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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.
Historic Scotland

Opening times

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone.

Find out more about our reopening plans.

Facilities

A fine stone cross on a modern base in a calm village road

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Ormiston Market Cross
A tall cross on top of a large cylindrical base

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Preston Market Cross
A grass covered straight road leading over a field

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Dere Street Roman Road, Soutra
A general view of Seton Collegiate Church.

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Seton Collegiate Church
A general view of Craigmillar Castle, featuring one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.

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Craigmillar Castle
The unique hexagonal vaulted chamber in St Triduana

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St Triduana's Chapel, Restalrig Collegiate Church
A general view of Salisbury Crag, looking out to Edinburgh’s Old Town, in Holyrood Park.

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Holyrood Park
A general view of Holyrood Abbey and palace.

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Holyrood Abbey
A general view of Craigmillar Castle, featuring one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.

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Craigmillar Castle
A general view of Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock, as seen from the north.

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Edinburgh Castle
A general view of the entrance and imposing defenses at Dirleton Castle

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Dirleton Castle
The ruins of Ravenscraig Castle with its big round tower in the foreground

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Ravenscraig Castle
The ruins of Hailes Castle on a riverbank

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Hailes Castle
View of the east range at Aberdour Castle from the walled garden

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Aberdour Castle and Gardens
A general view of Tantallon Castle and its dovecot.

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Tantallon Castle
View of Greenknowe Tower from below

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Greenknowe Tower

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