Crichton Castle

Crichton Castle is a medieval fortress in Pathhead, Midlothian, located on a slope descending toward the River Tyne. The grounds contain several building sections, including a residential tower from the 14th century and a staircase wing added later with distinctive diamond-patterned stonework on one side.

The original fortress was built in the late medieval period and became a long-standing seat of an influential family. In the 16th century, a family member who had traveled to southern Europe made architectural changes that altered the site's appearance.

The name comes from the Crichton family who lived here and shaped the estate over centuries. You can see how the place served as a gathering point for Scottish nobility in its heyday.

You can walk around the outdoor areas of the castle, but the interior remains closed to visitors. The nearest parking is a short walk away, and wearing comfortable shoes is recommended as the grounds sit on hillsides.

The stonework on one wing of the castle displays a rare architectural pattern not commonly found in Scotland. This distinctive feature came about through the vision of a traveler who drew inspiration from buildings in southern Europe.