List of castles in Midlothian facts for kids

Midlothian is a beautiful area in Scotland. It is home to many amazing castles. These old buildings tell us stories about the past. They show how people lived and protected themselves long ago. Some castles are still lived in today, while others are ruins. Let's explore some of these cool castles!

Discovering Midlothian's Castles

Borthwick Castle: A Strong Tower House

Borthwick Castle, a grand tower house.

Borthwick Castle is a very strong tower house. It was built way back in 1430. This castle is still in use today. It is privately owned and located near Gorebridge. Imagine staying in a real castle! Borthwick Castle is now used as a hotel. It's a great example of a well-preserved medieval home.

Crichton Castle: A Historic Ruin

The impressive ruins of Crichton Castle.

Crichton Castle is a fascinating courtyard castle. It dates back to the 14th century. This castle is now a preserved ruin. It is looked after by Historic Scotland. You can visit Crichton Castle near Gorebridge. It is open to the public. You can explore its old walls and imagine life centuries ago.

Cousland Castle: A Hidden Ruin

Cousland Castle is another tower house. It was built in the 15th century. Today, it is mostly in ruins. This castle is privately owned. It is located in Cousland. All that remains are parts of the tower house. There is also a walled garden. It shows how castles can change over time.

Dalhousie Castle: A Castle with a Long History

Dalhousie Castle, now a hotel.

Dalhousie Castle is a historic house. It was built in the 16th century. This castle is still occupied today. It is privately owned. You can find it near Bonnyrigg. The castle includes parts of a much older tower. This tower dates back to the 13th century! Like Borthwick, Dalhousie Castle is also used as a hotel.

Dalkeith Palace: A Grand Estate

Dalkeith Palace, a large historic house.

Dalkeith Palace is a large historic house. It was built in the 18th century. The palace is currently occupied. It belongs to the Duke of Buccleuch. You can find it in Dalkeith. This grand building includes parts of a 12th-century castle. Today, it is leased to the University of Wisconsin. The beautiful grounds are open for everyone to enjoy.

Hawthornden Castle: A Retreat for Writers

Hawthornden Castle is a tower house. It was built in the 17th century. This castle is currently occupied. It is privately owned. It is located near Lasswade. The castle includes a ruined 15th-century keep. Today, Hawthornden Castle is a special place. It is used as a retreat for writers.

Melville Castle: A Restored Mansion

Melville Castle, now a hotel.

Melville Castle is a castellated mansion. It was built in the 18th century. This castle has been beautifully restored. It is privately owned. You can find it near Lasswade. Melville Castle was built on the site of an even older castle. It is now used as a hotel, just like some of the other castles.

Newbattle Abbey: A College with History

Newbattle Abbey, a former abbey now a college.

Newbattle Abbey is a fortified house. It was built in the 17th century. This building has been changed over time. It is now owned by Newbattle Abbey College. You can find it in Dalkeith. Newbattle Abbey was once part of a Cistercian Abbey. Now, it serves as a college. It shows how old buildings can find new purposes.

Roslin Castle: Famous and Historic

Roslin Castle, with its ruined keep and occupied ranges.

Roslin Castle has a keep and other buildings. The keep dates from the 14th century. The later buildings were added in the 15th and 16th centuries. The keep is a ruin, but the newer parts are occupied. The castle belongs to the Earl of Rosslyn. It is located in Roslin. The occupied parts are leased to the Landmark Trust. They are used as holiday homes. Roslin Castle was even featured in the film 'The Da Vinci Code'!

See Also

• Castles in Scotland
• List of castles in Scotland
• List of listed buildings in Midlothian