Venue Description

Ascend Tantallon's towers for spectacular views of the Bass Rock and to watch gannets plunge into the North Sea. Then descend into the depths of a particularly grim pit prison. The castle was home to the powerful Red Douglas dynasty, which often clashed with the Crown. It was besieged by both James IV and James V but was ultimately destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's troops in a siege of 1651. There is currently no visitor access to the east tower and doocot. 29 Mar to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm) 1 Oct to 28 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)

Accessibility

Approach to site The castle is 250m from the visitor centre along an undulating grass pathway (steepest gradient 1:10) and across a timber bridge. Monument The dovecot is 40m off the main pathway to the castle and can be reached via a short-cut grass path. Enter the castle over a 6m section of cobbles into the grass courtyard. From here the whole castle can be seen and there is a good view of Bass Rock. On the ground level there is stepped access into storage cellars and a kitchen. The upper levels include the great hall and battlements and are reached by a series of uneven stone staircases, both straight and spiral. Surroundings There are no marked out paths other than those to the castle and dovecot. The area is entirely grass covered, with several dips and rises.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.historicenvironment.scot/access

Toilets

There is an adapted toilet available for visitors next to the visitor centre.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.