Tantallon Castle Edinburgh
A dramatic coastal fortress with imposing ruins and breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Tantallon Castle Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic coastal fortress with imposing ruins and breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
"Truly incredible castle with beautiful views, one of my favorites!"
✅ Verify Castle Access
Confirm if the castle interior is open before your visit due to ongoing works. :informationdeskperson:
🚗 Parking Available
Free parking is conveniently located near the castle entrance. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mighty Outer Walls
Castle Grounds
Marvel at the imposing 5-storey central tower and the sheer scale of this ancient coastal fortress.
Breathtaking Coastal Views
Castle Ramparts
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Firth of Forth, Bass Rock, and the surrounding coastline.
Replica Cannon Display
Near the Entrance
See a replica cannon, offering a glimpse into the castle's defensive past.
Planning Your Visit
Check Castle Access Before You Go
Plan Your Journey from Edinburgh
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✅ Verify Castle Access
Confirm if the castle interior is open before your visit due to ongoing works. :informationdeskperson:
🚗 Parking Available
Free parking is conveniently located near the castle entrance. :car:
Inquiry about Tantallon castle
Best places visit in Edinburgh
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven; comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🍦 Grab an Ice Cream
A small gift shop offers refreshments, including tasty ice cream. :ice_cream:
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Verify Castle Access
Confirm if the castle interior is open before your visit due to ongoing works. :informationdeskperson:
🚗 Parking Available
Free parking is conveniently located near the castle entrance. :car:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven; comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🍦 Grab an Ice Cream
A small gift shop offers refreshments, including tasty ice cream. :ice_cream:
📚 Read the Guidebook
Enhance your visit by learning about the castle's rich history. :books:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tantallon Castle for its breathtaking coastal views and impressive ruins, making it a favorite for many. While the historical significance is appreciated, some note that interior access can be limited due to ongoing works. The site is generally well-maintained and offers a good experience for families, though those with mobility issues might find certain areas challenging.
"There is a comfortable parking spot not far away from the entrance.
The ruins are well maintained and a vast historical site can still be viewed and trespassed.
Fair price, good place to bring the kids."
Nadia Afonichkina
"A truly incredible castle with beautiful views. Came here often as a kid with my dad so was great to see again. Would highly recommend, one of my favourites castles"
Christopher Wood
"If you have mobility issues this could be quite difficult for you. I had a scooter and only made it past the visitor centre. Beautiful castle steeped in history (I read the guide book fully) and sea birds a plenty. My boys spent two hours here and they loved it 💕"
Theresa Roberts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tantallon Castle is about an hour's drive from Edinburgh. You can drive, take a taxi, or use public transport. The Eves 120 bus service from North Berwick passes the castle, but runs only every couple of hours.
Yes, the Eves 120 bus service from North Berwick goes past Tantallon Castle, but it's not very frequent. It's often easier to combine a visit with a trip to North Berwick and arrange a taxi.
Yes, there is comfortable and free parking available not far from the castle entrance.
Tantallon Castle is over an hour's drive from Edinburgh Airport, making it a significant journey.
Yes, it's possible to visit Tantallon Castle as a day trip from Edinburgh, but it requires careful planning due to travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's crucial to check the current access status before visiting. The castle has experienced closures for masonry works, meaning the interior might be inaccessible even if the grounds are open.
You can buy tickets online in advance or pay at the entrance.
Opening hours can vary, and it's essential to check the official Historic Environment Scotland website for the most up-to-date information, especially considering potential closures.
Yes, there is an admission fee for non-members, which is considered reasonable.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but membership with Historic Environment Scotland often provides access to their sites.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive ruins, including the 5-storey central tower, enjoy stunning coastal views, and see a replica cannon. Information points are scattered throughout the grounds.
The castle can be challenging for those with mobility issues. While the grounds are accessible, the steep stairs inside the castle may be difficult to navigate.
Yes, toilets are available beside the entrance to the castle grounds.
Yes, it's a good place to bring children, who often enjoy exploring the historical site. There's even a giant snakes and ladders game for entertainment.
Tantallon Castle was a former fortification and seat of the Earls of Angus. It has a long history of sieges and has stood strong for centuries against the elements.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts offer incredible panoramic views for photography. The dramatic coastal setting and the imposing castle structure itself provide numerous picturesque angles.
Photography is generally allowed within the accessible areas of Tantallon Castle. However, if the interior is closed for works, your photography will be limited to the exterior and grounds.
Late morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow on the castle and coastline.
Bass Rock, a prominent island visible from the castle grounds, is a popular subject for photographs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the castle's scale. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or photographing Bass Rock.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, though there are facilities for ice cream and refreshments.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Photographers
Capture the panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock from the ramparts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tantallon Castle: A Traveler's Perspective
However, it's crucial to be aware of potential access limitations. Recent reports indicate that masonry works have led to the closure of the castle interior, meaning access might be restricted to the grounds only.
Despite potential access issues, many visitors find Tantallon Castle to be a worthwhile destination. The fair price of admission and the opportunity to bring children make it a family-friendly option.
Getting to Tantallon Castle: Navigating the Journey
For those relying on public transport, options are more limited. The Eves 120 bus service from North Berwick does pass by Tantallon Castle, but its infrequent schedule (running only every couple of hours) means it's not always the most practical choice.
It's also worth noting that the castle is over an hour's drive from Edinburgh Airport, so if you're flying in, factor in this travel time when planning your itinerary.
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