North Berwick · Castle

Tantallon Castle

Tantallon Castle is a clifftop ruin near North Berwick, with Bass Rock across the water and a huge red sandstone wall to see up close. It works best as a short outdoor stop for children who can manage an uneven walk, especially on a dry day.

Best ages: Confident school-age walkers and older
Entry: Paid · under-7s free for general admission
Weather: Exposed outdoor ruins
Allow: Roughly 1–2 hours

Our family take

The castle is more about exploring open ruins than touring furnished rooms. A fact-finding quiz gives curious older children something to follow, and the visit leaves time for another East Lothian stop.

Current access. Some parts are closed for conservation. Check the current access notice before travelling.
Approach. Allow for a walk before you reach the ruins, especially from the larger car park. Expect mixed ground rather than a smooth path.
Weather. This is an exposed coastal visit, with little shelter and grass that can become muddy when wet.

Plan your visit View on map

The practical details

Plan your visit

Opening and last entry: April–September: daily 9.30am–5pm. October–March: daily 10am–4pm. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. Check HES for current access and festive closures. Closed 15–16 October 2026.
Tickets and booking: Paid admission. Adults £7.50 online or £8.50 on arrival; ages 7–15 £3.50 online or £4 on arrival. Under-7s visit free, but include them in any online booking. Book ahead if you need a particular slot; walk-up entry depends on availability. Check current family and member options.
Current castle access: The east tower staircase and doocot are closed for conservation; HES says the rest of the castle is open. Recheck before travelling.
Approach and buggy: Allow 250m from the visitor centre over gravel, sloping grass, two timber bridges and cobbles. A buggy may manage part of this, but it is not a smooth pram route.
Parking: A small level car park beside the visitor centre includes two accessible spaces. The larger car park is about 400m from the visitor centre.
Toilets and food: Toilets and baby changing are listed. There are picnic tables, water refill and self-service tea/coffee; bring lunch if you need a meal.
Address: Near North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 5PN.
Allow: Roughly 1–2 hours for the approach, open ruins and return, depending on your family’s pace.

ParkingToiletsBaby changingPacked lunch spaceVisitor Centre

Checked 26 September 2026

Check castle visits and tickets (official)

A little more detail

Make it work for your family

Getting to and around the castle

If a younger child is likely to need carrying, think about the way back as well as the visit itself. After rain, the grass can be muddy and a buggy may be awkward across the older surfaces. This is easier with children who can walk confidently.

Check the official access details · Checked 26 September 2026