House of the Binns Edinburgh
A 17th-century ancestral home offering guided tours, showcasing family portraits, antiques, and beautiful parkland with River Forth views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
House of the Binns Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century ancestral home offering guided tours, showcasing family portraits, antiques, and beautiful parkland with River Forth views.
"A lovely, peaceful place to spend an afternoon with superb staff and great grounds."
🎯 Book Guided Tours Ahead
Advance booking is highly recommended for guided tours to secure your spot.
🐾 Dogs Welcome in Grounds
Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the beautiful parkland.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The House Interior
Main House
Explore a 17th-century family home filled with portraits, porcelain, and antiques. A true glimpse into history.
Scenic Parkland
Estate Grounds
Wander through beautifully landscaped parkland with peacocks and stunning views of the River Forth.
Binns Tower
Estate Grounds
Admire the historic Binns Tower offering panoramic 360° views of the surrounding sea and fields.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour
Explore the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours Ahead
Advance booking is highly recommended for guided tours to secure your spot.
🐾 Dogs Welcome in Grounds
Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the beautiful parkland.
☕ Coffee Van Available
A coffee van is now on-site for refreshments.
🚶♀️ Explore the Estate
Enjoy scenic walks and spot peacocks in the expansive parkland.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours Ahead
Advance booking is highly recommended for guided tours to secure your spot.
🐾 Dogs Welcome in Grounds
Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the beautiful parkland.
☕ Coffee Van Available
A coffee van is now on-site for refreshments.
🚶♀️ Explore the Estate
Enjoy scenic walks and spot peacocks in the expansive parkland.
🚗 Free Parking
Convenient free parking is available for visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the House of the Binns for its 'living' house feel, friendly and informative staff, and beautiful grounds. The guided tours are a highlight, offering fascinating stories and historical insights. While there's no cafe, a coffee van is available, and the grounds are perfect for picnics. Some visitors note the importance of booking tours in advance.
"Visited the House of the Binns on a sunny weekday and really enjoyed it.
The staff were super friendly and the guide shared lots of interesting stories about the house.
I'd definitely recommend booking ahead, especially if you're planning around a specific time. Free parking was a bonus too.
All in all, a lovely, peaceful place to spend an afternoon."
April L
"Great "living" house.
Lovely grounds, views and walks.
Superb staff - well worth a visit."
Alan Franklin
"Booked for a guided tour, which was very interesting. Arrived too early, so walked the grounds. No cafe on site, but it looks like there could be a kiosk on some days. Staff friendly and informative."
Jennifer Roberts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The House of the Binns is located in West Lothian, a short drive from Edinburgh. While public transport options are limited, driving is the most convenient way to reach it. Free parking is available on-site.
Yes, there is free parking available for visitors at the House of the Binns.
Visiting without a car can be challenging. Taxis or ride-sharing services from Edinburgh are an option, but consider the cost. The estate is also accessible via public transport to nearby towns, followed by a walk or taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially if you have a specific time in mind. The estate grounds are generally open daily.
The house is typically open for guided tours from Thursday to Monday. The estate grounds are usually open daily. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Admission fees apply for guided tours of the house. Entry to the grounds may be free or have a separate charge. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds of the House of the Binns.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a fascinating guided tour of the 17th-century house, explore the beautiful parkland with peacocks, and admire Binns Tower with its panoramic views. +1
A guided tour typically lasts an hour or two, but you could easily spend longer exploring the grounds and enjoying the scenery.
Children often enjoy the guided tours, especially when guides share interesting stories. The grounds offer space for them to explore.
The estate offers lovely views of the River Forth and the surrounding countryside. Binns Tower provides particularly impressive 360° vistas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no cafe on-site, but a coffee van is now available in the grounds for refreshments. Cafes and garden centres are a short drive away.
Yes, there are plenty of picnic benches around the grounds, making it a great spot for a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules inside historic houses can vary. It's best to check with your guide or look for signage regarding interior photography.
The parkland with peacocks, Binns Tower, and the exterior of the house itself offer excellent photographic opportunities. The views of the River Forth are also picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there's no cafe on-site, the availability of picnic benches makes it easy to bring your own snacks and drinks, ensuring a comfortable family visit. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking the grounds.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Booking a guided tour is essential to fully appreciate the historical context and architectural details. The estate itself, with Binns Tower, also provides insights into the region's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The House of the Binns
The guided tours are a highlight, with guides often sharing engaging anecdotes and historical insights about the family and the house's evolution. This personal touch makes the visit much more than just a walk through a museum; it feels like being welcomed into a historic home. The National Trust for Scotland manages the property, ensuring its preservation while allowing public access.
Beyond the house itself, the estate provides a beautiful setting for exploration. The landscaped parkland is home to roaming peacocks and offers picturesque views of the River Forth, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Exploring the Estate: Parkland and Views
The estate boasts impressive views, particularly towards the River Forth. For an even more commanding perspective, a visit to Binns Tower is a must. This historic tower provides a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding sea and fields, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of the strategic importance of the location throughout history.
For those visiting with furry companions, the good news is that dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, making it an ideal outing for the whole family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit