Thirlestane Castle

Featured Property

Thirlestane Castle Description

Thirlestane Castle, one of the seven Great Houses of Scotland, is set in lovely Border Hills at Lauder, 28 miles south of Edinburgh on the A68.

Built originally as a defensive fort in the 13th century it was rebuilt in the 16th century as the home of the Maitlands. As the seat of the Earls and Duke of Lauderdale it was enlarged and embellished over the centuries but still remains home to the Maitland family. The Duke's ghost is said to haunt the castle.

The Duke of Lauderdale effectively ruled Scotland as a member of King Charles II's Cabal Cabinet (the L of CABAL stood for Lauderdale) and he commissioned the unrivalled plasterwork ceilings in the 1670s. They are one of the great glories of Thirlestane and of Scotland.

The castle is set in extensive parkland overlooking the Lammermuir Hills and the Leader Valley (a tributary of the River Tweed). There is a small formal garden, a woodland walk, and a picnic area.

Features of Thirlestane Castle include the incomparable 17th century ceilings, the magnificent state rooms, porcelain, furniture, pictures, the historic toy collection in the family nurseries where children may dress up, kitchens, laundries and country life exhibitions.

Other facilities include a gift shop offering a wide range of souvenirs and unusual toys, an audio visual, the dungeon display and The Old Servants' Hall, which serves coffees, light lunches and teas through the day. There is ample free parking for cars and coaches.

Groups of 30 or more wishing to visit are able to make special arrangements for a private opening at no additional cost.

You can view further information about Thirlestane on their excellent Website.

Opening Times - 2012

• 6th, 8th & 9th April: daily, 10 am - Last entry 3 pm
• 2nd May - 28th June on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 am - Last entry 3 pm
• Bank Holidays 7th May, 4th & 5th June, 10 am - Last entry 3 pm
• July - August: Sunday - Friday, 10 am - Last entry 3 pm
• 2nd - 30th September: Sundays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10 am

Grounds close at 5.00 pm

Admission Prices - 2012

Castle & Grounds:

• Adult - £10.00
• Child - £6.00
• Seniors - £8.00
• Family (2+3) - £25.00

Pre-booked Groups (20+):

• Adult - £8.00
• Minimum £140.00

Grounds only:

• Adult - £3.00
• Child - £1.50
• Seniors - £3.00