Top 4 Castles around Mayfield / Easthouses

For a family-friendly outing, Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo at Dalkeith Country Park is an excellent choice. It offers over 1,000 acres of parkland, outdoor activities, a restaurant, and shops. Craigmillar Castle also features woodland paths that families can explore around the castle ruins.

Yes, Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo, located within Dalkeith Country Park, has a restaurant and shops. Additionally, Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate operates as a hotel with a restaurant and cafe, serving afternoon tea, lunch, and brunch.

The castles in the region offer a range of historical insights. You can explore the well-preserved 14th-century features of Fa'side Castle, or visit the partially ruined 14th-century Roslin Castle with its dramatic setting. For a glimpse into monastic history, Newbattle Abbey, originally a Cistercian Monastery, was later transformed into a fortified house.

Absolutely. Craigmillar Castle is surrounded by woodland paths, offering pleasant walks. Dalkeith Country Park, home to Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo, also provides extensive parklands for exploration. For more structured routes, you can find various hiking trails in the area, such as the 'Dalkeith Park Gazebo – Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo loop' or routes around Newbattle Abbey. You can explore these and other options in the Hiking around Mayfield / Easthouses guide.

Yes, parts of Roslin Castle were restored in 1980 and are now available for holiday accommodation, offering a unique historical stay. Borthwick Castle, a powerful 15th-century stronghold, can also be rented as an exclusive use venue, providing an immersive experience in a living historical space.

Beyond exploring the castles themselves, the surrounding area offers various outdoor activities. Dalkeith Country Park, near Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo, is ideal for walks and other outdoor pursuits. You can also find numerous running and cycling routes. For running, check out the Running Trails around Mayfield / Easthouses guide, and for cycling, the Cycling around Mayfield / Easthouses guide.

Fa'side Castle provides stunning views over the Firth of Forth. From Craigmillar Castle, you can enjoy views towards Arthur’s Seat. The dramatic setting of Roslin Castle in Roslin Glen also offers picturesque vistas.

While not entirely 'hidden,' Newbattle Abbey offers a unique blend of monastic and fortified architecture, and as an adult residential college today, it provides a different perspective than a typical castle ruin. Borthwick Castle, though not regularly open for general admission, is a remarkably well-preserved 15th-century tower that offers a glimpse into Scottish history if you have the opportunity to visit during an event or as an exclusive venue.

To fully experience the history, consider visiting a variety of sites. Explore the medieval architecture of Fa'side Castle, delve into the royal connections and military past of Borthwick Castle, and witness the transformation from monastery to fortified residence at Newbattle Abbey. Each site tells a different part of Scotland's rich past.

The time needed varies by castle. For larger sites like Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo within Dalkeith Country Park, you could easily spend half a day or more exploring the parklands, cafe, and shops. For castles like Craigmillar Castle or Roslin Castle, an hour or two might suffice to explore the ruins and immediate surroundings, especially if combined with a walk.

Borthwick Castle stands out as one of Scotland's best-preserved 15th-century towers, retaining much of its original character and vibrant interiors. Fa'side Castle, a 14th-century structure, also retains many impressive historic features.