Everyone has heard of Edinburgh Castle, but did you know that there is another castle located in the city only 20 minutes away by bus? Hidden away in a calm oasis in northwest Edinburgh sits Lauriston Castle with it’s beautiful gardens and views over the Firth of Forth. You don’t even need a ticket to visit the grounds at Lauriston Castle, but in this wee guide I will share all my insider information such as opening times, Mimis Bakehouse recommendations and the best options for parking. As someone who loves visiting this hidden gem in every season, I would highly recommend an excursion here on your next Edinburgh trip!
Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh: Why This Hidden Gem Is Worth Visiting
As an Edinburgh-local who’s completely obsessed with historic buildings, I was so delighted when I first visited Lauriston Castle nearly a decade ago when I first moved to the city. Some castles across Scotland are nowadays mere ruins, and although they can be fascinating to see, there is something so special about seeing well preserved historic buildings like this one. In addition to being a beautiful stone castle, the grounds that surround it are well worth visiting just on their own. As we get to spring the cherry blossoms brighten up the Japanese Garden. In the summer there is a gorgeous rose garden to stroll through. And in autumn all the leaves start to change colour which makes the surroundings look incredibly scenic.
When the weather is getting warmer, the grounds at Lauriston Castle are the most idyllic place in Edinburgh to sit down by the daffodils, roses or cherry blossoms and just enjoy spending time outdoors.
♥ The castle is already recommended in my guide of the best things to do and see in Edinburgh – and if you need more inspiration for your trip then you can find it here.
Good to know before your visit
- Lauriston Castle Grounds opening times: April – October 08.00-19.30 (Monday – Sunday), November – March 08.00-17.00 (Monday – Sunday)
- Lauriston Castle guided tour opening times: Castle tours are available from £12 per person on select dates throughout the year. Check the website for availability
- Bathrooms: there are free public restrooms available on the grounds
- Parking: There are parking spaces available just inside the main gates at Lauriston Castle, or on street parking nearby.
- Best time to visit: Mid April until end of October during weekdays
- Mimis Bakehouse at Lauriston Castle opening hours: Monday to Friday 09.30-16.30 and Saturday & Sunday 09.00-17.00
Cherry blossoms at Lauriston Castle
The cherry blossoms at Lauriston Castle tend to bloom between the middle to the end of April. Similarly to the trees at Princes Street Gardens and The Meadows. I’ve written more about this in my guide to visiting Edinburgh in spring, as it’s one of the seasonal highlights of the year. The Japanese Garden at Lauriston Castle has a whole bunch of cherry blossom trees. It’s such a beautiful spot to park yourself on one of the benches and just enjoy the surroundings.
The last two weekends in April there is usually a Japanese Sakura Family Event at the castle. So if you wish to see the cherry blossoms when the grounds are a bit quieter then I would recommend coming on a weekday in the morning. These photos were taken on a Thursday morning just after the grounds opened and I only saw a couple other people. The grounds are very popular for dog-walkers so I even had the opportunity to say hi to some wonderful pups whilst capturing these photos.
Mimis Bakehouse at Lauriston Castle
Mimi’s Bakehouse is a local Edinburgh bakery with multiple cafés around town, as well as the one here at Lauriston Castle. I actually had their tray bakes from Mimi’s Bakehouse at my wedding instead of cake. So every time I visit the café at Lauriston Castle it makes me think of that. I always have to restrain myself from buying too many of their fantastic tray bakes. It’s definitely something they are known for and it’s so difficult to choose which one to choose each time. Mimi’s bakehouse is located right at the main building of Lauriston Castle. They have some seating both indoors and outdoors, but if the weather is good I would recommend sitting somewhere on the grounds and having a little picnic.
You don’t need to buy tickets to visit the grounds at Lauriston Castle. However tickets are required for the guided tours at Lauriston Castle.
There is an on-site parking area right by the main gates at Lauriston Castle.
The opening times for Lauriston Castle are between 08.00-19.30 every day throughout April until October. And 08.00-17.00 throughout November until March.
Lauriston Castle is a short 20 minute bus journey from the city centre of Edinburgh.
The best time to visit Lauriston Castle is between spring until autumn. As the castle grounds look particularly lovely in each of these seasons when the nature is its most colourful.
Need more inspiration for your Edinburgh trip?
- Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
- The best hotels in Edinburgh: 19 luxurious recommendations from a local
- Where to go for a whisky tasting in Edinburgh: Scotch whisky tours & distilleries
- The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
- The Best Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh, Scotland: Scones, Sandwiches & City Views
- The best places in Edinburgh for Breakfast & Brunch: from tiramisu french toast to grapefruit brûlée
Or for other destinations in Scotland?
- A whisky writers guide to Speyside in Scotland
- Isle of Raasay Guide – the hidden island gem next to the Isle of Skye
- Isle of Skye restaurants, cafés and oyster sheds
- Isle of Islay in Scotland: A guide to visiting the whisky island
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
