Dirleton Castle

Overview

There is currently no visitor access to the Guard House, South Entrance and De Vaux range. Find out more about our conservation work

This magnificent fortress–residence served three successive noble families over 400 years. Badly damaged in Cromwell’s 1650 siege, Dirleton’s fortunes were revived by its new owners in the 1660s.

The Nisbet family built a new mansion house nearby to live in and made the picturesque castle ruins the central feature in their new designed landscape. They also breathed new life into the splendid gardens, now home to the world’s longest herbaceous border.

Opening times

There is currently no visitor access to the Guard House, South Entrance and De Vaux range.

1 Apr to 30 Sept: 
Daily, 9.30am to last entry at 4.30pm (closes 5pm).

1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Daily except Thur & Fri, 10am to last entry at 3.30pm (closes 4pm).

May close for lunch 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

Historic Scotland

Facilities

Awards & Accreditations

A graphic of a green circle with the words "Green Tourism gold award" A graphic of a dark blue oval with a thistle at the top and the words "Scottish Tourist Board", followed by four stars. John Muir Way stamping station logo

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