📌 Lauder, Scottish Borders
★★★
Fairytale turrets and striking red brickwork characterise Thirlestane Castle, a grand 16th century mansion near the town of Lauder (pardon?) in the Scottish Borders. This is very much a single-family castle, built by the Maitlands after they acquired the land here from the Lauderdales through marriage in about 1250. The family still live in the north wing, but much of the rest of the castle is open to the public. Our tour grew steadily more impressive as we went around, though sadly taking photos wasn’t allowed. Whisper it quietly, but this is a castle that really should be better known.
🌍 Location
📌 Off the B6362 0.5 mi east of Lauder town centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 534479
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.722391,-2.743786
🚌 Bus to Lauder
🚗 Car park
📝 Key info
⌚ Generally daily, May to 19 October 2025 by guided tour only, up to three times daily – see official website for times / exceptions
🎫 £16.50 adult / £5 child
