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.
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 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).
1 Oct to 31 Mar:
Daily except Thur & Fri, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm).
Closed for lunch 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
Discover more on the go – the Historic Scotland app lets you find out about Scotland’s most iconic places wherever you are.
More than 20 of our sites are now open. Please book your tickets in advance.
Join Historic Scotland to visit our properties free of charge for a full year and support our work at the same time.
Use one of our fantastic locations on your next shoot for an awe-inspiring backdrop to your work.
Our 300+ historic places serve as creative inspiration for all sorts of learning activities – and for learners of all ages.
See the past brought to life by the imaginative year-round programme of events at our properties.
