Top 5 Castles around Howgate

The area around Howgate in Midlothian, Scotland, offers a diverse range of historical structures. You can find magnificent palaces like Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo, partially ruined medieval castles such as Roslin Castle, and ancient Iron Age sites like Castlelaw Fort and Earth House. These sites span various historical periods, providing rich exploration opportunities.

Yes, Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo is set within over 1,000 acres of parkland. The palace and its gardens underwent a significant restoration project to become a tourist attraction, offering beautiful grounds to explore.

Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo is a great family-friendly option. Its vast parklands offer space for outdoor activities, and the site is designed to be enjoyable for all ages.

The region around Howgate offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For example, there are easy hikes like the 'Penicuik House – Penicuik Tower loop' and moderate cycling routes such as the 'Penicuik Pond – Roslin Glen Railway Tunnel loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Howgate.

Yes, there are several hiking trails available. You can explore routes like the 'North Esk Reservoir – Waterfall and Old Mill loop' or the 'Penicuik House – Penicuik Tower loop'. These trails vary in difficulty from easy to moderate. For a comprehensive list of options, refer to the hiking guide around Howgate.

Several castle sites also offer excellent viewpoints. Hirendean Castle Ruins and Castlelaw Fort and Earth House are noted for their scenic views. Additionally, there's a specific highlight for a View of Crichton Castle, offering wonderful vistas across to the castle.

While specific opening hours vary by site, the castles and their surrounding areas can be enjoyed throughout the year. For outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. However, many sites, especially those with extensive parklands like Dalkeith, are accessible year-round, offering different scenic beauty in each season.

Visitors appreciate the diverse historical experiences, from exploring the well-preserved parklands of Dalkeith Palace to discovering the ancient Iron Age defenses at Castlelaw Fort. The scenic positions of castles like Roslin and Hirendean, often overlooking glens or rivers, are also highly valued for their historical atmosphere and views.

Yes, the area features several significant ruins and ancient sites. Roslin Castle is a partially ruined 14th-century castle with a strong defensive position. Hirendean Castle Ruins are the remains of a 16th-century peel tower. For a much older perspective, Castlelaw Fort and Earth House is an archaeological site that was home to an Iron Age community.

Yes, for instance, Dalkeith Palace and Gazebo at Dalkeith Country Park has a great cafe and shops at its Restoration Yard, which is open daily. For other locations, it's advisable to check local amenities in nearby villages.

Roslin Castle is notable for its defensive features. Its position in the Roslin Glen and the high bridge used to access it provided a strong defense, which was rebuilt and updated in 1544.

At Roslin Castle, after partial restoration in 1980, you can now stay in holiday accommodation within part of the castle itself.