List of castles in East Lothian Facts for Kids

East Lothian is a beautiful area in Scotland, known for its stunning coastline and rolling hills. It's also a place rich in history, especially when it comes to castles! Castles are old, strong buildings that were once homes for powerful families or used to defend against enemies.

This article will tell you about some of the amazing castles you can find in East Lothian. Some are still standing tall, while others are ancient ruins that tell stories of the past.

Famous Castles of East Lothian
Other Interesting Castles
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Famous Castles of East Lothian

East Lothian is home to many castles, each with its own unique story. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones.

Dirleton Castle: A Mighty Fortress

Dirleton Castle, a grand fortress in East Lothian.

Dirleton Castle is a large and impressive fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Imagine knights and lords walking through its halls! Today, it's partly ruined, but you can still explore its ancient walls and towers. It's looked after by Historic Scotland, which means it's open for visitors to discover its history.

Hailes Castle: A Riverside Ruin

Hailes Castle, located by the River Tyne.

Hailes Castle is another fascinating ruin from the 14th century. It sits right by the River Tyne near East Linton. This castle has a keep (a strong central tower) and other buildings that were added in the 15th and 16th centuries. Like Dirleton, it's also cared for by Historic Scotland, so you can visit and imagine what life was like there centuries ago.

Tantallon Castle: A Coastal Stronghold

Tantallon Castle, perched dramatically on the cliffs.

Perched dramatically on cliffs near North Berwick, Tantallon Castle is a truly spectacular sight. This courtyard castle was built in the 14th century and is now a magnificent ruin. Its location by the sea made it a very important defensive spot. It's also managed by Historic Scotland and is a popular place to visit.

Dunbar Castle: A Historic Ruin

The ruins of Dunbar Castle by the harbour.

Dunbar Castle is an ancient ruin located in the town of Dunbar. While much of it is gone, its remains still stand as a reminder of its long and important history, especially in Scottish conflicts.

Other Interesting Castles

East Lothian has many other castles, some restored and some just ruins. Each one adds to the rich history of the area.

Ballencrieff Castle: A Restored Home

Ballencrieff Castle, a restored tower house.

Ballencrieff Castle is a tower house that was built in the 16th century. It has been beautifully restored and is now a private home. It's quite unique because it's located right next to a pig farm!

Barnes Castle: Never Finished

Barnes Castle, an ambitious project that was never completed.

Barnes Castle near Haddington is a bit different. It was planned to be a huge castle, but it was never fully completed. Only the vaults (underground rooms) were built before work stopped, leaving it as an extensive ruin.

The Bass: A Castle on a Rock

The Bass, a castle on a famous island rock.

The Bass is not just a rock; it once had a castle! This 16th-century castle was built with a curtain wall and a keep. It was later changed to hold cannons. Today, it's a ruin, but you can visit it by taking a boat trip to the Bass Rock, which is also famous for its birds.

Fa'side Castle: A Private Restoration

Fa'side Castle, restored in the 1970s.

Fa'side Castle is a tower house from the 15th century. It was carefully restored in the 1970s and is now a private residence. It's also known by other names like Faside, Fawside, and Falside.

Fenton Tower: A Castle Hotel

Fenton Tower, now a hotel.

Fenton Tower is a tower house built in 1587. It has been restored and is now used as a hotel. Fun fact: it was even featured on the children's TV show Balamory!

Garleton Castle: Partially Occupied

Garleton Castle, with parts still occupied.

Garleton Castle is a courtyard castle from the 16th century. Part of it has been restored and is lived in, while other parts remain as ruins.

Lennoxlove: Open to the Public

Lennoxlove House, open for visitors.

Lennoxlove is a historic house that incorporates parts of an older castle. It's owned by the Duke of Hamilton and is open to the public, allowing visitors to see its beautiful interiors and grounds.

Preston Tower: A Community Landmark

Preston Tower, a landmark in Prestonpans.

Preston Tower is a 15th-century keep located in Prestonpans. It's a ruin, but it's looked after by the National Trust for Scotland and is freely accessible for exterior views and its garden. Two extra floors were added in the 17th century.

Redhouse Castle: Free to Explore

Redhouse Castle, a ruin with free access.

Redhouse Castle is a 16th-century courtyard castle that is now a ruin. It's located near Longniddry and you can access it for free, often through a market garden.

Whittingehame Tower: An Occupied Keep

Whittingehame Tower, still occupied by the Balfour family.

Whittingehame Tower is a 15th-century keep that is still occupied today by the Balfour family. It's a great example of a historic building still in use.

Yester Castle: The Goblin Ha'

The vaulted entrance to Yester Castle's Goblin Ha'.

Yester Castle is a 13th-century castle and keep that is now a ruin. It's famous for its amazing underground vault known as the Goblin Ha', which is a very cool and mysterious part of the castle!