Lauriston Castle & Gardens
A preserved Edwardian home with sweeping Forth views and an award-winning Japanese garden, perfect for a peaceful escape from Edinburgh’s bustle.
Perched above the Firth of Forth on Edinburgh’s northern edge, Lauriston Castle is a 16th-century tower house with Victorian extensions and Edwardian interiors, preserved much as it was in the early 20th century. The house is open by guided tour only, offering an intimate glimpse into Edwardian life, while its extensive grounds and award-winning Japanese garden are free to explore year-round. With sweeping views, woodland paths, and a peaceful café, it’s a perfect escape from the city bustle.
A brief summary to Lauriston Castle
- 2 Cramond Rd S, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD, GB
- +441313362060
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 8 am-7:30 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-7:30 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-7:30 pm
- Thursday 8 am-7:30 pm
- Friday 8 am-7:30 pm
- Saturday 8 am-7:30 pm
- Sunday 8 am-7:30 pm
Local tips
- Book castle tours in advance; they run at set times and can fill up, especially at weekends and during holidays.
- Visit the Kyoto Friendship Garden in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for vibrant maple colours.
- Arrive early to enjoy the gardens before the main tour crowds arrive, and allow time for a coffee at Mimi’s Bakehouse.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
From Edinburgh city centre, take a local bus towards Davidson’s Mains or Silverknowes; the journey takes about 20–25 minutes. From the bus stop, Lauriston Castle is a 10–15 minute walk along Cramond Road South, with clear signage and a well-maintained path.
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Car
Drive from the city centre along Corstorphine Road and Queensferry Road, then follow signs to Davidson’s Mains and Cramond Road South. There is a free on-site car park at Lauriston Castle, but it can fill up on sunny weekends and during events.
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Taxi / Ride‑share
A taxi or ride‑share from central Edinburgh takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. The drop‑off point is at the main entrance on Cramond Road South, with easy access to the car park and grounds.
Lauriston Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Lauriston Castle
A Tower House by the Forth
Lauriston Castle began as a 16th-century tower house built for the Napier family, later extended in the 19th century in Jacobean style. Over the centuries it passed through the hands of notable figures, including economist John Law, before being acquired in 1902 by William and Margaret Reid. The Reids modernised the house with electricity and plumbing and filled it with fine furniture, ceramics and personal belongings. On their death, they bequeathed Lauriston to the city on the condition that it be preserved unchanged, making it a rare, authentic window into Edwardian middle-class life in Scotland.Life in an Edwardian Home
The castle itself is only accessible on guided tours, which run at set times and must be booked in advance. Inside, the rooms are arranged much as they were in the early 1900s, with period furnishings, family portraits, and everyday objects that bring the past to life. Visitors often notice the newspaper in the sitting room reporting the sinking of the Titanic, a poignant detail that anchors the house in its historical moment. The knowledgeable guides share stories of the Reids and earlier residents, explaining how the house functioned and what life was like for its inhabitants.Tranquil Gardens and Woodland Walks
Beyond the house, Lauriston’s grounds stretch down to the shore of the Firth of Forth, offering woodland paths, lawns and flowerbeds. The gardens are free to enter and open daily, making them a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. A rose corner and herbaceous borders provide colour in summer, while mature trees create a peaceful, leafy atmosphere. Paths wind through the woods and along the shoreline, with benches placed to enjoy the wide views across the water towards Fife.The Kyoto Friendship Garden
One of the highlights of the grounds is the Kyoto Friendship Garden, created to celebrate Edinburgh’s twinning with Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Designed in traditional Japanese style, it features carefully placed rocks, a koi pond, a wooden bridge and a tea house. Cherry trees bloom in spring, and Japanese maples turn fiery red in autumn, making the garden especially beautiful in these seasons. It’s considered one of the finest Japanese gardens in Britain and is a serene place for quiet contemplation.A Peaceful Escape from the City
Lauriston Castle and its gardens offer a calm, green retreat just a short distance from Edinburgh’s city centre. Whether you’re exploring the Edwardian interiors, strolling through the woodland, or sitting by the Japanese garden with a coffee from Mimi’s Bakehouse, the atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. The combination of history, architecture and nature makes it a rewarding destination for families, couples and solo visitors who want to step away from the urban rush and enjoy a slower pace.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Cramond Falls
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Cramond Causeway
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The Cramond Whale
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Essential places to dine
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BABA
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Contini George Street
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Chaophraya Thai Restaurant
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The Table
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Treasure Trove
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Poundland
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Romantic
- Cultural
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Protected Area
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Wheelchair Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
