Hailes Castle East Lothian
A historic castle ruin nestled by the River Tyne, offering scenic walks and a glimpse into Scotland's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Lush greenery, pleasant walks
Hailes Castle East Lothian
Best Time
Lush greenery, pleasant walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic castle ruin nestled by the River Tyne, offering scenic walks and a glimpse into Scotland's past.
"Impressive small castle ruin with outstanding views, best enjoyed via a riverside walk. "
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce (2-4 cars max) on a narrow road. Arrive early or consider walking.
🚶♀️ Riverside Walk Recommended
The walk from East Linton is beautiful, though paths can be overgrown.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverside Setting
River Tyne
A picturesque castle ruin nestled along the River Tyne, offering serene views and a glimpse into history.
Ancient Architecture
Castle grounds
Explore one of Scotland's oldest stone castles, with foundations dating back to before 1300.
Historical Significance
Castle exterior
Connected to notable figures like Mary Queen of Scots, this castle holds centuries of Scottish history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Closures
Best Approach: Riverside Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce (2-4 cars max) on a narrow road. Arrive early or consider walking.
🚶♀️ Riverside Walk Recommended
The walk from East Linton is beautiful, though paths can be overgrown.
🚧 Check Access Status
Castle is fenced off for safety. Grounds may have partial closures.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating potentially muddy or overgrown paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Limited Parking Alert
Parking is scarce (2-4 cars max) on a narrow road. Arrive early or consider walking.
🚶♀️ Riverside Walk Recommended
The walk from East Linton is beautiful, though paths can be overgrown.
🚧 Check Access Status
Castle is fenced off for safety. Grounds may have partial closures.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating potentially muddy or overgrown paths.
📸 Drone Photography
Stunning aerial shots are possible, capturing the castle's setting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hailes Castle an impressive and historically significant ruin with a beautiful riverside setting. However, the castle building is currently closed for safety, and parking is extremely limited, making the scenic walk from East Linton the preferred approach for many.
"Beautiful castle ruins that are free to view. I had the advantage of staying at the nearby cottages, so we could see it from every angle. The ruins are currently fenced for safety inspection due to age. Amazed to learn that Mary, Queen of Scots once stayed here. It is surrounds by the River Tyne and has some scenic paths to walk on. Highly recommend if in the area."
Tracy E
"An impressive small castle ruin. It remains fenced off however with no access permitted. There is a small layby at entrance which allows for 2 or 3 cars to park."
Matthew Graham
"Amazing place with outstanding views. We went and the place was shut off but we found a way through the fencing and glad we did 🏰"
Jingo Bells
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hailes Castle is located near East Linton in East Lothian. Access is via narrow, single-track roads. Parking is extremely limited to a small lay-by. Many visitors opt for a scenic walk along the River Tyne from East Linton.
While buses serve East Linton, direct public transport to the castle itself is not readily available. Walking from East Linton is the most common approach.
The most recommended approach is a picturesque walk along the River Tyne from East Linton. This offers beautiful scenery and avoids the parking challenges.
You can drive to the vicinity, but parking is very restricted to a small lay-by that accommodates only a few cars. The road is narrow.
Yes, the charming village of East Linton is nearby and serves as a common starting point for walks to the castle. Haddington is also a larger town in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, Hailes Castle is fenced off due to structural safety concerns, so direct entry into the building is not permitted. Access to the grounds may also be restricted. It's advisable to check the Historic Scotland website for the latest updates.
The castle building itself is closed and fenced off for safety assessments. While you can often view it from the exterior and walk the surrounding grounds, full access is not currently available.
As the castle is currently closed for structural assessments, there are no set opening hours for interior access. The grounds may be accessible during daylight hours, but this can vary.
Since the castle is closed for access, there is typically no admission fee. However, this could change if access is restored.
You can usually access the grounds surrounding Hailes Castle, offering views of the exterior. However, parts of the grounds might also be closed off during safety assessments.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside setting provides beautiful angles, especially during golden hour. Drone photography offers a unique perspective of the castle and its surroundings.
Drone photography is popular here, offering stunning aerial views. Always ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations.
Hailes Castle is ideal for landscape, architectural, and historical photography, capturing the romance of ruins against a natural backdrop.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require specific permissions. Check with Historic Scotland if unsure.
Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) can enhance the atmosphere and beauty of the castle ruins.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
While the castle building is closed, you can explore the exterior, walk the riverside grounds, and appreciate the historical atmosphere and scenic views.
Families can enjoy the riverside walk and exploring the exterior of the castle. However, the current closures might limit the interactive experience for children.
Hailes Castle is a ruin, and parts of it are fenced off due to structural safety concerns. Conservation work is ongoing.
While there are no designated picnic areas, you might find spots along the riverside walk or in the surrounding grounds to enjoy a picnic, weather permitting.
The castle has a long history, with ties to figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Oliver Cromwell. It was founded before 1300 and was significant for the Hepburn family.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1However, the current closure of the castle building and potential partial closures of the grounds mean the experience might be more about the journey and exterior views rather than in-depth exploration. Parking is also a significant challenge for families traveling by car, so planning to walk from East Linton is advisable. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for potentially uneven or muddy paths.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1While the castle itself is a historical point of interest, the real draw for hikers is the journey. The path can be a bit overgrown, adding to the sense of discovery. The castle ruins provide a picturesque backdrop to the natural landscape, making it a rewarding destination for a leisurely walk and photography.
📸 Photographers
+1Drone photography offers a unique perspective, capturing the castle's relationship with the river and surrounding glen. Even without a drone, the archways, weathered stone, and the interplay of light and shadow create compelling shots. The walk from East Linton also offers numerous photographic opportunities along the riverbanks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History: The Story of Hailes Castle
+1Its historical connections extend to royalty, with mentions of Mary Queen of Scots potentially playing in its grounds as a child. The castle also witnessed periods of conflict, including its capture by the English in 1548 during attempts to influence Mary's marriage. Later, it saw associations with figures like Oliver Cromwell. Today, though a ruin, it stands as a testament to Scotland's medieval architecture and turbulent past, with ongoing conservation efforts by Historic Scotland.
+1Current Status: It's important to note that Hailes Castle is currently fenced off due to structural safety assessments, limiting direct access to the building. While the grounds offer a glimpse into its past and beautiful scenery, visitors should be aware of these restrictions.
Navigating Hailes Castle: Access and Parking
Due to these parking limitations and the castle's current fenced-off status for safety, many visitors find the most rewarding way to experience Hailes Castle is by embarking on the scenic walk from the nearby village of East Linton. This riverside path offers a more immersive journey, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. However, be prepared for potentially overgrown sections along the trail, making sturdy footwear a must.
+1Recommendation: For a stress-free visit, consider parking in East Linton and enjoying the walk. This approach not only bypasses the parking issues but also enhances the overall experience by connecting you with the landscape surrounding this historic site. Always check the latest information from Historic Scotland regarding access and any ongoing works.
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