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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > Tantallon Castle

Tantallon Castle

This is a truly spectacular ruin. It is a massive red sandstone fortress set on a high cliff overlooking the sea and the Bass Rock. It is near North Berwick, East Lothian, postcode EH39 5PN.

What to Expect and Enjoy
This was the last of the great “curtain wall” castles. It looks like a giant shield protecting the land from the sea.

  • Climbing the Battlements: You can climb high up into the towers. Looking down from the top is quite a thrill—you have the sheer drop to the sea on one side and the massive courtyard on the other.
  • The Views: The view of the Bass Rock (a giant white volcanic island covered in birds) is world-class. If you have binoculars, bring them!
  • The Gun-Holes: You can see how the castle was adapted over time to defend against cannons. There are lots of dark passages and nooks for kids to explore.
  • The Grounds: The grassy area around the castle is huge and perfect for letting off steam or having a picnic with a view.

Best For and Time Spent
Perfect for teens and active families who enjoy exploring and climbing. Seniors and couples will love the dramatic coastal scenery.

  • Duration: Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Weather: It can be very windy on the cliff edge! Even on a sunny day, bring a jacket to keep the sea breeze out.
  • Parking: There is plenty of free parking on-site.
  • Savings: Like many sites on your list, this is run by Historic Scotland, so members get in free.
  • Nearby: It’s only a 5-minute drive from here into North Berwick, where you can visit the Seabird Centre or grab some famous local fish and chips.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
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