Seton Castle

Seton Castle stands northeast of Tranent as a Georgian mansion with curved walls and shaped towers designed in the late 18th century. The building retains its original features including an intricate cantilevered stone staircase and classical stone pillars throughout its interior.

The castle was built in 1789 and replaced an earlier palace that had served as a retreat for Mary, Queen of Scots. The previous structure was destroyed during conflict in the Jacobite Rising, with physical remains still visible on the grounds today.

The interior displays classical Georgian proportions and detailing that visitors can observe in the preserved rooms today. The design reflects the tastes of the era when the building was completed.

Visitors can explore the grounds and approach the exterior to view the building and remaining structures from the earlier period. The site is located in a rural setting, so paths and ground conditions vary with the season and weather.

Three round towers from the original palace remain on the grounds as archaeological remnants. One tower still displays a well-preserved medieval gunloop that offers insight into the site's defensive past.

Location: East Lothian

Location: Tranent

GPS coordinates: 55.96520,-2.93496

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42