Tantallon Castle, Auldhame (Borders)
Medieval castle
Summary
- 14th century buildings
- Gift shop
- Free car parking (on site)
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
A formidable stronghold set on the cliffs on the Firth of Forth, Tantallon Castle was the seat of the Douglas earls of Angus. Tantallon served as a noble fortification for more than three centuries and endured frequent sieges.
Open all year, Apr-Sep, daily, 9.30-5.30; Oct, 9.30-4.30; Nov-Mar, Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun, 9.30-4.30. Closed 25-26 Dec & 1-2 Jan.
History to the present day
Mighty Tantallon Castle was built in the 1350s by a nobleman at the height of his power. In 1354, William Douglas came into possession of all his father’s lands, as well as those of his uncle, ‘the Good Sir James of Douglas’, a close friend of King Robert Bruce. The estates included the barony of North Berwick. In 1358 William was created Earl of Douglas, by which date the builders may already have begun to build his new stronghold.
In the 1380s the dynastic house of Douglas split into two branches, known as the ‘Black’ and the ‘Red’. Tantallon passed to the junior line, the ‘Red Douglases’, Earls of Angus. For the next 300 years, the earls of Angus held sway at the castle, acting out their role as one of the most powerful baronial families in Scotland.
During that time it endured three great sieges, in 1491, 1528 and 1651. The last, by Oliver Cromwell’s army, resulted in such devastating destruction that the mighty medieval fortress was abandoned.
Grounds and gardens
Visitors can enjoy the wild flowers and fauna around the castle.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: , Borders, , United Kingdom
From Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, take the train to North Berwick (30 min). Walk from North Berwick train station to High Street at Quality Street (15 min). Take Eve Bus no 120 (Dunbar) to Tantallon Castle (6 mins). By car three miles east of North Berwick off the A198.
