Dirleton Castle is one of the oldest surviving strongholds in Scotland. Built in the 13th century, the fortress was residence to three successive noble families: the de Vauxs, Haliburtons and Ruthvens. It was abandoned as a noble residence after Oliver Cromwell’s siege of 1650 but was saved from falling into disrepair in 1660s when the Nisbet family took ownership. They transformed the castle into an eye-catching attraction; a status it has retained to this very day.

ManGo Everywhere

July 26, 2025

Cycling

Star of many movies and television shows good place to start on the castle trail

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Dirleton Castle

2.8

(4)

hikers

#1.

Go East Lothian Trail

17.7km

04:46

200m

Hike the difficult Go East Lothian Trail, a 11.0-mile (17.7 km) route with 643 feet (196 metres) of elevation gain, featuring coastal views

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.8

(6)

hikers

#2.

View of Fidra Island – North Berwick High Street loop from Dirleton

16.2km

04:10

80m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(8)

hikers

#3.

Serene Beach – Gullane Beach loop from Dirleton

14.0km

03:36

70m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 30 m

1 Apr to 30 Sept Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm

Member/Explorer Pass holder: FREE
Adult: £6.00
Concession: £4.80
Child aged 5-15: £3.60
Child under 5: FREE

Contacts

Dirleton Ave, Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5ER

www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dirleton-castle

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/contact-us/

01620 850330

Weather

Tuesday 5 May

11°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: Gullane Area, South Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Gullane Beach

Rock Arch at North Berwick

View of The Leithies, Yellow Man, and Bass Rock

North Berwick Beach

St Monans Windmill

View of the Isle of May from the Fife Coastal Path near Pittenweem

Scottish Seabird Centre

Quiet Road from Aberlady to North Berwick

North Berwick Beach

John Muir Way Gravel Path

Ruined Church with 13th-Century Knight Monument

East Linton Village

Dirleton Castle

#1.

Go East Lothian Trail

#2.

View of Fidra Island – North Berwick High Street loop from Dirleton

#3.

Serene Beach – Gullane Beach loop from Dirleton

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️