It should not take long to get there from Edinburgh (approx 1.10h), if you take the right junction of the A92 onto the A915 and B942. It also helps to have a car as I can't imagine it's an easy destination to get to with local transport. The car park is of good size. This property belongs to NTS, so if you are not a member they might ask you to pay £2 for parking. It's quite relaxed there with controls. During Easter the younger generation enjoyed a well planned Easter Hunt followed by an adventurous play in the children's playground in the woods. Entry is about £10.50. Please ask for family concession. National Trust members go free. I started with the building first and absorbed it's 650 years of history. Originally it was a tower house and belonged to one of the 5 families that once owned it. Amongst the owners or keepers during the 1800's were the Erskines and Lorimers (famous painters and architects). When walking through the building you can either read about the history of each room or ask a guide to help you. I believe the guides are multi lingual. One of the ladies gave me access to Henry Lorimers tower room in which he painted his famous paintings. It's a very intriguing room. The Lorimers made this castle their home and you can still feel the homely touch around this place. The tearoom is not cheap and you don't get much for your money. Not much food choice either. There are two rooms with tables inside and an outside sitting area, which is lovely when the sun is out. As the sun was shining I also enjoyed a stroll around the walled garden, which by the way is beautiful, even without the summer's touch. Last but not least I made my way out using the woodlands walk. There are also toilets to be found in an outside roundhouse building, which serves it's purpose. It's a lovely family outing for young and youthful adventurers! read more

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The castle itself is a 3 start (especially if you get to go up to the artist studio way up at the top), but the gardens are absolutely heavenly and worthy of all 5. We went in early Sept and and it was like walking into a flower wonderland. In April, things are just beginning to bloom, but I would think anytime during the summer would be perfect. And you can visit the gardens any time you want--just pop a few quid into the honor box and enter the garden through the little door. Secret surprise the first time we went and discovered the castle was closed. Also fun places for kids to play and a nice cafe if the castle is open. Also a nice view of the sea from the front. read more