Thirlestane Castle
Spectacular Borders house with magnificent interiors set in a meadow landscape.
Lauder, Berwickshire, TD2 6RU
Facilities
- Accessible loos
- Accessible parking
- Easily accessible without car
- EV charging options
- Facilities for children
- Free parking
- Parkland / open spaces
- Picnic area
- Guide dogs welcome
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
- Accessible parking
Nestled in an idyllic part of the Scottish Borders, Thirlestane Castle is a magnificent 16th century castle set in a meadow landscape. The family seat of the Duke of Lauderdale, it is one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland and still remains home to the Maitland family today.
Discover some of the finest decorative plasterwork ceilings in Europe, as well one of the most extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland, fine furnishings, and Maitland family treasures.
Let one of our experienced guides show you around the grand state rooms, and enjoy our recently opened Toy Museum ‘School Room’ featuring Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian toys.
Guided Tours are approximately 1 hour and are available Tuesdays – Sundays. You can see the times available by clicking on the date you are interested in booking.
All guests will be invited to enjoy a complimentary cup of tea and a treat with their guide once the tour is complete.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
The castle is open for public tours from 2 May to 29 October 2023.
Tours are available Tuesday-Sunday each week, please check the Thirlestane Castle website for availability and to pre-book your tours.
Guided Tours available year-round by appointment only.
Pre-booking of guided tours is highly recommended. This can be done at our website.
Guided Tour Prices:
Guided Tour Prices:
Adult: £15.00
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
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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