Crichton Castle Midlothian history, Pathhead building picture, Location, Ancient Scottish church image

Crichton Castle Scotland

Historic Scottish Castle, Pathhead, Midlothian, south east Scotland, UK.

post updated 15 December 2023

Crichton Castle

Please check with owners for details such as access & charge

Photos © Adrian Welch:

Crichton Castle Crichton Castle Midlothian Crichton Castle Midlothian building Crichton Castle Midlothian historic building

Crichton Castle

Location: Pathhead, Midlothian

Directions: 2.5m south-west of Pathhead off the A68

5-10 minute walk from car park

Photos © Adrian Welch:

Crichton Castle in Midlothian Pathhead historic building, Midlothian historic Pathhead building historic building Midlothian

16th century castle in hilly pasture, with Collegiate church to the East, romantically positioned on a knoll in north-facing valley slope.

Building photos © AW:

16th century Scottish fort Crichton Castle Crichton Castle Crichton Castle

Collegiate church:
Crichton Castle

Crichton Castle comprises four contiguous buildings arranged around an inner courtyard. The 14th century tower lies at the east of the castle, and has a vaulted basement with timber entresol, and a vaulted hall above, although the south-west corner of the tower has collapsed.

To the west of this tower was a barmkin. William Crichton extended the castle in the early 15th century, building a second tower to the south, forming a strong L-plan, with the gate between the two towers.

The castle’s most distinctive feature is its Italian-influenced courtyard façade, which forms part of the north range. Francis Stewart, the designer, had travelled to Italy, and was inspired by new styles and technology in buildings there, particularly the Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara (circa 1582). This was the source of the diamond rustication on the courtyard wall.

Crichton Castle: Opening Times – always please check with owners, the below info was added many years ago –
1st Apr to 30th Sep
Mon – Sun 9.30am to last entry 6pm (closes 6.30pm)
1st to 30th Oct
Mon – Sat 9.30am to last entry 4pm
Sun 2pm to last entry 4pm (closes 4:30pm)
1st Nov to 31st Mar
closed

Chapel just to West of Castle entry – no larger image:
Midlothian castle

Contact the operators for this historic Midlothian property – phone on +44 (0)1875 320017

Castles near to Crichton

Dalhousie Castle

Borthwick Castle

Castles in South East Scotland

Couston Castle

Craigmillar Castle

Crookston Castle

Scottish Castles in Edinburgh & Lothian

Historic Scottish Buildings

Scottish Historic Properties – Strathclyde architectural selection below:

Glasgow School of Art, 167 Renfrew Street
Glasgow School of Art

House for an Art Lover, Bellahouston Park, south west of the city centre
House for an Art Lover

Kelvingrove Gallery, West End
Kelvingrove Gallery

City Chambers, George Square
City Chambers

Custom House Building Renewal
Glasgow Custom House Development

Comments / photos for the Crichton Castle Architecturein Pathhead, Midlothian, southeast Scotland, UK, page welcome.