Tantallon Castle

Overview

Update - At the time of writing (24 December 2024) there is no access to the east tower and doocot.

Tantallon Castle is a very unusual structure with an imposing front wall defending a clifftop position on a small peninsula.

The state that you see Tantallon Castle in today, is much as it would have looked after the siege of the castle in 1651 when Cromwell's army attacked the castle with artillery. It is still a very impressive building that looks like something that Tolkien might have invented for "Lord of the Rings". 

As you approach Tantallon castle your first impressions are of a very battered and weather-worn "curtain" wall. Once you pass through the castle gate and view the castle from inside you discover that there is actually lots to be explored and the castle is more intact than you might have expected.

On either side of the central tower are two wings of 4-storey high defensive walls.  You can climb several flights of stairs to get excellent views from the battlements which overlook the Bass Rock and Berwick Law.  Vertigo sufferers should be warned that the battlements are quite open and exposed.

Visitors also have access to the castle's dark and spooky pit prison and the remains of the Great Hall.

This is an excellent attraction with lots of corners to be explored. Children love the place as it is a giant medieval theme park for them and the shop sells plastic swords and Knights' helmets.

If you are interested in the history you will need to buy a guidebook (~£5) as the information boards are a bit brief in detail.

Save money on visiting this attraction by buying an Explorer Pass