Tantallon Castle

Tantallon Castle is a ruined medieval fortress in East Lothian, Scotland, perched on a headland overlooking the sea. The stronghold was built mainly as a massive wall facing landward, while the seaward side relied on natural cliff protection.

The castle was built around 1350 by William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, and served as a key family stronghold. During the 17th century, cannon fire severely damaged it, and it was never fully rebuilt afterward.

The castle has shaped how people imagine Scottish fortresses through paintings and writing for centuries. Its striking location overlooking the sea made it a favorite subject for artists and storytellers.

The site is currently closed to the public and can only be viewed from outside. The ruins remain visible from the shore and offer a good vantage point to see the coastal landscape.

While many Scottish castles were built with multiple towers, this fortress relied mainly on a single massive wall as its primary defense. This unusual design made it one of the country's most distinctive strongholds.

Location: East Lothian

Location: North Berwick

Inception: 1350

Architects: William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas

Address: North Berwick EH39 5PN, UK

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-17:00

Phone: +441620892727

Website: http://historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_284

GPS coordinates: 56.05639,-2.65056

Latest update: December 8, 2025 08:20