If you could only visit one, which one would you choose? I will be doing this in about two weeks so will the weather have an effect on the choice?

Tantallon for grandeur. Not in the rain

Definitely Tantallon - so atmospheric and wonderful!

This time of year (assuming it isn't scary stormy so one can't climb the towers) - Tantallon. In Spring/summer, Dirleton has the extra of its really beautiful gardens.

But for your trip this winter - Tantallon. It is quite a walk from the road and the it is right ON the cliff top. So if it's really nasty you might decide to skip it. But if the weather is bearable, definitely go.

They are so close--do both. Dirleton is just a few miles from Tantallon and totally different castle. It is more of a Norman keep, very friendly and has the loveliest garden in the area. Tantallon is seaside magnificent and recently re-fortified--and full of school kids in warm weather.
The beach below Tantallon is lovely to walk(or ride) on and there is a hidden harbor deep in the rock cleft where the local laird keeps his dinghy.
These two are probably my very favorite castles in Scotland--shame to miss one for the other. Dirleton is small and an hour there is enough to get a walk around (don't forget the dovecot). There is a pub and an inn across the street.
Tantallon has ledges to climb and nooks and crannies to explore and Bass Rock to gaze at.

cheers,
meg

Up the Ben and Down the Boozer
A Boomer's Guide to Exploring Great Britain (and some other parts of the planet)

opus: You usually give good/useful advice. But it would REALLY be best if you stopped w/ all the references to your website over and over on every post. . . . . . . .

Weather will decide between Tantallon and the local pub. I don't do cliffs any more. Gardens, only if my wife is with me and I must. ( I will be solo).

thanks for the advice.

Author: janisj
Date: 01/18/2009, 05:38 pm

opus: You usually give good/useful advice. But it would REALLY be best if you stopped w/ all the references to your website over and over on every post. . . . .



ouch!

opus

I would also say it depends on the weather on the day. Tantallon is much wilder and more exciting, but would be bleak if there's strong wind and/or rain. Dirleton is more 'domestic' and is more about the gardens, which will be at their least attractive then - but is in a village with pub lunches available.

Another vote for Tantallon. Although as others have said, the weather could be a factor. And they are close enough that you really could do both.