A History of Heritage at Thirlestane Castle
VISIT THIRLESTANE CASTLE IN SCOTLAND
Burrowed in the plush landscape of the Scottish Borders, this imposing, 16th century establishment has an extensive and fascinating history with the British aristocracy. Opulent and grand yet unmistakably Scottish, today Thirlestane Castle belongs to the Maitland family.
Less than 2 hours from our Newcastle port, take the short drive north after your Amsterdam-Newcastle ferry crossing.
Discover Authentic Scottish Culture
Take a tour of the magnificent castle, where famous Scottish figures such as Bonnie Prince Charlie are known to have stayed. Discover its many intricacies, from delicate ceiling designs, to elaborate toy collections.
The castle also holds one of Scotland’s most impressive collections of family portraits and busts. After your tour of the castle’s interior, wander the picturesque grounds, made up of wild woodlands and meadows.
The Story Behind It
The grounds upon which the current castle resides are known to date back to at least the 12th century. The initial constructs in the area were designed to defend Edinburgh from the country’s southern border.
The striking castle which you can visit today was built in the late 16th century, before renovations took place in the 17th and 19th centuries.
The Maitland family have held the Thirlestane grounds since the 13th century and the remains of the former family home are visible from nearby.
