Dirleton Castle

Open all year round this 13th century castle is nestled beautifully in outstanding maintained gardens that include an herbaceous border that has been authenticated by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest.
For 400 years, the Castle has stood as a spectacular fortress for three successive noble families. The castle grounds are home to the Ruthven dovecot which is one of the best preserved pigeon houses in Scotland and houses over 1000 nesting boxes, as well as the de Vaux towers – built around 1240 and amongst the oldest remaining castle structures in Scotland, and the Haliburton range which consists of a pretty chapel, dark pit prison and cavernous storage vaults.
The picturesque Castle and Gardens have been popular with marriage ceremonies and couples who want to add a bit of history into their special day.

Opening times:
Summer
1 April - 30 September, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Winter
1 October - 31 March, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Admission prices
All year
Adult £4.70, Child £2.35, Concession £3.70
Getting there:
The castle is located 5km west of North Berwick on the A198. From Aberlady follow the Coastal Road towards Gullane and North Berwick. Follow the sign posts for Dirleton and Dirleton Castle; it’s only about a 5 minute drive from the hotel.

Grid reference
NT 516 839

Link: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk