Spend a day discovering this magnificent Castle, revel in the exceptional guided tour, join a special event and explore its extensive grounds.
Every visit is unique, and every moment is as memorable as the last – come and be a part of the history.
The Castle will re-open for scheduled public tours in Spring 2026.
Private guided tours can be arranged at any time of the year (subject to availability) – please contact the office to arrange.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS YEAR ROUND
Private Castle Tour
During our closed season, Thirlestane is still available to visit on a pre-booked Private Guided Tour.
Enjoy an exclusive tour of the Castle where our expert guides bring Thirlestane to life with stories of its 400 year history. Choose between a standard Guided Tour or one of our Specialist Tours, which delve deeper into Art & Architecture, Military Connections and the Maitland Family history.
BESPOKE TOURS, CATERING & ACTIVITIES
Group Tours
Allow our experienced guides to lead you around the castle, as they impart their wisdom of the building’s unique history and esteemed collections.
Choose between a standard Guided Tour or Specialist Tour, which delve deeper on specific topics. Each group visit is bespoke and can be tailored to include dining, activities & experiences to suit your groups requirements.
Group tours (10+ people) are available throughout the year – subject to availability.
WHAT’S ON AT THIRLESTANE
Unmissable Events
Each year we run an exciting programme of events including art exhibitions, children’s activity camps and open-air theatre shows, not to mention the much loved annual BVAC Classic – The Festival of Motoring.
Watch this space for updates on our What’s On programme for 2026!
Tour Highlights
Image Gallery
What a beautiful place. It’s so well kept and it’s a guided tour.
The guides are so knowledgeable and you get a hot drink and treat at the end of the tour. Our guide was called Anne and she was lovely.
Have a walk around the castle grounds too. Well worth a visit but you have to book in advance it’s a guided tour.
We stopped here on our way from Edinburgh to Jedburgh (buy tickets beforehand!) and are more than thrilled!
The castle can only be visited with a guided tour, but this is exceptionally friendly and informative!
Our guide Sue was such a nice, sympathetic and kind lady, we could have listened to her for hours.
Afterwards we had coffee, tea and biscuits in one of the castle kitchens, during which we talked nicely.
Booked for the guided tour and afternoon tea. Judith our guide was very knowledgeable & interesting and the castle is beautiful. Afternoon tea in the victorian kitchen was delicious. Catering was provided by the nearby Lauder bakery. Would highly recommend.
A MAGICAL CASTLE WITH A RICH HISTORY
Guided Tour
Dating back to the 16th century, Thirlestane Castle is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland. Discover some of the finest decorative plasterwork ceilings in Europe, as well one of the most extensive family collections of portraits and busts in Scotland. Guests can enjoy a complimentary hot refreshment and a Scottish treat to complete the memorable experience.
The Castle will re-open for scheduled public tours in Spring 2026.
Private guided tours can be arranged at any time of the year (subject to availability) – please contact the office to arrange.
Take a look at the available membership and organisation promotions here.
DISCOVER TALES AND TASTY TREATS
Afternoon Tea & Tour
The perfect way to spend a day discovering fascinating tales from the Castle’s 400 year history, followed by a selection of decadent savoury and sweet treats served in the Victorian Kitchen.
Afternoon Tea at Thirlestane Castle will be available again in Spring 2026.
Guided Tours
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Protect the Legacy
The Castle is owned by a charitable trust who care for and secure the long-term future of the Castle, grounds and its collections. Every penny from donations, events and visitor income goes directly into helping to preserve this wonderful building and its unique history and heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations – Thank You!
If you would like to give a donation or learn more about becoming a Patron of Thirlestane Castle Trust, click the button below to visit our Support page.
Tales from Thirlestane Castle
Fiona and Sasha
Fiona and Sasha travelled from New York for a three day celebration at Thirlestane Castle. The wedding guests stayed in the Castle's luxury suites, [...]
Bedchambers fit for a Duke…
The first floor of Thirlestane Castle is home to some of its finest spaces. The Duke of Lauderdale’s dressing room and bedroom are located right [...]
The Creation of Thirlestane Castle
Thirlestane Castle has been the ancestral home of the Maitland family since 1590. In 1590, John Maitland, Chancellor of Scotland under James VI, was ennobled [...]
