Thirlestane Castle , Scotland

Dating back to the 13th Century, Thirlestane Castle is a castle set in extensive parklands near Lauder in the Borders of Scotland.

The land has been in the ownership of the Maitland family since 1587, and Thirlestane served as the seat of the Earls of Lauderdale. The central part of the present Castle was completed in 1590, remodelled in the 1670s, and then again in the 1840s.

Captain Gerald Maitland-Carew inherited the castle in 1972 from his grandmother, Ethel, Countess of Lauderdale, wife of the 15th Earl. The castle was in a serious state of disrepair, requiring extensive renovation so in 1984 the castle was gifted to a charitable trust established to ensure its preservation, and major repairs were carried out, assisted by financial grants awarded by the Historic Buildings Council and the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

Thirlestane is noted for fine collections of paintings, furniture, porcelain and an historic toy collection as well as for its beautiful grounds.

Opening Times

Open: Good Friday, Easter Sunday & Easter Monday

27th April until 30th June on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursdays and Bank Holidays.

Open in July and August every day Sunday to Thursday
Open in September on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays last day 29th September

Opening at 10.00am - Last entry into the Castle 3:00pm - Grounds close at 5:00pm

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Ticket Prices

Castle + Grounds
Adult £10.00
Senior£7.00
Child £6.00
Family £25.00
Group £8.00 pp

Grounds only
Adult £3.00
Senior £3.00
Child £1.50

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

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