House of the Binns (National Trust for Scotland) — Attraction in Scotland

On my way to Stirling Castle, I made an impromptu visit to the House of the Binns, and I’m so glad I did. The name alone intrigued me, and the drive to the estate was just as unique. The narrow road across flat hills, with sheep wandering freely, created an atmosphere of rural charm that set the tone for the experience ahead.

I arrived at the perfect time, just in time for a guided tour of the house, which was incredibly insightful. The House of the Binns has been the family home of the Dalyell family for over 400 years, and the tour brought the history of the house and its inhabitants to life. The guide shared fascinating stories about the family members, their roles in Scottish history, and the estate’s connections to figures such as General Sir Tam Dalyell, known for his Royalist stance during the Civil War.

What intrigued me most were the secret passages within the house, which added a layer of mystery and excitement to the visit. It was fascinating to learn how these passages were used and how they played a part in the lives of the house’s former residents.

The house itself is a beautiful example of Scottish baronial architecture, with each room offering a glimpse into the past, filled with original furniture, artwork, and personal artefacts from the Dalyell family. It feels as though the house is a living monument to the family’s legacy, a place where history continues to resonate.

If you’re in the area, The House of the Binns is a hidden gem worth exploring, offering a unique combination of history, architecture, and a real sense of the Scottish...

We had a truly delightful visit to the House of the Binns. It is one of the most welcoming National Trust for Scotland (NTS) properties we have ever had the pleasure of visiting. We were warmly welcomed and offered tea and coffee, which allowed us to relax and appreciate the magnificent reception hall area.

The two ladies from the NTS were exceptional and made everyone feel genuinely welcome. They engaged in friendly conversations, sharing their knowledge about the house, the Dalyell family, and even their experiences at other NTS properties.

The house itself is simply breathtaking, filled with fascinating items such as Russian swords and the legendary haunted boots, along with numerous family portraits. Every nook and cranny holds something of interest, making it a captivating place to explore.

Our guide brought the house to life with captivating stories about the various members of the Dalyell family and their backgrounds. The tour was both highly informative and thoroughly entertaining.

Although we did not have sufficient time to explore the grounds further or visit the tower, we intend to return for another visit in the future to fully experience all that the estate has to offer.

We wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the House of the Binns to anyone seeking a memorable and...

Amazing!!! Where to start... the staff... phoned on the day of visiting as didn't realise I needed to book for the house tour in advance and they accommodated the 3 of us straight away. When we arrived at the home the house appears more of a castle from the outside, when you enter you are greeted by super friendly staff who are a wealth of knowledge plus tea/coffee and local made shortbread for free whilst you sit and wait for others to arrive and the tour to start... the tour takes you room by room around the home and the wealth of information available through the staff member guiding was amazing and so fascinating.. leaving the house walking around the grounds is beautiful! There are picnic benches scattered around and perfect for a picnic. You can walk up to the Tower which has stunning views. You walk through woodland areas which are a steep incline but if you can manage it slowly then definitely...