Best castles around Humbie, East And West Saltoun, Bolton, East Lothian, offer a journey through centuries of Scottish history. This area is characterized by its historic estates and former castle sites, rather than numerous traditional, publicly accessible castles. The landscape features a blend of rural charm and significant historical architecture, including transformed country houses and castle ruins. Visitors can explore sites that illustrate the evolution of defensive structures into grand estates, set within designed parklands and woodlands.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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Please be aware that the castle is no longer accessible to the public due to unsafe masonry. It has actually been sold to a private owner and itβs therefore unlikely to reopen in the foreseeable future. It is still a fine building to view from the outside, particularly from the river bank opposite.
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The original stone keep was built here before 1267. It was used, defended and attacked at various times until the mid 1500's when it was abandoned when the laird moved to a new tower house on the site of the current Yaster House. The castle fell into ruin and now only the partially underground Goblin Hall remains. The castle is in a wonderful position in a bend of the stream and surrounded by woodland. It makes a great walk from Gifford.
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Dating back to the early 1200's with major additions in the 1300's this is one of Scotlandβs oldest castles. You can visit the castle and grounds. Managed by Historic Scotland.
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Restoration Yard: The Store Open 7 days from 10.00 β 17.00 The Kitchen Open 7 days from 9.30 The Larder Open 7 days from 9.00
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Nice country road that leads to the castle
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Great spot with a nice climb up to the castle. Pleasantly quiet road
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While many sites are historic estates or former castle locations, Saltoun Hall stands out. It began as a 12th-century defensive tower and evolved into a grand mansion, showcasing centuries of architectural and social history. Other notable sites include the former location of Humbie Old Place and Keith Marischal, which is a Scottish Baronial country house with origins as an L-shaped tower house.
Yes, Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo is highly recommended for families. It's set within over 1,000 acres of parkland, offering outdoor activities, a restaurant, and a magnificent palace to explore. Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate also offers a family-friendly experience with its extensive grounds and dining options.
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including easy hikes around Humbie, East And West Saltoun, Bolton. For specific routes, check out the Easy hikes guide or the general Hiking guide for the region. Mountain biking trails are also available; explore the MTB Trails guide for options like the Haddington to Longniddry Bents loop.
Yester Castle Ruins offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Only the partially underground Goblin Hall remains of the original stone keep, which dates back before 1267. It's situated in a beautiful woodland setting, making for a great walk from Gifford.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. Many enjoy the opportunity to see how defensive structures evolved into grand estates, often set within designed parklands. The komoot community has shared over 50 photos and given more than 70 upvotes, highlighting the scenic views and historical depth of sites like Fa'side Castle, which offers viewpoints over the surrounding area.
Fa'side Castle is known for its climb and provides excellent viewpoints over the surrounding landscape. It's a notable historical site that combines a physical activity with rewarding vistas.
Hailes Castle, one of Scotlandβs oldest castles dating back to the early 1200s, is currently not accessible to the public due to unsafe masonry and has been sold to a private owner. However, it remains a fine building to view from the outside, particularly from the river bank opposite.
Yes, Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo at Dalkeith Country Park has a great cafe and shops, including Restoration Yard with 'The Kitchen' and 'The Larder'. Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate also offers dining options like afternoon tea, lunch, and brunch in its Campaign Room Bistro.
While specific seasonal information isn't detailed for all sites, visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor parklands and castle exteriors. These seasons typically offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially around sites like Dalkeith Palace with its extensive parkland.
Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate is a Scottish castle mansion that now operates as a hotel, restaurant, and wedding venue. It offers the opportunity to experience a historic setting with modern amenities.
It's important to distinguish that the renowned Bolton Castle, a major medieval fortress famous for housing Mary Queen of Scots, is located in North Yorkshire, England, not in East Lothian. While there is a locality named Bolton in East Lothian, and a site identified as Eaglescairnie castle there, it is not the well-known Bolton Castle.


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