The Crichton
A historic Scottish site featuring dramatic castle ruins and picturesque grounds, perfect for walks and reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for walks and photography
The Crichton
Best Time
Ideal for walks and photography
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Scottish site featuring dramatic castle ruins and picturesque grounds, perfect for walks and reflection.
"Beautiful quiet and picturesque place. Great place wether dry or raining and so much history around it."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks
A lovely place for a dog walk, especially near the Veterans Garden.
🚶♂️ Explore the History
Discover the remnants of Crichton Castle, a historic stronghold with a fascinating past.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crichton Castle Ruins
Midlothian, Scotland
Explore the dramatic ruins of a medieval stronghold with a unique Italianate addition.
Veterans Garden
Adjacent to The Crichton
A peaceful and poignant garden, perfect for quiet reflection and a pleasant stroll.
Parkrun Santa Dash
The Crichton grounds
Join a festive community run event, a great way to experience the grounds with local spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating The Crichton
Historical Context & Modern Use
+2 Today, it serves various purposes, from hosting events like Parkrun Santa Dash Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks
A lovely place for a dog walk, especially near the Veterans Garden.
🚶♂️ Explore the History
Discover the remnants of Crichton Castle, a historic stronghold with a fascinating past.
☕ Amenities Check
If planning to work, note that dedicated hot-desk facilities and good coffee might be limited.
📍 Finding Your Way
The Crichton can be a bit tricky to find, so plan your route in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Walks
A lovely place for a dog walk, especially near the Veterans Garden.
🚶♂️ Explore the History
Discover the remnants of Crichton Castle, a historic stronghold with a fascinating past.
☕ Amenities Check
If planning to work, note that dedicated hot-desk facilities and good coffee might be limited.
📍 Finding Your Way
The Crichton can be a bit tricky to find, so plan your route in advance.
📸 Picturesque Views
Enjoy the quiet and picturesque surroundings, beautiful in any weather.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Crichton for its beautiful, picturesque grounds and historical significance, particularly the castle ruins. It's a cherished spot for walks, dog owners, and community events, with many finding it a breathtaking and peaceful place. However, some have noted a lack of clear signage and amenities, making it less ideal for spontaneous work or visits without prior planning.
"I was told there were tables with monitors, there wasn't. No-one there to show me around I didn't know where things were or whether just to sit down anywhere, I had to ask other guests. I nearly sat in a regular's spot. No decent coffee facility and I could find a tea spoon. Not the best space for an ad-hoc hot desk. It was hard to find too. The location was lovely though, if I had time I would have liked to walk around."
Warren Kinley
"Lovely place to go for a walk with your dog. Just next door to the veterans garden, which is definitely worth a visit"
Evaline Henderson
"Returning after 12 years to the place we wed.
Nothing has changed, it was as breathtaking as it ever was."
Querida Gardiner (Mollyandme)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Crichton is located in Midlothian, Scotland. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's recommended to use a GPS or mapping service as it can be hard to find. Driving is likely the most straightforward method. Check local transport links for buses serving the surrounding areas.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but for events like Parkrun, parking is usually available on-site or nearby. For general visits, inquire locally or check for signage upon arrival.
Yes, Crichton Castle is a prominent feature and a ruin to explore. It's a key historical site within the broader Crichton area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, visiting the grounds and the Veterans Garden is free. Access to specific historical sites like Crichton Castle may have different regulations or opening times, so it's best to check locally.
The grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours for walks. For specific historical structures like Crichton Castle, it's advisable to check for official opening times, especially outside peak season.
The Veterans Garden is usually free to enter and is a peaceful spot for reflection, located next to The Crichton.
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, explore the historic Crichton Castle ruins, and participate in community events like Parkrun.
It's also a place where people return for significant life events like weddings.
Yes, it's a popular and lovely spot for dog walking. Ensure your dog is on a lead where appropriate, especially near historical sites or gardens.
While some visitors have used it for ad-hoc hot-desking, be aware that dedicated facilities, reliable Wi-Fi, and good coffee might not be readily available, and it can be hard to find a suitable spot.
The open grounds and historical elements can be engaging for families. The Veterans Garden offers a quiet space for reflection. However, supervision is key around the castle ruins.
📸 camera_with_flash Photography
The Crichton Castle ruins offer dramatic and atmospheric shots. The Veterans Garden also presents opportunities for serene photography.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and landowner permission. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone, especially near historical structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Veterans Garden provides a calmer, reflective space for a family break.While not a dedicated children's attraction, the natural setting is great for a picnic or a run-around. Community events like Parkrun can add a fun, active element to a family visit, offering a chance to experience local life.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
It's a place where you can easily spend a few hours soaking in the scenery and imagining the past. The low crowd levels during off-peak times make it perfect for an undisturbed experience. Just be mindful of the potentially tricky navigation to find the location.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to keep your dog under control, especially near historical sites or if other visitors are present. It's a great way to combine your love for history and nature with your pet's need for exercise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Crichton Castle
The castle was initially built by George Crichton in the 1440s to serve the nearby royal palace of Linlithgow.+1 Construction likely began during a feud between the Crichtons and the Black Douglases, following the destruction of Crichton's tower in 1444.The castle later passed to the Bothwells, a period marked by significant historical events, including associations with Mary, Queen of Scots. A unique Italianate addition was made during its later history, adding another layer to its architectural narrative.
Exploring these ruins offers a tangible connection to Scotland's turbulent past and the powerful families that shaped it.While the castle itself is a focal point, the broader area known as 'The Crichton' has also been a site of historical significance, with mentions of a 'Crichton Leprechaun' legend stemming from a viral video in 2006.
+2 This highlights how the name 'Crichton' is associated with various narratives, from medieval power struggles to modern folklore.Visiting The Crichton Today
Community events frequently take place here, such as the Parkrun Santa Dash, which draws a good turnout and showcases the local engagement with the area.
However, for those looking to utilize the space for other purposes, such as remote working, experiences can be mixed. Some visitors have found a lack of clear signage, difficulty in finding amenities like decent coffee, and an absence of staff to guide them, making it less ideal for ad-hoc hot-desking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit