From Royal feuds to bloody Jacobite battles, Castles in the Cairngorms’ rich, chequered past are reflected in many of the sites you can visit today…
With castles and historic sites dotted all over the National Park, it is a treasure trove for the seasoned history buff, as much as for the visitor with a passing interest. Whether you want to delve into your imagination observing an ancient ruin, or witness a working castle and Royal residency in action, the Cairngorms has it all.
With a unique range of historic interiors, contemporary spaces and spectacular gardens to choose from, your private function or wedding
Castle & Gardens – open until 30 September 2019.
Blair Castle is nestled in the dramatic landscape of Highland Perthshire and has been home to 19 generations of Stewarts
Accredited local Scottish Tourist Guides Association driver/guide based in Grantown-on-Spey, the capital of Strathspey in the heart of the Cairngorms
17th Century Castle with an interesting history. Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar as his Highland hunting lodge. Burned in
Enjoy a night under the stars in the Cairngorms National Park, with a unique Wild Stargazing experience at Howe of
An isolated tower house in the Cairgorms that was a residence of the high-status Forbes family. After Culloden in 1746,
Spot the bulwark against the Jacobites on a prominent mound visible for miles around. Ruthven Barracks were built by George
The grounds, gardens and exhibitions at Balmoral Castle will open to the public from Saturday 23rd March until Sunday 11th
Only two walls remain of this former stronghold of Alexander Stewart, better known as the 'Wolf of Badenoch' (1342-1406).
Queen Victoria was a huge fan of this area as a holiday destination, first apparently falling in love with the Balmoral Estate in 1848. The current Royal family shares this love and visitors can see why, too, by touring the castle and gardens themselves. Nearby Fife Arms Hotel is also full of Royal historical artefacts, such as drawings penned by Queen Victoria herself, as is Braemar Castle (right).
The clan way of life was dismantled after the unsuccessful Jacobite uprising and, consequently, military barracks and roads were built to ensure order; landmarks you can still see today such as the stunning Ruthven Barracks. Similarly, castles like Corgarff were then commandeered as military garrisons. For an indepth insight into Clan culture, Newtonmore’s Clan Macpherson Museum is a must-see.
A forbidding exterior conceals 12 authentic rooms charmingly furnished as though the chief of Clan has just stepped out. Dig deeper and discover a turbulent past which echoes the story of Scotland over the past 400 years.
It completely depends on what kind of castle you want to see, as the Park has a wide range of different types. For instance, there are castles that are still used today – such as Balmoral Castle, which is the much loved modern day holiday retreat of the Royals – but there are also ruins – such as Ruthven Barracks and Loch an Eilein Castle. There are castles, too, that hark back to Scotland’s bloody past during the Jacobite era, as well as many others associated with Royal feuds.
No. There are castles and historic sites dotted all over the National Park.
No. No. Often castles are shut over the winter period, so it is advisable to double check opening hours directly with the venue. However, there are some non-ticketed historic sites – such as the ruins at Ruthven Barracks and Loch an Eilein – which are open all year round.
For some castles, particularly in light of Covid restrictions, booking is advisable. For others, entry is free and available all year round. Some also put on occasional special events which require booking. It is best to check directly with each venue before you visit.
Some castles, such as Balmoral, have an on-site café (currently closed, however, due to Covid-19 restrictions). Blair Castle has its ‘Tullibardine Restaurant’ which is currently operating a takeaway service including sandwiches and cakes. Others, however, such as Corgarff and Braemar, do not have any hospitality on site.
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