Overview

This is a lovely Castle and Gardens in the East Lothian town of Dirleton. It is problem one of the most beautiful castles in the area and well loved by the locals. I would say if you wanted to enjoy the Gardens and a view of the castle then it is pretty much accessible with wide paths and gentle slopes.

Transport & Parking

I got the 124 from Abbeyhill and it took approximately 55 minutes. The low bus was pretty accessible and a smooth ride. I got off a bus stop too early but it was only 300 yards from the castle, there is a bus stop right outside the castle gates, going both directions. A busy car park is about 40 meters up from the castle. After visiting the castle I took another 124 to North Berwick, a ten minute journey away and on the way back I got the X5 that also goes back to Abbeyhill via Dirleton which took about 50 minutes. Both 124 and X5 buses where East Coast Buses, new accessible services with smooth rides.

Access

Access has been thought about, the paths around the gardens and bowling green are wide and newly surfaced and accessible. The path up to the Castle is on a gentle gradient and wide. However getting up to the castle is a bit tricky. There is an impressive ramp up to the castle but there is three high steps at the bottom, it would be ace if they ramped these out so everyone could at least appreciate the views from the doors of the castle. The castle is a ruin and therefore the ground is a bit uneven and with me being a bit wobbly and being on my own I only ventured to some areas and did not go right to the top - but I was happy that there was enough areas that I could explore and learn about!

Toilets

Toilets where located outside the castle at the Car Park and included a disabled loo.

Staff

The person at the door was really helpful to everyone and took his time to explain the castle and told people the timing for the bus back. He made sure he understood what I said and listened to me.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I went on a really sunny day so the gardens and castle really did look wonderful, there is no cafe, though there is a coffee / tea machine in the visitor centre. I took my packed lunch and a book and really enjoyed sitting on the many benches around the ground. There was a knight going around the grounds - and I really got the full Game of Thrones experience!

Photos