Dirleton Castle

Dirleton, United Kingdom

Dirleton Castle is a medieval fortress in East Lothian, Scotland. Begun in around 1240 by John De Vaux, the castle was heavily damaged during the Wars of Scottish Independence, when it was twice taken by the English. In the 14th century, Dirleton was repaired by the Haliburton family, and it was acquired by the Ruthvens in 1505.

The Ruthvens were involved in several plots against Mary, Queen of Scots, and King James VI, and eventually forfeited the castle in 1600. Dirleton ceased to be a residence, although Oliver Cromwell was forced to besiege the castle to flush out a band of 'mosstroopers' (marauders), during the Third English Civil War in 1650. The damaged castle was then acquired by John Nisbet, Lord Dirleton, who decided to build a new country house on the nearby Archerfield Estate. The Nisbet family of Dirleton continued to maintain the castle's gardens, before handing Dirleton into state care in 1923. The ruins and gardens are now maintained by Historic Environment Scotland.

Dirleton Castle stands on a rocky outcrop, at the heart of the rich agricultural lands of the barony of Dirleton, and guards the coastal approach to Edinburgh from England, via the port of North Berwick. The ruins comprise a 13th-century keep, and a 16th-century house which the Ruthvens built adjacent. Only the basement levels survive of the 14th- and 15th-century additions built by the Haliburtons, although these comprised a large hall and tower house along the east range. Other buildings within the courtyard have also been demolished. Surrounding the castle are gardens, which may have been first laid out in the 16th century, although the present planting is largely of the 20th century. The garden walls enclose a 16th-century doocot, or pigeon house.

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Founded: c. 1240
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Desmond Boyle (5 months ago)
A great small castle site to visit. Beautifully gardens that are well kept. On arrival you park in the small carpark and go through a door in the wall of the castle in to the grounds. We were met by a lovely lady who to the time to advise us that the castle was only open to 60% and the price reflected that. We stoll got some great photos and wonderfull views. We also have 2 dogs that were also welcome.
Siobhan Findlay (5 months ago)
Part of the castle was closed unfortunately but I still enjoyed walking around. The gardens are beautiful.
Polly Wainwright (5 months ago)
This Castle, Doocot and Gardens, is well worth visiting. Its currently at a reduced cost of £3.50 (for us concessions) because there are some areas closed for renovation - but there's still plenty to see. Free entry to English Heritage members (of a year plus membership). The gardens are beautiful, step inside the Doocot - a huge 'pigeon' house used to feed the banquets held at the castle. The main entrance to the castle is closed, but steps round the side take you on a wonderful exploration into cellars, kitchens and chapels. Amazing sights from the top. Information boards throughout. Friendly and informative woman (gave us leaflets of other places to visit, talked about this castle etc) at reception. Parking nearby, no height barriers.
Neil Northman (5 months ago)
A great castle that the whole family enjoyed there was enough detail without it becoming overwhelming or boring. There was lots of different sections and the boys loved running about and climbing over the rubble and broken down parts of the walls. The gardens were inviting and beautiful. The cherry on top for us was the historic section with the in-house historian that made some really interesting replicas that the kids loved.
David Masefield (6 months ago)
Great Castle ruins in East Lothian. Ruins you can still walk inside. Some areas are closed due to the potential for falling masonry. We took Larry along and he enjoyed exploring the basement cellars and the pit area.
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