Midhope Castle (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Midhope Castle?
What makes it 45% Kids-Friendly: Kids may like running in the courtyard and posing as adventurers, but there are no toilets, play zones, or tours, and uneven stones and safety fences mean close supervision and quick departure.
This place may be temporarily closed. Please check official sources before visiting.
Positives:
- Free Parking: Small car park by the drive is free and a 3-minute walk from the gate.
- Under-5s Enter Free: One child under five enters at no cost, reducing ticket expenses.
- Open Space to Explore: Wide courtyard and adjacent fields give kids room to run safely under supervision.
Challenges:
- No On-site Facilities: No toilets or cafés; bring snacks and plan toilet stops before arrival.
- Rough Terrain: Uneven track and cobbles can be slippery when wet; wear sturdy shoes.
- Limited Shelter: No indoor areas; carry rain gear or warm layers against the elements.
What is Midhope Castle?
- A 15th-century L-plan tower house on a working farm near Edinburgh, owned by the Hopetoun Estate
- Features a well-preserved stone exterior with bartizan turrets, a multi-storey east wing and a nearby dovecot ruin
- Served as the exterior set for Lallybroch in the Outlander television series
What is so special about Midhope Castle for with kids?
- Filming location of Outlander’s Lallybroch that excites young fans
- Free parking, quick photo stop, and under-5s free admission
- Short courtyard visit with ticket fits kids’ attention spans
- Gentle burn-side walk offers mild adventure and nature play
- Option to extend with Hopetoun House for full family-friendly day
Note: Midhope Castle is 45% Kids-Friendly. You may want to consider other Kids-Friendly Things to Do in Edinburgh for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A quick visit lets families take photos, explore the courtyard, and enjoy a short nature stroll without overstaying kids’ interest.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Midhope Castle
Quick Photo Stop at the Gate:
Snap family photos with the castle façade from the main gate for free.
Tip: Let kids pretend they’re Outlander characters to make photos more fun.
Walk Around the Courtyard Exterior:
Buy tickets (£7 per person, under-5s free) to enter the courtyard and view the tower house up close.
Tip: Point out turret features and stonework to engage older kids in history.
Midhope Burn Nature Stroll:
Follow the stream south for a short countryside walk through fields and light woodland.
Tip: Bring water and snacks and supervise children closely near the water.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Midhope Castle
- Arrive Early: Visit at opening to avoid other visitors and get clear photo spots.
- Pre-download Audio Guide: Use the free GEOTOURIST app offline since mobile signal is weak.
- Pair with Hopetoun House: Add nearby Hopetoun House afterward for children’s trails, toilets, and refreshments.
Reviews of Midhope Castle
Jai Harvey-Yin
I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. As an Outlander fan, the interactive self paced tour was really great -‘totally enhanced the experience. The gentleman who greeted us was friendly and thorough and being given high speed WiFi was a bonus to make the experience fluid. Loved it!!!
David Burns
Got out to the site of Outlander’s Lallybrach. This was on a “castle route” from Edinburgh to Inverness. We decided to meander rather than take the quickest route. The walk around the grounds was interesting especially when you matched scenes seen in the show. Walked down by the stream that was the site of several scenes. Plan to rewatch and see if we can pick out the sites we stood on. Parking w...
T W
It's £7 each for entry. You can't go in the "castle" and there is literally nothing else to see. It's a cash grab by the owner. It wouldn't be so bad if the money was being reinvested back into the property but with it's plastic windows and poorly kept garden it's clearly not the case. Save your cash and take a photo from behind the barrier at the car park.
Champagnelifedreams
It was a dream come true to visit LALLYBROCH (Midhope Castle) as my sister & I absolutely love Outlander. Everyone we met was lovely. The weather was glorious making it a favourite magical memory of my 1st Scottish holiday. I cried when I 1st saw it!! Outlander fans will really appreciate a vist to Jamie Frasers ancestral home 10/10
David Reid
Jamie Fraser was Laird and master here from Outlander fame. The castle is being refurbished now. Not much to really see here unless your a True fan. Just remember Hollywood and reality ofter don't look as imagined. A beautiful spot,nice forest paths leading to various locations from the series.
When is the best time to visit Midhope Castle (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In spring the fields may be muddy—wear waterproof boots. Summer offers green pastures and clear skies. Autumn can be wet and windy; carry rain jackets. In winter pack warm layers and headlamp for shorter daylight.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult entry (2 x £7) | GBP 14 |
| Child entry (1 x £7, under-5 free) | GBP 7 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 21 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Midhope Castle
Address: Midhope Castle, Abercorn, South Queensferry EH30 9SL, UK
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