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 and grounds are open for Guided Tours from the 22nd April to the 19th October 2025 – book your tickets here.
Group visits can be pre-arranged at any time of the year – please contact the office here to organise.
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.
Guided Tours are available from the 22nd April – 19th October 2025.
The Castle is closed on a few select dates for private events, please see more information 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.
A selection of dates are available to book through spring and summer 2025.
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.
Group tours can also 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.
Tour Highlights
Image Gallery
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.
Guided Tours
Went to visit the castle today for a guided tour. Our tour guide Eugene was absolutely brilliant. Very knowledgeable, funny and accommodating. It was the best tour that we’ve ever been on.
It’s well worth a visit. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you Eugene. Five stars to you.
We very much enjoyed our visit to the castle! Norman took us on an amazing tour of all the wonderful different rooms within the castle. We were impressed with Norman’s love for and knowledge of the history of the castle and surroundings. Highly recommend!
My husband and friend visited the castle today and Helen, our excellent tour guide, gave us an informative, amusing and friendly 2 hour guide around the castle.
Afterwards we were treated to coffee/tea and biscuits with Helen. I am very happy to give this a 5 star rating – and even the lavatories were clean!
Thank you Helen for a very pleasant tour.
Had an excellent tour of the Castle today. Our tour guide Jacqui was first class, very knowledgeable and was able to answer all the questions that the visitors asked. Had an at home feel, being in an excellent state of repair, well worth a visit!
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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
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 [...]
Antiques Roadshow at Thirlestane Castle
The Thirlestane team were delighted to welcome the Antiques Roadshow in July as part of the 47th series of the award-winning programme. This episode has [...]
The small but mighty State Room…
The State Rooms are the grandest rooms within the Castle and where many important gatherings have taken place throughout history. Between the Drawing Room and [...]
