9 secret castles in Edinburgh you didn't know about

Located on the shore between Cramond and Queensferry, Barnbougle Castle is a tower house which dates back to the 13th century.

It has undergone many alterations over the years, and the current castle dates back to 1881. It isn’t open to the public, but you do get a fantastic view of the castle and grounds from the nearby beach.

The castle also featured as the home of Mr Lowther in 1969 film, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

Sometimes referred to as Edinburgh’s ‘other’ castle, Craigmillar is perhaps the best known of Edinburgh’s hidden castles.

Now a ruin, Craigmillar Castle was previously a grand building, surrounded by ornate gardens and pastureland – it was even home to Mary Queen of Scots for a short while in the 1560s.

Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle, including the great hall, the prison and lots of secret, private chambers.

Built around a 16th century L-plan tower house, Bavelaw Castle was also visited by Mary Queen of Scots, as well as James VI and other nobles.

By the late 19th century it had fallen into disrepair, but architect Sir Robert Lorimer restored and extended the castle in 1900.

Located between Balerno and Penicuik, Bavelaw Castle is currently a private residence, owned by the Douglas-Miller family, who are former owners of the Jenners department store.

Located near Cramond, Lauriston Castle was built around 1590 by Sir Archibald Napier of Merchiston.

Now owned by Edinburgh Museums & Galleries, you can go inside the castle and see it exactly as it was in 1926, when its last private owner, Mrs Reid, left it to the city.

The gardens (which mainly date back to the 1840s) are home to a new Japanese Friendship Garden, and the castle houses a notable collection of antiques.

Craigcrook Castle in Blackhall is a well-preserved 17th century castle which is currently used as a private residence.

In the 19th century, it was owned by Lord Francis Jeffrey who hosted literary gatherings at the castle with guests like Hans Christian Andersen, Charles Dickens and Lord Tennyson.

When it was last up for sale in 2014, this was Scotland’s most expensive property with a price tag of £6 million.

Located close to South Queensferry, 15th century Dundas Castle is now used for luxury events and weddings.

As well as being a private residence for many aristocrats over the years, Dundas Castle was once used as the headquarters for protecting the Forth Rail Bridge during the Second World War.

Due to its impressive facade, the castle has appeared in several films, including The Little Vampire, Summer Solstice and Book of Blood.

Merchiston Castle ( built in 1454) was the seat of Clan Napier, but it has not been used as a private residence since 1914.

The castle was the home of John Napier, 8th Laird of Merchiston (the inventor of logarithms) who was born there in 1550.

When plans for a new technical college were drawn up in the late 1950s, the castle was used as the centrepiece – and it’s still an integral part of Napier University’s Merchiston campus today.

Napier University is also home to a second castle – Craiglockhart Castle – over on their Craiglockhart campus.

There is some dispute over how old the castle is, with some sources saying it dates back to the 15th century whilst others believe it’s as old as the 12th century.

Although it was originally a four story tower house, the castle is now a ruin and only the first and part of the second storey remain standing.

Liberton Tower was originally owned by the Dalmahoy family in the 15th century.

Unlike many other castles from this period, it wasn’t expanded in later centuries, so it provides a good, well-preserved example of a late Medieval noble residence.

Since being restored in 1994, Liberton Tower has been used as a holiday let, so anyone can hire their own private castle in Edinburgh.