Tantallon Castle
Tantallon Castle
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Set on the edge of the cliffs, looking out to the Bass Rock, this formidable castle was a stronghold of the Douglas family. Ascend Tantallon’s towers for spectacular views of the Bass Rock and to watch gannets plunge into the North Sea. Then descend into the depths of a particularly grim pit prison. The castle was home to the powerful Red Douglas dynasty, which often clashed with the Crown. It was besieged by both James IV and James V but was ultimately destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in a siege of 1651. Many artefacts are displayed to help tell its dramatic stories.
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See what travelers are saying
- Emmandeye191 contributionsExcellent Castle VisitGreat visit, highly recommend. The castle is really interesting and the HES team on duty were knowledgable and friendly. The structure is remarkable, a curtain wall design. An insight into the past. You can walk round the parapet, going up and down via narrow winding stairs. Great views of the bays, beaches and headlands of the area, and of course of Bass Rock. Lots of flora and fauna to be seen, even on a cold day in March - Reed Bunting, Stonechat, Fulmar, Kestrel, Eider......some interesting plants too. It's worth noting that there are clean toilets here as well.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 28, 2024
- Alisdair GrayHamilton, United Kingdom298 contributionsRugged ruin, rather remarkable!A fantastic ruin with some of the best views on the East Coast of Scotland. Plenty to see and do here and some steep climbs up to the top of the castle walls! Was a bit muddy underfoot but it did not spoil our day. Staff were great. Very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Entry was reasonable too, and I liked the wee gift shop as well.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
- nibblers2016Bridlington, United Kingdom123 contributionsA truly atmospheric and special placeWow! What a truly fabulous castle. Although the castle is in ruins there is enough still there to give you a real feeling of what it may have been like to live and work there. The setting, being on the edge of the cliff, is very atmospheric, especially when the sea mist rolled in. The pink stone is beautiful and gives the castle a very romantic feel. We've visited a lot of castles but this one will definitely stand out as being one of the more beautiful and interesting ones. The staff in the shop were very friendly and the information boards really helped to bring the castle back to life. It's definitely a very special place.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 26, 2024
- GoingGuideNottingham, United Kingdom2,488 contributionsStunning viewsExcellent place to visit situated on the coast just east of North Berwick. Gives a good historical summary of life and events that took place at the castle and the surrounding region. Staff were very welcoming and helpful. Views from the tower and the walls were excellent. Worth a visit.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 31, 2024
- Nicola CSalies-de-Bearn, France27 contributionsA visit not to be missed.A beautiful site. The castle is located on a plateau on the edge of a cliff. We were lucky enough to have a wonderful day with a great sun. The view is superb and the castle deserves a visit. Certainly it is partly in ruins but one can access on the ramparts by narrow spiral stairs. There is also a room where objects discovered at the castle are displayed. A small booklet for £1 in French, available at the counter, allows you to fully understand the eventful history of this castle. Small clarifications: the toilets at the reception are of impeccable cleanliness. A few hundred meters away, set back from the road is an ideal place to eat. Great sea views, and good food.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 21, 2024
- Z5857CCsuehGlasgow, United Kingdom260 contributionsClifftop CastleI decided to go to Tantallon Castle a couple of weeks ago. It was freezing. I picked the wrong day for a visit really, but never mind. I went by public transport, i was going to walk but it was too cold and i wasn’t sure if there was a pavement all the way. It would be ok in the summer it’s 3 miles from North Berwick. I caught the 120 bus from the seabird centre and the driver was grumpy. The journey wasn’t long about 20 mins. Its quite a walk though when you get off the bus its a long driveway leading to the castle. I asked the bus driver where to catch the return bus and he said there ain’t no bus stops in the countryside you just wait opposite the car park. The other thing is the buses are every couple of hrs. Anyway the castle itself is stunning. You are able to climb right up to the battlements and the view is fantastic. You can see Bass Rock quite clearly. There is a shop and a couple of toilets. I would definitely go again in the warmer weatherVisited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
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Philip W
Leeds, UK193 contributions
May 2022
Be aware there are 2 car parks, one next to the entrance and one by the road.
Entrance is currently free of charge. It is a great shame that Heritage Scotland have felt it necessary to close a massive number of their sites for safety reasons but hope they open soon.
Nonetheless it is still impressive (with a fine view of Bass Rock). Staff were on site preparing interior pictures for visitors - sound very interesting.
Well worth a visit.
Entrance is currently free of charge. It is a great shame that Heritage Scotland have felt it necessary to close a massive number of their sites for safety reasons but hope they open soon.
Nonetheless it is still impressive (with a fine view of Bass Rock). Staff were on site preparing interior pictures for visitors - sound very interesting.
Well worth a visit.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary C
Preston, UK179 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Just a wonderful experience. Probably one of the most dramatic & atmospheric castles in the UK. Incredible location with a backdrop of The North Sea & Bass Rock. During Covid you have to prebook and visitor numbers are managed to ensure the castle does not get crowded. Really descriptive information boards take you through the castles turbulent history. Great to roam the grounds and climb the stairs to the battlements. All the staff are friendly, informative & helpful. A visit is highly recommended 👍
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Srinivas K
4 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
I and my wife had been to this place in Sept 2019. There is good connectivity of bus from Princes Street x5 (reaches destination faster) or 124 (bit slow) for almost every hour. After getting down, we had walk a bit for 20 to 25 mins. Amazing castle built on the sea side... Beautiful views and really wondered how this castle was built during that time. Definitely worth a visit !
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry M
Glasgow, UK11 contributions
Sep 2020
Instead of promoting the visitor experience, The Civil Servants in charge during COVID have just made it a difficult task to visit and enjoy this piece of Scottish Heritage. If you’re driving by and decide to drop in, forget it.
After parking and then walking the 1/4 mile down the boring drive, boring because they have cultivated a tall hedge to block your views on both sides of the roadway, you get to the obligatory shop and a tall fence, each set to prevent you seeing the castle and view unless you pay online. Although the shop will take your money there and then, they will not sell you a ticket. You have to go online and try to book from their website and that’s where the civil service notion of a good idea to centralise ticket sales let’s them down. If the visitor number is at max, the website won’t let you book, but it won’t tell you why you can’t book.
Hopeless! And it’s back along the boring road with no view to your car and move on to some other attraction that wants visitors. Come on Historic Environment Scotland, look at the sites you have been given responsibility for and think about the visitor experience and make it better. At Tantallon, provide clear info about the parking, sell tickets locally and for goodness sake cut the hedges so the view can be seen.
After parking and then walking the 1/4 mile down the boring drive, boring because they have cultivated a tall hedge to block your views on both sides of the roadway, you get to the obligatory shop and a tall fence, each set to prevent you seeing the castle and view unless you pay online. Although the shop will take your money there and then, they will not sell you a ticket. You have to go online and try to book from their website and that’s where the civil service notion of a good idea to centralise ticket sales let’s them down. If the visitor number is at max, the website won’t let you book, but it won’t tell you why you can’t book.
Hopeless! And it’s back along the boring road with no view to your car and move on to some other attraction that wants visitors. Come on Historic Environment Scotland, look at the sites you have been given responsibility for and think about the visitor experience and make it better. At Tantallon, provide clear info about the parking, sell tickets locally and for goodness sake cut the hedges so the view can be seen.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback regarding your visit to Tantallon Castle. We are very sorry to hear that you were so disappointed with your experience when visiting us. We have introduced entry time slots so that we can manage capacity on arrival at sites and to help with physical distancing and overall visitor experience and safety during this difficult time. Getting our visitor experience right whilst also keeping our visitors safe is an important balance for us. We made every effort to promote that tickets must be booked online in advance and recommended that our website be reviewed, as well as using various media outlets to inform potential visitors and the general public of these revised arrangements. We are very sorry that this was not clear to you before your visit and we will continue to review the information available to visitors.
We’re taking all feedback on board as we navigate through the ever evolving new circumstances and we will do what we can to improve the experience of our visitors. Thank you again for your feedback.
Written October 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skye P
Perth, Australia30 contributions
Dec 2019
We took our children (9 & 7) in December. The views were stunning, they enjoyed reading the history of the castle and exploring the ruins. The staff were friendly and informative and we were able to use our Edinburgh castle ticket to gain entrance, though the entry fee is very reasonable.
Grounds were muddy and slightly slippery which is to be expected at this time of year but even a fall in the mud didn't stop our group from having a great time exploring.
Grounds were muddy and slightly slippery which is to be expected at this time of year but even a fall in the mud didn't stop our group from having a great time exploring.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy Hadden M
20 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. The castle is huge and you can go inside on your own. Some areas are closed but this did not detract from the experience of being in a very old castle with an incredible history. It's more of a wild castle than, say, Edinburgh or Stirling. The views are stunning of the sea and the countryside. It's very dramatic, esp with the wind blowing and the waves crashing... Staff at the visitors' center are friendly, knowledgeable, and open to questions. It's not difficult to get to without a car. From Edinburgh, take the train to N Berwick. Then, grab the 120 bus and ask the driver to drop you at Tantallon. Take your time approaching the castle and take in the history and the landscape.
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann H
York, UK2,607 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We spent a while exploring this magnificent castle ruin. We were fortunate with the weather and were treated to stunning views through the ruins towards Bass Rock and the North Sea. Part of the ruins were cordoned off due to investigative surveys going on. The grounds are beautiful and there is still plenty to see for a very reasonable price. Toilets, shop with drinks and snacks completes this great place.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
forespa
95 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I visited this castle because it is one of the free ones for those in possession of the Explorer pass Scotland (valid for 7 days and gives access to numerous historical sites). Absolutely worth it! It is possible to climb a walkway from which you can enjoy an amazing panorama.

Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine T
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We spent a lovely afternoon here. My girls had never been to a castle ruin before and were very sceptical but they loved it especially as they were able to get right up to the battlements, where the view was stunning. A couple of areas were closed for renovation but that didn't spoil our day at all. The staff were great, friendly and really knowledgeable. The entry fee was fantastic especially as things are so expensive these days. We would definitely return. My only complaint would be that the shop is quite expensive however that is not an important part of the day so didn't worry us too much.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robandsue51
Sheffield, UK11 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
The castle site offers a great view of Bass Rock and the Forth. The castle itself is pretty much a ruin, but the staff are extremely helpful in pointing out the key features. Notice boards around the site are also very helpful in explaining The castle history and what to look out for. That Oliver Cromwell has a lot to answer for! Definitely worth the short detour from the main road.
Pre-booking is essential during present pandemic, but the upside of that is that you are almost alone for the duration of your visit.
Pre-booking is essential during present pandemic, but the upside of that is that you are almost alone for the duration of your visit.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhilStobie
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hi, there are disabled parking spaces right next to the shop. A sign at the larger car park also mentions the 2nd car park which can accommodate around 10 small vehicles.
Written October 7, 2018
My recollection is similar to others Park in the lot as close to the ticket office s possible but there remains a long and challenging walk to the castle .
Written March 8, 2019
PhilStobie
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Sorry you didn't get a sticker. We normally have them but sometimes forget if we've been busy.
Written August 14, 2018
BoldAl
Uphall, United Kingdom
Is it free to historic Scotland members? Do we have to book in advance or is it OK just to turn up?
Written September 9, 2017
I think it is free for members. No need to book, just show up. It's worth going to.
Written September 10, 2017
There are a lot of steep stairs inside the ruins. You could probably access most of the grounds around the castle (beautiful view) but it's a fair distance from the car park and you would be not able to see much in the castle.
Written July 28, 2017
Is it safe for small children to visit? Ages 2, 4, 6.
Thanks!
Written July 9, 2017
They would need close supervision in the castle, as it has steep drops, behind fences, and steep stairs. It's a consequence of the design and purpose of a castle.
Written July 9, 2017
Ci sono dei taxi alla stazione di North Berwick che possono portarti al castello?
Ho intenzione di visitarlo il 13 Novembre e credo di aver capito che la Domenica purtroppo non ci sono molti autobus che percorrono quel tragitto, quindi devo trovare un'alternativa.
Grazie! :)
Written October 19, 2016
Mi dispiace ma ero lì in auto e non ho usato mezzi pubblici.
Comunque vale assolutamente la visita.
Written October 19, 2016
I was thinking of visiting Tantallon, Dirleton, and Hailes Castles in one day and wondered how much time to budget for them.
Written August 18, 2016
We did a day tour to Tantallon and Dirleton from Edinburgh back in June. That was a full day. We left around 9:30 am and return to Edinburgh around 5 pm. Each castle takes about 2 hours. The view at Tantallon castle is amazing, on a good weather day, we can sit there all day with that view. Dirleton has a very nice garden and it home to the Guinness Book of World Records longest herbaceous border.
Written August 20, 2016
pdhaviland
Rockland, Maine
How far is it from Edinburgh - distance and driving time
Written June 23, 2016
Best to take the train from Edinburgh to North Berwick ( runs every 30 min-- about a 25 min ride)
The castle is 3 miles from North Berwick. We took a taxi and arranged for the same cab to pick us up and take us back to North Berwick after 90 minutes
Written July 15, 2016
Yes of course, there were so many happy fellas running around the grounds :)
Written June 2, 2016
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