📌 Crichton, Midlothian
★★★
🛠️ Castle closed for masonry work – grounds open (checked July 2025)
Crichton Castle’s arresting location on windswept ground near the source of the Scottish River Tyne is enough to justify the visit alone. This imposing ruin has parts dating back to the 14th century, with one of the more unusual features being the Italian-style courtyard walls, still in excellent condition and seemingly at odds with the rest of the architecture. The ghost of murdered William Crichton reputedly haunts the lonely stables (or chapel) to the south of the main building.
🌍 Location
📌 Off minor road 1 mi southwest of Crichton village
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 380612
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.839560,-2.991327
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park by Crichton Collegiate Church, 🧭 NT 381616 / 🛰️ 55.843162,-2.990809
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily, April to September
🎫 £8.50 adult / £5 child / free for Historic Environment Scotland members – discount for booking online
💬 From the car park it’s a 10-min walk (each way) to the castle on a good track (⬤ Easy).
