Access

Special arrangements are currently in place at Dirleton Castle, to comply with Scottish Government guidance during the Covid-19 pandemic. These arrangements are detailed below, and will be regularly updated. Last updated: 28 July 2020.

Although things may be a little different, we hope that you will have an enjoyable visit and will be greeted with a warm and friendly smile by staff.

Safety measures

Our staff have been trained in hygiene and physical distancing and have been provided with the necessary PPE
Signage is on site to guide visitors, including one way systems and marked areas that are currently closed to visitors
We have introduced enhanced cleaning measures, including our toilet facilities, to make visitors feel comfortable while visiting
In line with Scottish Government legislation and guidance, face coverings are now mandatory if you are visiting any indoor/enclosed spaces at our sites including retail and catering areas (subject to some exceptions)

Watch our video on what to expect when you visit our sites

Carers tickets

In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry and as advised by Capability Scotland, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis with all other visitors and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate - Adult/Concession/Child. Proof of disability is not required.

We offer free entry for carers accompanying visitors with disabilities. To book a free carer ticket, please email ticketing@hes.scot and quote your order number.

Parking

There is a nearby public car park, surfaced with smooth tarmac. It is a small car park and there isn't much space for manoeuvring. We are not responsible for loss or damage to vehicles.

Visitors can be dropped off 10m from the site by arrangement – please call 01620 850 330.

Dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.

Visitors' dogs are allowed at Dirleton Castle, but are not permitted in roofed areas.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended at any time. Owners must pick up after their dogs.

Approach to site

The car park is about 100m from the site entrance along a road with a gentle downhill slope and through a gate.

What will be open during your visit

Gardens
Doocot
Gazebo
Hallyburton range
Ruthven Range first floor
Shop

What will be closed/unavailable during your visit

De Vaux Range
Lower floor of Ruthven Range
Prison

Visiting the site

Visitors will follow a one-way route through the gardens to the castle, and then can move through some parts of the building freely, and some on signposted one-way systems. Physical distancing measures will be in place. Access to some spaces may be limited.

The ticket office is entered through a door with a ramp either side. Space is restricted, but the floor is level
The garden’s herbaceous section is particularly fragrant in summer. It is all on the level with bound gravel surfaced paths and a flat grass lawn. There are benches throughout
The gazebo is 13m from the visitor centre and up 12 steps (with handrail)
The doocot is 173m from the visitor centre and down 5 steps (with handrail). Its doorway is low (136cm) and narrow (70cm). Entry to the dovecot is over a small threshold and down two steps
The castle drawbridge is about 250m from the visitor centre, over bound gravel paths. There are three large stone steps and one timber step with a handrail onto the drawbridge which has a steep gradient
At ground level are the ruins of the brewhouse, guardhouse, inner close, chapel and priest’s room. The floor is uneven and there are several low door thresholds. The pit prison will not be open to visitors
15 uneven stone steps, (eight of them without a handrail), lead down to the bakehouse and vaults
The inner close and de Vaux range will not be open at this time. QR code links will provide access to 360 degree views of the closed spaces
A straight flight of eight wooden steps and three stone steps leads up to the first floor, consisting of the Great Hall, Kitchen and Portcullis Chamber
The interiors of the gazebo and doocot will not be open at this time