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Humbie, East And West Saltoun, Bolton

Top 5 Castles around Humbie, East And West Saltoun, Bolton

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.

Best castles around Humbie, East And West Saltoun, Bolton

  • The most popular castles is Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo, a castle that features a magnificent palace completed in 1711. It is set within over 1,000 acres of parkland, offering outdoor activities and historical exploration.
  • Another must-see spot is Hailes Castle, a castle dating back to the early 1200s. It is one of Scotland’s oldest castles, showcasing a fortified tower house structure from before 1300.
  • Visitors also love Fa'side Castle, a historical site. It is a notable castle that offers a climb and provides viewpoints over the surrounding area.
  • Humbie, East And West Saltoun, Bolton is known for its historic estates, castle ruins, and transformed country houses. These sites offer a variety of historical experiences, from medieval foundations to later architectural extensions.
  • The castles around Humbie, East And West Saltoun, Bolton are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 70 upvotes and over 50 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Hailes Castle

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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 it’s 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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Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo

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With over 1,000 acres of parkland, outdoor activities, a restaurant and a magnificent palace, Dalkeith Country Park offers something for everyone. The palace, completed in 1711, has been owned by the Buccleuch family for over 300 years. In 2015, the family decided to undergo a huge restoration project to make the palace and its gardens into a tourist attraction. Today, you can explore the beautiful parklands, meet the animals, and find fun for all ages.

The park is open from 7am to 7pm daily. Tickets for adults cost Β£10. You can find more information, here: dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk

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Yester Castle Ruins

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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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Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate

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Set in 40 acres of spectacular estate parkland, Carberry Tower is a Scottish castle mansion that today stands as a hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. They serve afternoon tea, lunch and brunch in the Campaign Room Bistro, so why not swing by for a delightful visit and something to eat?

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Fa'side Castle

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Good climb up past a Castle

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Tips from the Community

David H 🏴󠁧󠁒󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
May 19, 2024, Hailes Castle

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 it’s 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.

3

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Andy max
February 12, 2024, Fa'side Castle

Birtley brae

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Anne
October 22, 2023, Hailes Castle

Castle is now closed off.

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51m
April 21, 2023, Yester Castle Ruins

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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51m
April 16, 2023, Hailes Castle

Dating back to the early 1200's with major additions in the 1300's this is one of Scotland’s 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 – 17.00 The Kitchen Open 7 days from 9.30 The Larder Open 7 days from 9.00

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David
September 15, 2020, Fa'side Castle

Great spot with a nice climb up to the castle. Pleasantly quiet road

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most historically significant castles in the Humbie, East and West Saltoun, and Bolton area?

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.

Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit?

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.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?

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.

Are there any castle ruins that are accessible for exploration?

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.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in this region?

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.

Is there a castle that offers good viewpoints?

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.

Can I visit Hailes Castle?

Hailes Castle, one of Scotland’s 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.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the castles?

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.

What is the best season to visit the castles in this area?

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.

Are there any castles that have been converted into hotels or offer accommodation?

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.

Is there a Bolton Castle in East Lothian?

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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