{Edinburgh} Through the Seasons with Lauriston Castle
Happy Museum Monday! Today I wanted to share with you again one of our favourite places in Edinburgh – Lauriston Castle. I’ve written about it before, but it’s worth mentioning again because I’m still surprised at how many people don’t know about it and what it offers throughout the year.
The picturesque ‘Castle’ is a 16th-century tower house with 19th-century extensions overlooking the Firth of Forth, in the north west of Edinburgh. Admission to the Castle is by guided tour only, but throughout the year they also open their doors for special events – from the cherry blossom festival in spring to the seasonal craft workshops in winter, and everything in between.
Just this past weekend, we were there for their ‘Halloween Terror Trail’, an all-new interactive morning adventure for families. On arrival, visitors were split in to groups, and over the space of three hours could take part in different timed activities, including ghost stories in the old castle kitchen, a magic show in the sitting room, and a wee tour of the house itself. There were also a wide selection of drop-in spooky crafts across the courtyard in the Steward’s House, available throughout the event, and of course the Terror Trail itself. The trail was a good mix of very easy questions for the youngest kids, and slightly more difficult riddles for the older ones.
For those wanting to take a moment to rest, there were plenty of snacks and drinks on hand, including sweet and savoury treats, and gluten free options which made me very happy. The weather was appropriately dreich for a spooky autumnal morning, but we did not let that dampen out spirits and the costumed performers did an excellent job of adding to the atmosphere.
The Halloween Terror Trail was a one-off event, but Lauriston Castle already have their Christmas events all lined up. In particular, I’d like to recommend the Family Edwardian Christmas, which we took part in and wrote about a couple of years ago. It truly captures the magic of Christmas past, and is a perfect antidote for all the commercialism that surrounds Christmas these days. And even better, there are tickets still available! This year’s Family Edwardian Christmas takes place on Sunday 10 December, 10am – 1pm. Tickets cost £8 per person, and include refreshments.
You can also book to take a guided tour of Lauriston Castle on selected dates all year round, included the excellent Lauriston Castle Family Tour which we reviewed earlier this year, and which my two boys (age 8 and 12) enjoyed very much.
And, last but not least, there are the grounds of Lauriston Castle which are open to the public daily, including the Japanese Kyoto Friendship Garden, and are a wonderful oasis for walks in the city. We love exploring the Castle grounds and gardens all year round, but they are particularly spectacular during cherry blossom season, and in the Autumn when the trees turn out a magnificently colourful display.
How to get there
Location: 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh EH4 6AD
By Train: The nearest railway station is Edinburgh Haymarket, but Edinburgh Waverley Station in the city centre is more convenient for buses to Lauriston.
By Bus: The nearest bus stop is Barnton Park, right outside the Castle grounds. Lothian Bus 47 stops there, and it takes approx 5 minutes to walk from the bus stop up to the house. A bit further away, you can take Lothian Bus 21 to Main Street, about 10 minutes walk away, or there’s a number of buses that stop at the Silverknowes Terminus, about 15 minutes walk away.
By Car: There is a free car park and cycle racks in the grounds. Disabled badge holders may park in front of the castle.
Good to know
Opening hours: The grounds, toilets and Mimi’s Bakehouse are open daily to the public. The Castle is open at set times by guided tour.
Cost: Access to the grounds is free. Tours cost £8.00 Adults, £6.00 Concessions, £12 Family Ticket for 1 adult & up to 3 children, £20 Family Ticket for 2 adults & up to 3 Children.
Website: Lauriston Castle Info | Tour Bookings
