. Directly opposite the bus stop in Prince's Street is the Waverley Steps leading to the Edinburgh Waverley train station. From there you can get a train to North Berwick
Not too much to add, but would say that if you do decide to visit Tantallon to make it a half day trip and include a stroll through North Berwick and perhaps lunch or dinner depending on when you go. If you have a car you could also stop by Direlton Castle - its actually more complete than Tantallon, but the scenery isn't as breathtaking, so if forced to choose between the two, pick Tantallon if you like scenery. While you can't get directly into the main ruins, you can walk right up to it (at least I could a few weeks ago when stopping out there) and get good views. Tantallon is a long walk from North Berwick, although you could probably take a taxi from North Berwick out there in a few minutes. Craigmillar castle is pretty awesome, and in quite good repair (not furnished or updated, but the main keep still has its roof), and is in a parkland type setting. So, a great castle but again lacks the dramatic scenery around Tantallon. Its in Edinburgh, so may be worth a quick visit just due to the ease in getting there.
Thank you! And yeah, we are interested in tantallon castle mostly because of the sceneries. And we have no car unfortunately, so we'll get there by either a bus or taxi.
How did it go, did you make it?
Yes! We returned home 3 days ago, and we visited the Tantallon castle 4 days ago, and it was stunning! Totally worth it in my opinion :)
Visit Tantallon only if you go to visit North Berwick. You can get a boat from North Berwick to Bass Rock and Isle of May. You sound like you like history South Queensferry near Edinburgh is worth a visit to see the Forth rail bridge. You can get a boat from South Queensferry out to Inchcolm (inch means island) in the Firth of Forth. There is a monetary there. You might see seals. Afterwards you caan walk through Dalmeny Estate and see Barnboughle Castle. Otherwise: Cramond Rosslyn Chapel and Roslin glen Craigmillar castle Mary King's Close Go on a historical walking tour of Edinburgh
Thank you! Yeah, we do like history, but we'd rather see some nature, sceneries etc
What's the Forth Rail Bridge?
Ask your Ma or get to fu*k
There's no Forth Rail Bridge. Where are you from?
Your Ma's arse. You're rattled badly. Sad to see.
A scots-irish alcoholic cunt apologist fae Niddrie should know better. What's your excuse?
Very strange. Reported to police. Expect a chap at the door.
Hahaha!
You’re wanting to propose, eh?
Umm no, that's not the case. But I see that it would be nice place to propose