British and Irish Castles

With it’s spectacular location, atop a rocky cliff, jutting out into the Firth of Forth, Tantallon Castle is one of Scotland and Britain’s most spectacular castles. The castle is built of local red sandstone which makes an already impressive building all the more striking.

Even more spectacular is the view from the castle itself with the ominous basalt plug of the Bass Rock immediately opposite and the Isle of May just the other side of the Firth of Forth. Tantallon is quite simply an astonishing castle.

With a history dating back to 1358, Tantallon castle has seen it’s fair share of history, from the Douglasses through to Cromwell. Beseiged on a number of occasions, the most notable seiges being in 1491, 1528 and when Oliver Cromwell besieged the castle in 1651. Cromwell undertook a twelve day siege which although it resulted in the defeat of the castles defenders, it was notable that they were granted mercy on account of their bravery.

Nowadays, Tantallon occupies a less bloody, if no less windswept place in the hearts of Scottish Castle enthusiasts. Having been allowed to deteriorate under successive owners from the 18^th century, Sir Hew Clifford Hamilton-Dalrymple handed over the castle to the Scottish nation in the early 20^th century and it is now in the care of Historic Scotland where it treated with the dignity and respect it deserves.

Visitors will find the castle just east of North Berwick, near the small town of Whitekirk. The castle really is a spectacular place to visit for an ideal Sunday afternoon out with the family and it’s close proximity to Edinburgh means that if one is feeling particularly ‘Castle-ish’ then you could combine the trip with a visit to the equally spectacular Edinburgh Castle and nearby Dirleton Castle as well.

Tantallon Castle is one of East Lothians true gems. The spectacular view from the battlements is worth the entrance fee alone. Superb.

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