Thirlestane Castle

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Visit Thirlestane Castle for one of the best historic days out in Scotland for families

Enjoy a vast journey through history at Thirlestane Castle in Scotland in one of the best things to do in Scotland for families! 

  • Explore over 400 years of history at a luxurious historic home
  • A passionate guide to take you on an in-depth tour of the site 
  • Gaze in awe at some of the most impressive decorated ceilings in Europe
  • Discover extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland
  • Enjoy a complimentary hot refreshment and a Scottish treat!

Just under an hour away from Edinburgh, you can get your tickets to Thirlestane Castle today for the best prices online! Tickets are delivered to you instantly via email and SMS. 

Book your tickets to unforgettable family days out in Scotland

Dating back to the 16th century, Thirlestane Castle is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland. It is the ancient seat of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale and has been home to the Maitland family for over 400 years.

Discover fascinating collections and connections to famous historic figures, including the connection to Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots.

Explore the splendid State Rooms with their exquisite 17th century Dunsterfield gold-gilded ceilings and one of the most extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland. The latest tour addition includes the enchanting Toy Museum ‘School Room’, featuring an impressive collection of over 1,000 Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian toys.

Book your tickets today for a Guided Tour at Thirlestane Castle!

Location
Berwickshire,
TD2 6RU
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How to find us

By car: 

Driving south from Edinburgh:

  • Take the A68 south towards Jedburgh. Drive through the centre of Lauder and look out for the 30mph signs as you leave the town. Directly after these signs, take the first left onto the B6362 following the brown tourist signs for the castle. Approximately 200m further on you will see the castle’s Eagle Gates on the left. Turn into these gates and follow the drive to the front of the castle. 

Driving from the south:

  • Take the A68 north towards Edinburgh. Right before you reach the town of Lauder turn right onto the B6362 following the brown tourist signs for the castle. Approximately 200m further on you will see the castle’s Eagle Gates on the left. Turn into these gates and follow the drive to the wooden gate. If staying at the castle press the buzzer by the wooden gate, if visiting for the day please make use of the car park by the ticket kiosk.

By train:

Train services run from Edinburgh Waverley to the Scottish Borders, run seven days a week and take just under an hour. Option to get off at Stow or Tweedbank. Visitors can transfer to local buses at Tweedbank Station, or hop in a taxi from either train station. Thirlestane Castle is a 20-minute drive from Tweedbank and 10 minutes from Stow.

By bus: 

Bus services run from Edinburgh to Lauder every hour on most days, and take around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Look for the No.51.

Facilities
  • Gift shop
  • Tea room
  • Toilets
More Info
How long is the Thirlestane Castle guided tour?

The tour normally takes around one hour and 15 minutes.

Is Thirlestane Castle guided tour accessible by wheelchair?

The lower ground floor and the ground floor both have step-free level access as the castle is built on a hill.

The visitor tour takes in the upper two floors, the ground floor and the first floor, but there is no lift to the first floor. 

The gift shop and tea room on the lower ground floor have step-free access.

The guides at Thirlestane Castle are always willing to offer assistance should you require it.

Can I bring my dog to the Thirlestane Castle guided tour?

Dogs are not permitted on guided tours of the castle, with the exception of assistance dogs. 

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