Castles · Central Scotland
Roslin Castle
In or near Auchendinny.
Roslin Castle — castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland, UK.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 1.5 h–3 h
- Nearest railway station
- Eskbank · 5.8 km
- Free entry
- Family-friendly
- Limited wheelchair access
Getting there & planning your visit
To visit Roslin Castle, the nearest railway station is Eskbank, located 5.8 km away. The postcode for sat-nav is EH25 9PX. Please note that wheelchair accessibility is limited.
About
Roslin Castle is a castle in the United Kingdom — fortified architecture from the medieval, Tudor, or Victorian-revival period. Records date its origin to 1305. Constructed primarily of stone. Heritage designation: scheduled monument. Owned by E/e. Wikidata describes it as: "castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland, UK". Coordinates: 55.8526°, -3.1600°.
Photo gallery
Heritage listing
Roslin Castle (sometimes spelt Rosslyn) is a partially ruined castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland. It is located around 9 mi (14 km) south of Edinburgh, on the north bank of the North Esk, only a few hundred metres from the famous Rosslyn Chapel. There has been a castle on the site since the early 14th century, when the Sinclair family, Earls of Caithness and Barons of Roslin, fortified the site, although the present ruins are of slightly later date. Following destruction during the War of the Rough Wooing of 1544, the castle was rebuilt. This structure, built into the cliffs of Roslin Glen, has remained at least partially habitable ever since. The castle is accessed via a high bridge, which replaced an earlier drawbridge.
From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.
Official information
Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446, is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and historical significance. Visitors can explore the chapel's ornate interior, learn about its symbolism, and enjoy guided talks during their visit.
From the Wikipedia article
Roslin Castle (sometimes spelt Rosslyn) is a partially ruined castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland. It is located around 9 mi (14 km) south of Edinburgh, on the north bank of the North Esk, only a few hundred metres from the famous Rosslyn Chapel. There has been a castle on the site since the early 14th century, when the Sinclair family, Earls of Caithness and Barons of Roslin, fortified the site, although the present ruins are of slightly later date. Following destruction during the War of the Rough Wooing of 1544, the castle was rebuilt. This structure, built into the cliffs of Roslin Glen, has remained at least partially habitable ever since. The castle is accessed via a high bridge, which replaced an earlier drawbridge. Roslin was renovated in the 1980s and now serves as holiday accommodation.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
Background
History
The first castle was built in either the late 14th or in early 15th century, perhaps begun by Henry Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, Baron of Roslin (c. 1345 1400). The Sinclair, or St Clare, family were of French origin, and have held Roslin since 1280. The castle was built on a rocky promontory near the site of the Battle of Roslin, where the Scots defeated the English in 1303. Henry's son Henry, 2nd Earl of Orkney (c. 1375–1422) built a new rectangular, round-cornered keep at the south-west corner. The courtyard was entered via a drawbridge over an artificial ditch, giving access to a pend in the small north range. The castle contained a scriptorium during the 15th century, and five St Clair…
Architecture
The castle stands precipitously above a loop of the River North Esk, which protects it on three sides. This rocky promontory was breached on the north side to form a ditch giving further protection. The castle is approached from Roslin across this ditch, via a precipitous bridge and through the ruined gatehouse.
Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Coordinates
- 55.8526, -3.1600
- District
- Midlothian
- Postcode
- EH25 9PX
- Parliamentary constituency
- Midlothian
- Established
- 1305
- Nearest railway station
- Eskbank — 5.8 km
- Opening
- Monday to Saturday 9am–5pm; Sunday 12pm–5pm; closed 24–26 Dec
- Official site
- www.rosslynchapel.com
Sources
- wikidata: Q1761393 (CC0)
- wikipedia: Roslin Castle (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: RoslinCastle1.JPG (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Other places nearby
Rosslyn Castle
Castles · 0.0 km
Rosslyn Chapel, burial ground, buried remains of nave and remains of St Matthew's Church, Roslin
Historic churches · 0.3 km
Rosslyn Chapel
Chapels · 0.3 km
Rosslyn Chapel Visitor Centre
Natural landmarks · 0.3 km
Slatebarns Caravan Park
Caravan parks · 0.5 km
Roslin
Vineyards · 0.6 km
Wallace's Cave
Caves · 0.7 km
Wallace's Cave
Mountains & hills · 0.7 km
Battle of Roslyn Memorial
Memorials & monuments · 1.2 km
Rosewell Mining and Associated Industries Memorial
Memorials & monuments · 1.4 km
Rosewell Parish Church, Carnethie Street, Rosewell
Historic churches · 1.4 km
Rosewell War Memorial Hall
Memorials & monuments · 1.4 km
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Roslin Castle?
- Roslin Castle is in central Scotland, United Kingdom (postcode EH25 9PX).
- What is Roslin Castle?
- Roslin Castle — castle near the village of Roslin in Midlothian, Scotland, UK.
- How do I get to Roslin Castle?
- The nearest railway station is Eskbank, about 5.8 km away. Drivers can use postcode EH25 9PX.
- When was Roslin Castle built?
- Built or established in 1305.
- Who owns Roslin Castle?
- Roslin Castle is owned by E/e.
- Is Roslin Castle a listed building?
- Roslin Castle is officially recognised as scheduled monument listed.
- Does Roslin Castle charge admission?
- Roslin Castle typically charges admission. Check the official site for current ticket prices and opening hours.
- How do I get to Roslin Castle?
- The nearest railway station is Eskbank, about 5.8 km away. Drivers can navigate to postcode EH25 9PX.