Niddry Castle

Niddry Castle is a striking mid-to-late 14th-century L-plan tower house, later extended upwards in the 16th century by the Seton family. Once a fortified residence, it offers a rare glimpse into medieval Scottish life and is famously linked to Mary, Queen of Scots, who is said to have taken refuge here during her dramatic escape in 1568.

In 1676, the castle was sold to John Hope, whose family lived there for around 30 years until Hopetoun House was built. Niddry Castle was then abandoned and became ruinous, before being partially restored in the mid-1980s.

Today, the castle’s impressive stone structure, winding staircases and atmospheric rooms help bring its long history to life. Open on selected days and for guided visits, Niddry Castle offers an intimate and authentic heritage experience, perfect for visitors looking to discover one of Scotland’s lesser-known historic treasures.