Top 8 Castles around Kirkliston

The Kirkliston area offers a diverse range of historical sites, from medieval tower houses like Niddry Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots, once stayed, to elegant 19th-century stately homes such as Carlowrie Castle. You can also find ancient churches with Knights Templar connections, like Kirkliston Parish Church, and the ruins of grand estates such as Cammo House Ruins and Tower.

Yes, several sites have notable historical connections. Niddry Castle is famous for sheltering Mary, Queen of Scots, after her escape from Loch Leven. Castle House in Kirkliston is believed to have hosted Robert Burns, who reportedly inscribed a verse on a window pane. Additionally, Kirkliston Parish Church is the burial place of the First Earl of Stair, infamous for his role in the Glencoe Massacre.

While some sites are privately owned, Blackness Castle is open to the public and offers a deep dive into its history as a stronghold. Newliston House and its gardens are typically open on specific days in May or June. Kirkliston Parish Church is also open for visitors to explore its ancient architecture and graveyard. Carlowrie Castle operates as an exclusive-use venue for events and luxury accommodation, while Niddry Castle and Castle House are private residences viewable from the outside.

Yes, Blackness Castle is a great family-friendly option, offering an engaging historical experience. The grounds of Lauriston Castle are free to visit and feature beautiful gardens, including a Japanese garden, which can be enjoyable for families. The Bronze Horse Statue at Dalmeny House is also listed as family-friendly, offering a fascinating day out with its antiques and Gothic Architecture.

The area around Kirkliston offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Dalmeny House – View of the Firth of Forth loop' or the 'Linlithgow Palace – Linlithgow Loch loop'. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Cammo Estate Local Nature Reserve loop' or the 'View of the Forth Bridge – Forth Bridge loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Kirkliston and Hiking around Kirkliston guides.

Yes, fans of Outlander can visit Midhope Castle, which served as Lallybroch in the television series. Blackness Castle has also featured in the popular TV series, making it another must-see for Outlander enthusiasts.

Beyond the more prominent sites, Kirkliston Parish Church is a unique historical gem, featuring a Romanesque doorway, a 1687 bell, and an unusual 1727 gravestone depicting two carved heads with spectacles. Its history also includes connections to the Knights Templar and a guard house built to deter body snatchers. Castle House, though private, is also significant as the oldest house in Kirkliston.

Many sites, like Blackness Castle, have extended opening hours from April to September, typically 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. During October to March, hours are often reduced, and some sites may be closed on certain days. Visiting during spring or summer generally offers better weather and longer daylight hours for exploration. For specific sites like Newliston House, check their limited opening days in May or June.

There is a cafe available at Lauriston Castle, making it a convenient stop for refreshments. While not directly at a castle, the nearby 'The Wee Winchburgh Cafe' is accessible via an easy cycling loop from Kirkliston, as detailed in the Cycling around Kirkliston guide.

Carlowrie Castle, built in the 19th century, stands out as an elegant Scottish Baronial stately home rather than a defensive fortress. It's set within 32 acres of manicured parkland and gardens and is primarily known as an exclusive-use venue for weddings and luxury accommodation. It also has connections to pioneering Arctic explorer and botanist Isobel Wylie Hutchison, who lived there.

Absolutely. Blackness Castle, perched on the shore of the Firth of Forth, offers gorgeous views, especially at sunset. The Bronze Horse Statue at Dalmeny House is also noted as a viewpoint, providing scenic surroundings for photography. The extensive landscaped grounds of Newliston House also offer picturesque settings.