Historic Environment Scotland Sites Near Edinburgh

There are 92 Historic Environment Scotland sites within 40 miles of Edinburgh, covering castles, abbeys & chapels and archaeological sites. The closest are Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Abbey And Palace Gardens and Holyrood Park.

An Explorer Pass gives free entry to over 70 staffed Historic Environment Scotland sites across Scotland.

Land & Legacy is an independent guide covering Historic Environment Scotland sites alongside the National Trust for Scotland, Historic Houses and other organisations. Browse everything on the full heritage map.

24 Castles
22 Abbeys & Chapels
11 Archaeological Sites
9 Historic Houses
1 Museum

Historic Environment Scotland sites in or within 5 miles of Edinburgh

8 Historic Environment Scotland sites in or right on the doorstep of Edinburgh — ideal for a short visit without the drive.

Edinburgh Castle
0.6 miles

Photo: Sarah Stierch, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Edinburgh Castle

Historic Environment Scotland castle

City of Edinburgh

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Holyrood Park
0.8 miles

Photo: David Monniaux, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Holyrood Park

Historic Environment Scotland archaeological site

City of Edinburgh

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Trinity House
1.6 miles

Photo: Dzidek232, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Trinity House

Historic Environment Scotland historic house

Edinburgh

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Craigmillar Castle
2.7 miles

Photo: Photograph by Stuart Yeates, from en:Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Craigmillar Castle

Historic Environment Scotland castle

City of Edinburgh

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Historic Environment Scotland sites within 10 miles of Edinburgh

8 sites within 10 miles of Edinburgh — an easy drive for a half-day out.

Eagle Rock
5.1 miles

Photo: John M. DeMarco, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eagle Rock

Historic Environment Scotland historic site
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Historic Environment Scotland sites within 20 miles of Edinburgh

18 sites within 20 miles of Edinburgh — a comfortable drive for a half or full day out.

Dogton Stone
14.3 miles

Photo: Ewen Rennie, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dogton Stone

Historic Environment Scotland historic site
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Cairnpapple Hill
16.9 miles

Photo: User:JeremyA, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Cairnpapple Hill

Historic Environment Scotland archaeological site

West Lothian

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Dirleton Castle
17.1 miles

Photo: Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dirleton Castle

Historic Environment Scotland historic building

East Lothian

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Kinneil House
17.6 miles

Photo: Dr John Wells, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kinneil House

Historic Environment Scotland historic house
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Culross Abbey
18.4 miles

Photo: Robert Cutts from Bristol, England, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Culross Abbey

Historic Environment Scotland abbey
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Lochleven Castle
18.8 miles

Photo: B4bees from Kinross, Scotland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lochleven Castle

Historic Environment Scotland castle
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Historic Environment Scotland sites within 40 miles of Edinburgh

58 sites within 40 miles of Edinburgh — worth the drive for a special occasion or a full day out.

Burleigh Castle
20.6 miles

Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Burleigh Castle

Historic Environment Scotland historic building

Perth and Kinross

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Tantallon Castle
22.0 miles

Photo: Malcolm Manners from Lakeland FL, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tantallon Castle

Historic Environment Scotland castle
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Balvaird Castle
23.9 miles

Photo: Brian D Osborne, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Balvaird Castle

Historic Environment Scotland castle

Perth and Kinross

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Frequently asked questions

Are Historic Environment Scotland sites near Edinburgh free to visit?

Some Historic Environment Scotland sites near Edinburgh are free to enter, but most major castles and abbeys charge admission for non-members. An Explorer Pass gives free entry to over 70 staffed HES sites across Scotland. Always check the individual site page for current opening times and admission details.

How many Historic Environment Scotland sites are within 40 miles of Edinburgh?

There are 92 Historic Environment Scotland sites within 40 miles of Edinburgh in the Land & Legacy database, covering castles, abbeys & chapels and archaeological sites. The closest is Edinburgh Castle, approximately 0.6 miles away.

Also near Edinburgh

Historic Environment Scotland near other cities

View all Historic Environment Scotland sites on the map