Historic Scotland
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Opening times

1 Apr to 30 Sept:
Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Last entry 5pm

1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Closed

Check here for unexpected closures

Facilities

 

Overview

Connect this lordly residence with some of Scotland’s most exciting moments. Crichton’s influential residents included James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell and third husband of Mary Queen of Scots.

What to see and do

  • Take in Crichton’s splendid isolation – the castle sits on a terrace overlooking the River Tyne
  • Step inside the late 14th-century tower house – one of the oldest built in Scotland
  • Admire Chancellor Crichton’s great hall – a remarkable legacy built around 1450
  • See the diamond-faceted façade added by Francis Stewart around 1580 – there’s nothing else quite like it in Scotland
  • Take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the castle. Available on site
A general view of Crichton Castle from the approach path.
Archways beneath the great diamond facade inside Crichton Castle.
Crichton Castle, as seen on its hillside terrace from across the River Tyne
A view of the remarkable diamond facade at Crichton Castle.
The stables of Crichton Castle.
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A fine stone cross on a modern base in a calm village road

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Ormiston Market Cross

6 miles from Crichton Castle
A tall cross on top of a large cylindrical base

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Preston Market Cross

8 miles from Crichton Castle
A grass covered straight road leading over a field

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Dere Street Roman Road, Soutra

8 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Seton Collegiate Church.

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Seton Collegiate Church

9 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Craigmillar Castle, featuring one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.

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Craigmillar Castle

11 miles from Crichton Castle
The unique hexagonal vaulted chamber in St Triduana

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St Triduana's Chapel, Restalrig Collegiate Church

13 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Salisbury Crag, looking out to Edinburgh’s Old Town, in Holyrood Park.

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Holyrood Park

13 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Holyrood Abbey and palace.

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Holyrood Abbey

14 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Craigmillar Castle, featuring one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.

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Craigmillar Castle

11 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock, as seen from the north.

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Edinburgh Castle

16 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of the entrance and imposing defenses at Dirleton Castle

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Dirleton Castle

20 miles from Crichton Castle
The ruins of Ravenscraig Castle with its big round tower in the foreground

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Ravenscraig Castle

21 miles from Crichton Castle
The ruins of Hailes Castle on a riverbank

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Hailes Castle

23 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Aberdour Castle, taken from the terraced garden.

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Aberdour Castle and Gardens

25 miles from Crichton Castle
A general view of Tantallon Castle and its dovecot.

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Tantallon Castle

27 miles from Crichton Castle
View of Greenknowe Tower from below

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Greenknowe Tower

30 miles from Crichton Castle

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