Best castles around Longstone, a district of Edinburgh, Scotland, offer a blend of historical sites and natural landmarks. This area provides access to significant cultural heritage within the Scottish capital. The surrounding landscape features diverse attractions, from ancient royal residences to ruined estates.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Longstone.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
An excellent base for visiting Scotland's mystical capital city.
1
0
A lively place, with good pubs...
0
0
Some lovely, quiet gravel trails around the edge of the estate.
0
0
"Great drinks, great food, great vibes. Fun on all 3 floors – not just the iconic Roof Terrace." - see https://coldtownhouse.co.uk
1
0
The official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland, this impressive palace is deeply rooted in the country's history and offers visitors a unique insight into royal life and Scottish history. Designed and built between 1671 and 1678 by Sir William Bruce, the palace exemplifies the splendor and architectural elegance of the 17th century. Holyrood Palace stands on the foundations of a monastery dating back to 1128 and has witnessed many historical events over the centuries. It is closely linked to the history of the Stuart dynasty and witnessed many pivotal moments in Scotland's past. When you enter the palace you are immediately transported to another time. Every room, hall and corridor tells its own story, from the magnificent state apartments used for official occasions to the private apartments of the royal family. The finely appointed rooms, rich in art and antiques, offer a fascinating insight into Scotland's royal history and heritage. One of the highlights of a visit is the palace's beautiful gardens, which offer an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city. The contrast between the ancient walls of the palace and the modern Scottish Parliament building nearby highlights the unique connection between past and present that characterizes Edinburgh. Holyrood Palace is not just a place for history lovers. During the annual Holyrood Week in the summer, when the Queen traditionally makes her official visit to Scotland, the palace becomes the center of national celebrations and events. Although the palace is not open to the public during the royal visit, any other time of year offers the opportunity to explore this magnificent building and its gardens.
1
0
Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the King in Scotland. Today King 🤴 and Queen 👸 were present for a week. Of course you can't visit there.
5
1
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. Founded as a monastery in 1128 at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse has a close association with the History of Scotland. Today, the Palace is a close focus for national celebrations and events in Scotland, most notably The Queen's ‘Holyrood Week’, which usually runs from the end of June to the beginning of July every year. (https://www.royal.uk/royal-residences-palace-holyroodhouse)
6
0
The most popular sites include Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano offering commanding views, and Holyrood Palace, the official British royal residence in Scotland. Visitors also appreciate the Bronze Horse Statue at Dalmeny House for its historical context and Gothic Architecture.
Yes, Holyrood Palace is categorized as family-friendly, offering an engaging historical experience. Additionally, the area around the Bronze Horse Statue at Dalmeny House is also considered family-friendly, providing a fascinating day out.
Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, is a prominent natural landmark offering extensive views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. It's part of Holyrood Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
The Longstone area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Meadows Running Loop' or 'Lochrin Basin loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking routes like 'Colinton Tunnel Murals – Glencorse Reservoir Overflow loop' and road cycling routes like 'Path Along the Union Canal – Slateford Aqueduct loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the respective guides for running, gravel biking, and road cycling around Longstone.
Yes, you can visit the Cammo House Ruins and Tower. This former estate, built in 1693, was largely destroyed by vandals in 1977 and is now maintained as a Wilderness Park by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Arthur's Seat provides commanding panoramic views across the entire Edinburgh region and the Firth of Forth. It's an excellent spot for scenic photography and appreciating the city's landscape.
Yes, Cold Town House is a popular spot. It's a restaurant and pub known for its pizza, prosecco, and craft beer, offering great views with Edinburgh Castle in the background. It's also considered family-friendly.
Redhall Castle, also known as Reidhall Castle, is situated on the border between Longstone and Craiglockhart, adjacent to the Water of Leith. It was owned by Adam Otterburn, a prominent Scottish lawyer, in the 16th century, highlighting its historical value within the local landscape of Edinburgh.
Visitors particularly enjoy the commanding views from Arthur's Seat, the historical depth of Holyrood Palace, and the unique blend of history and nature found at places like Cammo House Ruins. The area's rich heritage and scenic beauty are frequently praised.
While specific public transport details for each site are not provided, Longstone is a suburb of Edinburgh, which has an extensive public transport network. It is generally well-connected, making it feasible to reach many of these attractions via local buses or other services.
The best time to visit often depends on personal preference. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring outdoor sites like Arthur's Seat. However, indoor attractions like Holyrood Palace are accessible year-round, offering a rich experience even during cooler months.
While not a traditional 'hidden gem' in terms of being obscure, the Cammo House Ruins and Tower offers a unique experience as a 'Wilderness Park' with historical ruins, providing a different kind of exploration compared to more prominent attractions.


Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Longstone: