Did you know Edinburgh is a treasure trove of fantastic castles? Yet Edinburgh Castle is not the only historic castle in the city. Plan your next girls’ getaway to Edinburgh and spend a weekend, or even a full week, exploring the castles of Edinburgh with your BFFs.
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Take the Girls! Visit Edinburgh Castles with Your BFFs
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Gather your besties and make a reservation to stay at a castle hotel near Edinburgh, Scotland, and then spend your time exploring all the amazing historic castles in Edinburgh. There are 10 fabulous castles in the area that you do not want to miss. Only in town for a few days? Then pick your favorites to visit. Drop your bags at an Edinburgh luggage storage locker and start your girls’ getaway outright. Bring your camera and your sense of adventure to fabulous Edinburgh!
Stobo Castle
See the Edinburgh castles with the girls while staying at Stobo Castle, a luxury hotel and spa. After a long day of delving into history, come back to Stobo Castle for an evening of relaxation and pampering.
Grab your girlfriends and take a stroll through the Japanese Water Garden, which was added during the early 20th century. When you book your accommodation, make sure to request rooms in the old building of Stobo Castle.
The newer building is not part of the original castle and does not have the same charm and old-world allure. You can book online but to ensure you do get rooms in the original castle, call them directly.
Fa’side Castle
If staying in a castle turned luxury hotel is not really the ideal girls’ getaway, then how about accommodations at a castle turned B&B. Located just 10 miles from Edinburgh, Fa’side Castle’s tower has been converted into a bed and breakfast and is a great way to spend a weekend with the girls.
While staying here you also have use of the Grand Hall which is thought to be built during the 1400s. Tourists love spending time exploring Fa’side Castle. Even if you do not stay at the B&B, you can still enjoy the charm of the castle.
Edinburgh Castle
The crowning glory of Edinburgh is none other than Edinburgh Castle and it is an absolute must-see with the girls. The romanticism of the castle will blow you away and rev up your imagination.
Edinburgh Castle is quite possibly one of the most iconic castles in the entire world, perched upon Castle Rock with its intriguing towers rising proudly toward the clouds. Built in the 12th century, this castle is the oldest structure in the city.
Spend time drooling over the crown jewels on display at the castle, visit the Stone of Destiny, and take a turn around the Great Hall. Grab your tickets online and skip ahead to the front of the line.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Okay, so not technically a castle, but the Palace of Holyroodhouse is an absolute must-see while exploring the castles of Edinburgh with the girls. This is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth when she is in Scotland.
Explore Mary Queen of Scots’ Chamber and learn more about this fascinating woman. Each room in the palace is more luxurious than the last; bring your camera for some great photos with the girls to remember your visit.
While the Queen is usually only in residence during Royal Week, the palace is not open for tours when Her Royal Highness is in residence. Check the schedule online and buy your tickets to ensure you can get in while visiting Edinburgh.
Hopetoun House
The name may be a bit confusing, but Hopetoun House is definitely an ornate palace well worth the visit. The Hope family has resided at Hopetoun House since the late 1600s. The palace is only 35 minutes outside Edinburgh.
Visitors are welcome during certain days, times, and events. Check the schedule and book your tickets for an experience like no other. Fans of the television series Outlander are especially fond of the castle since it is where a majority of the show is filmed.
Midhope Castle
While visiting Hopetoun House, you also have to visit Midhope Castle, which is located on the same grounds. It is the actual filming location for the television series Outlander and fans may recognize it as Lallybroch or Jamie Fraser’s home on the show.
See the Scotland of the hit television series ‘Outlander’ on this full-day tour through the countryside. With a driver-guide, you’ll visit sites used for Lallybroch (Midhope Castle), Fort William (Blackness Castle), Crainsmuir (Culross), and Castle Leoch (Doune Castle).
Midhope Castle is believed to date back to 1458. The interior has fallen into disrepair but the exterior still looks great. Stop by the farm shop before leaving the grounds. Tickets can be purchased online.
Dirleton Castle & Gardens
Grab a cup of coffee and head off to Dirleton Castle and Gardens about 45 minutes to the east of the city. The castle was built during the 1200s, while the gardens were added during the 17th century. Order your tickets online before heading out to the castle.
The castle was attacked and fell into ruins in 1650 after Oliver Cromwell laid siege. The gardens were designed around the ruins of the castle in the 1660s, creating a magnificent backdrop for the majestic gardens.
Lochleven Castle
Built during the 1300s, Lochleven Castle sits in Loch Leven on a magical island. While the castle is in ruins, it still is a historical place to visit as it is one of the oldest castles in Scotland.
The Lochleven Castle was the site of fierce battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence. This is the castle where Mary Queen of Scots was a prisoner from 1567 through 1568. The castle is only accessible by boat.
Get your tickets to Lochleven Castle and head about an hour north of Edinburgh. Make a day of it and visit shops and cafes along the way.
Tantallon Castle
What can be more fabulous than gathering the girls and visiting a castle perched on the edge of a cliff? Located 30 miles from Edinburgh, Tantallon Castle is in ruins but is still a must-see when hanging with the girls checking out iconic castles in Edinburgh.
Tantallon Castle is believed to have been built during the 1300s and withstood three different sieges. However, in 1651, Oliver Cromwell and his army left the castle in ruins during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Get the girls together and plan your next trip! Spending time together exploring the castles of Edinburgh with your gal friends is a great way to reconnect and make more memories.