Under An Hour From Edinburgh Is Scotland's Scenic Castle With Coastal Views And Dramatic Cliffside Landscapes

Have you ever dreamed of standing on the battlements of a medieval castle overlooking the windswept Scottish coast? In a country full of castles, Tantallon Castle is one of the most memorable. This imposing fortress sits on a clifftop promontory just 30 miles east of Edinburgh, with the waves of the North Sea crashing far below. I've visited several times and love the atmosphere of the place, with the scenic ruins set against a dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs and endless sea views. If you're interested in Scottish history and like exploring ancient heritage sites, then you'll enjoy visiting Tantallon.

Standing out among Scotland's many castle ruins, Tantallon Castle sits high on the cliffs at the mouth of the Firth of Forth. It's this setting that makes Tantallon so photogenic, perched dramatically upon its rocky throne, as if carved from the very stones that overlook the sea. I recommend heading down the road to Seacliff Beach after your visit to truly appreciate the castle's commanding presence. This striking backdrop has caught the attention of filmmakers too, with scenes from movies like "Under the Skin" being shot on location here.

A Tantallon Castle visitor notes on Tripadvisor that the "skeletal remains are hauntingly beautiful" and "you truly feel the weight of Scottish history" when wandering around the site. In that vein, it's perhaps not surprising that Tantallon is also known for its ghosts. Named one of the country's most haunted castles by VisitScotland, Tantallon makes a fitting setting for spooky goings-on. Visitors have reported seeing a lone figure on the battlements, while another explorer spotted a woman wearing medieval clothing in one of his photographs. 

Dating to the 1300s, Tantallon Castle was the stronghold of the Red Douglas family, one of the most powerful dynasties in Scotland and acquaintances of Robert the Bruce. The location was strategic, with the high cliffs providing a natural defensive wall on the northern flank of the castle. On the other sides, a red sandstone curtain wall about 15 meters high protected the castle from land-based attacks. This superior position helped to ensure that Tantallon Castle survived several sieges through the centuries before eventually succumbing to Oliver Cromwell's army during the English Civil Wars. Abandoned in 1651, Tantallon Castle has stood in ruins ever since, and you can still see the devastation caused by the English guns during this last siege.

Tantallon received several more peaceful visitors over the years, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1566 and Queen Victoria in 1878 when the castle was a ruin. Writers Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Walter Scott also came to Tantallon, and it's thought that the castle was the inspiration behind the latter's famous "Rob Roy" novel. In more recent years, Tantallon was used as a training ground for RAF bomber crews during World War II, including the famous 617 Squadron, known as the "Dambusters."

Scotland is renowned for its fortresses, from the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the famous Doune Castle, which was used in the filming of "Outlander." Yet Tantallon remains one of my favorites, because it's uncrowded and you just can't beat those sea views. 

Today, the castle is open to the public throughout the year (barring a few holidays) — it's one of the best things to do in Scotland if you're interested in military history. You'll enter via the drawbridge and main gatehouse where spiral stone stairs lead you up the central tower. As you climb, pause at the viewing platforms to see where the living quarters would have been. At the top of the tower, you'll be rewarded with views across the North Sea. You'll see Bass Rock too, which is famous for its seabirds and is home to one of the world's largest gannet colonies.

Back down on the ground, head across the grassy courtyard toward the cliffside boundary and look back at the castle. It's a great vantage point for photos. The views out to sea are good from here too, and it's worth taking a pair of binoculars to search for marine life — I spotted a pod of dolphins on my last visit. The Douglas Tower and the East Tower are no longer accessible, but you can still explore the ruins of Great Hall and spot replica guns around the defensive walls. Inside the castle, there are information boards placed around the site, giving an insight into castle life all those centuries ago.

Located just a couple of miles east of North Berwick, Tantallon Castle can be visited on a day trip from the cultural city of Edinburgh. It's easiest by car, with on-site parking just a couple of minutes' walk from the castle. If you're travelling by public transport, the best way to reach Tantallon is by taking the train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to North Berwick, and then Bus 120 which stops beside the castle.