Tantallon Castle Reviews Summary

Category: Castle

Address: North Berwick, EH39 5PN, United Kingdom

Phone: +441620892727

Rating: 4.7
based on 209 reviews.

Castle Preservation and Accessibility

Pros:

  • "The castle itself is very well preserved with some additional works going on so restricted in places but doesn't take away from the visit."
  • "Good access for all, although wheel chairs at ground level only."
  • "There's disabled access to the lower areas."
  • "The castle itself is rich in history and although renovations are ongoing most of the remaining castle is open."
  • "The castle is still in really good shape and is just a small distance from the parking lot."
  • "The grounds of the castle are well kept and there is toilets right outside the shop area."
  • "Although the castle itself is closed, the gift shop is open and you can still walk up to the magnificent curtain walls and the front area of the castle."

Cons:

  • "Sadly, there were conservation works at the time so we couldn’t go inside."
  • "It's not well-preserved in some areas and the climb up is very steep. No help if you're handicapped."
  • "The Castle itself is currently closed for restoration with no opening date in sight."
  • "Unfortunately the castle was closed off due to maintenance but you could walk around the grounds."
  • "The castle itself is closed currently, because its old and crumbling."
  • "Only the castle grounds are open now till their masonry inspection is done and sorted, but still worth a visit."
  • "Due to repairs(seems result of drone crash may be?), could not visit inside the castle."

Visitor Experience and Staff

Pros:

  • "The people that work there, and in the gift shop are very welcoming and knowledgeable."
  • "Staff on-site to answer any questions and provide instructions."
  • "The staff here are excellent... They are friendly and professional, knowledgeable and very helpful."
  • "The friendly and knowledgeable staff were more than willing to answer questions and share intriguing anecdotes, making the visit all the more enjoyable."
  • "The staff in the shop were really friendly and helpful, explaining more about the membership and its benefits."
  • "Staff were helpful and friendly."
  • "The guy in the reception was really kind and welcoming."

Cons:

  • "It would greatly benefit from a resident tour guide. the guy at the castle shop was helpful and informative, but once in the castle there was no one else to answer questions."
  • "The history of the castle itself is well presented, but maybe a bit pedestrian for children."
  • "The stairs are steep so if you have kids then it might be a bit of challenge to come down."
  • "It was mighty windy, which affected how long we stayed with our toddler."
  • "Stairs aren't the easiest to use and it can get quite busy trying to explore within the castle."
  • "It was good but it felt strange. You just pay to goop in and then you are left to your own devices so I'm not sure if this is good for kids- especially as it is on the edge of a cliff."
  • "Some of fencing could have not been there to take photos!!"

Views and Surroundings

Pros:

  • "Views even from ground level are amazing on a nice day, looking out over the sea to the Bass Rock."
  • "Unbeatable views out to sea and over the cliffs, watching gannets flying and diving."
  • "Gorgeous view on the top floor of the castle is worth to explore."
  • "The views from the castle were stunning, and it was not too busy, meaning we could take things at our own pace."
  • "Extraordinary. Few people when we were there and a beautiful view of the ocean and the Bass Rock."
  • "The site of the castle has impressive views out to sea, the Bass Rock and the surrounding countryside."
  • "Beautiful open spaces to walk around with excellent views of Bass rock and cliff beaches."

Cons:

  • "It would be best on a day with low winds. When I visited it was so windy that i didn’t feel safe going all the way up."
  • "There is a bit of a longer walk to the castle than at some other areas so keep that in mind, but it's not bad."
  • "It's way away from the commercial part of town and if you don't have your own vehicle, one has to rely on bus service which has a frequency of over an hour and half on weekends."
  • "Only thing I'd say is try to go there when it's not so windy, it's quite open over there so things might not go your way it you end up in the sea!"
  • "The route over the grass from the entrance to the castle was pretty muddy and slippery, so watch your step."
  • "Anyone who is afraid of heights may want to pass up the trek to the top levels of the castle as the experience may inside a panic attack."
  • "Ruins of this castle are not so attractive from the side of the road."

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