Thirlestane Castle
Spectacular Borders house with magnificent interiors set in a meadow landscape.
Lauder, Berwickshire, TD2 6RU
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Easily accessible without car
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EV charging options
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
- Guide dogs welcome
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
Join one of our exceptional guided tours where Thirlestane is brought to life through incredible stories about the Castle’s history and the key role the Maitland family have held in Scotland over four centuries.
Small groups of guests are taken on a journey by our experienced guides who share their vast knowledge in an engaging and entertaining style. They take the upmost pride in ensuring each tour has a personal touch and invite guests to join them for a complimentary hot refreshment and a Scottish treat to complete the memorable experience.
Dating back to the 16th century, Thirlestane Castle is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland. It is the ancient seat of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale and has been home to the Maitland family for over 400 years.
Discover fascinating collections and connections to famous historic figures, including the connection to Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots.
Explore the splendid State Rooms with their exquisite 17th century Dunsterfield gold-gilded ceilings and one of the most extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland. The latest tour addition includes the enchanting Toy Museum ‘School Room’, featuring an impressive collection of over 1,000 Georgian, Edwardian, and Victorian toys.
Make more unforgettable memories at one of Thirlestane’s exciting events including the showstopping BVAC Classic Festival of Motoring, decadent Afternoon Tea, specialist tours and more.
Extend your time at Thirlestane by staying in the luxury castle suites, available to be taken individually or as a group for up to sixteen people.
Alternatively, enjoy the ultimate rural retreat in a cosy woodland lodge nestled on the Lauderdale Estate, each with a private hot tub.
Thirlestane Castle is also available for exclusive hire and is the perfect location for those special occasions in your life. From spectacular weddings to unforgettable birthday celebrations, holding an event at Thirlestane Castle will have your guests reminiscing for years to come.
Credit to Phil Wilkinson Photography for all photographs
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Thirlestane Castle Opening Times 2026
Guided Tours
Season: Monday 20 April – Sunday 18 October 2026
Tour Times: 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm
Advance booking is required for all guided tours. Please note that tour availability is subject to closures for private events throughout the season.
Afternoon Tea & Tour
This experience will be available from Spring 2026 on selected days between April and October. Please contact the castle for specific dates and booking details.
Estate & Grounds Access
Season: Monday 20 April – Sunday 18 October 2026
A Grounds Pass is available for visitors wishing to explore the estate and grounds. Tickets can be purchased between 10am and 3pm.
Closure Dates & Restricted Tour Times
The castle is subject to periodic closures for private events. During certain dates, specific tour times may be unavailable. The following provides a summary of affected dates:
- May 2026: Closed 1–2 May, 15–16 May, 22–23 May, and 30 May. The 10:30am tour is unavailable on 3 May, 17 May, and 24 May. The 2:30pm tour is unavailable on 29 May.
- June 2026: Closed 19–20 June, 25–27 June. The 10:30am tour is unavailable on 21 June and 28 June.
- July 2026: Closed 9–10 July. The 10:30am tour is unavailable on 11 July and 31 July.
- August 2026: Closed 1–2 August, 7–8 August, and 29 August. The 10:30am tour is unavailable on 9 August. The 12:30pm and 2:30pm tours are unavailable on 28 August.
- September 2026: Closed 4–5 September, 11–12 September, and 25–26 September. The 10:30am tour is unavailable on 6 September, 13 September, and 27 September.
- October 2026: Closed 9–10 October. The 10:30am tour is unavailable on 11 October.
We recommend checking ahead or contacting the castle directly to confirm availability before planning your visit.
Pre-booking of guided tours is highly recommended. This can be done at our website.
Guided Tour Prices:
Guided Tour Prices:
Adult: £16.50
Child: £5.00
Family (2 Adults and up to 3 Children): £35.00
Grounds Pass £3.50
Group Rate £12.50
Historic Houses Members: Free
Young Scot £1.00
Thirlestane Castle welcomes pre-booked group tours year round.
The friendly and flexible team at Thirlestane Castle prides itself on a warm welcome to group tours and we do our utmost to tailor tours to suit any group and requirements.
The local, experienced and entertaining guides have a wealth of knowledge about the Castle and bring the fascinating history to life.
- Guide dogs welcome
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
Getting here
Lauder, Berwickshire, TD2 6RU
Thirlestane Castle is just off the A68 on the south side of the pretty town of Lauder, just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh. Follow the brown tourist signs once at Lauder. The main entrance is through the large Eagle Gates on the B6362.
Visitors can get the train to Stow then it is a 15-minute taxi journey to the castle.
Border Buses 51 and 52 from Edinburgh and Kelso/Jedburgh stop just outside the castle.
What3words: the main visitor entrance is at ///kite.dabbling.caveman
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