Braemar Castle

Castle · Aberdeenshire ·

Braemar Castle

Castle · Aberdeenshire ·

Historic castle offering tours of furnished rooms and rich history

Information

Braemar, Ballater AB35 5XR, United Kingdom Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

The Best Places to Visit in Scotland | Condé Nast Traveler

"Set within the Braemar area, Braemar Castle provides a historical anchor for visitors exploring the Cairngorms and the surrounding Caledonian pine estate." - Mike MacEacheran

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-places-to-visit-in-scotland

Braemar Castle

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

In-Depth Review of the Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland - AFAR

"A nearby historic castle a short drive from the village that served as a garrison during the Jacobite Rising of 1715 and helps anchor the area’s long history tied to Deeside and the royal Balmoral estate." - Laura Dannen Redman

https://www.afar.com/magazine/in-depth-review-of-the-fife-arms-in-braemar-scotland

Braemar Castle

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"Braemar Castle has been through a lot. Built as a Highland hunting lodge for the Earl of Mar in 1628, the classic tower house was repeatedly sacked throughout the years, torched by John Farquharson in 1689 and again by the English in 1715 and 1745. Still, here it stands, serving as quite the specimen with its L-shaped tower house and round, cantilevered turrets. For the past 200 years, it’s been the family home of the chief of Clan Farquharson, and today visitors can tour 12 furnished rooms, including the drawing room where Queen Victoria took tea. Be sure to peak into the pit, a bleak, windowless prison once used for sheep and cattle thieves, then check out the 18th-century graffiti left by English soldiers."

The Essential Guide to the Highlands

Photo courtesy of Braemar Media

Braemar Castle

Laurent G.

Google

It was a nice surprise. We did not plan to visit it but you cannot miss it from the road. The tour is about 30mn , but you can easily spent 1h. You will find a lot of history details about Scotland, and the clan living here. I loved the room about the clan with all the weapons and rocks.

Anthony H.

Google

We were actually on our way to visit the Linn of Dee when by chance, we saw this castle nestling in the trees. It was a gem and definitely worth visiting. We paid for parking before the short walk to the castle, passing the Fog House, a small timber building the owners used to show their visitors the countryside. Back to the castle, we paid for our visit and with a guide sheet, we had to follow the custom. Before every person or family start their tour, they have to ding the Braemar Castle "ships bell" just outside the main door. (The bell is from the SS Braemar Castle which was sold for scrap in 1924). With the bell rung, we began our tour. What was interesting was "how homely" the rooms felt, like visiting an elderly relatives home. Although the castle was small, good use of the round towers was made, as washing places. There were some interesting facts to note as we walked around. This Castle is community funded and volunteer run. They have a little shop offering a small selection of gifts. There is a small children play area with a chess set. This is a place that's worth visiting.

Matt H.

Google

Very nice well kept castle. Well worth the entrance fee to help with the upkeep. Very friendly and helpful team who welcome you in from the outside. You can walk around yourself or pay for a guide. We chose to just take our selves around. Lots of interesting rooms and history ! Well worth a visit !

Gwen G.

Google

We had a wonderful tour with Doreen through the castle. She told us so much that we probably would not have known or noticed on our own. We love that the castle is run by the local community.

J. P.

Google

I've been to many historical sites on my Scotland visits but the staff and volunteers here are amazing. The presentation given by the staff for people unable to make the tour were phenomenal! A special thanks to ol' Morris for keeping the castle safe and an even bigger thanks to the community that makes this site accessible for anyone. The rich history of the site is amazing and the knowledge of the staff and volunteers is an absolute treat for any visitors.

Gyorgy V.

Google

Beautiful castle, easy walk from the carpark, plenty information along the walk. Unfortunately didn't get inside the castle, but was. Great to see the set up, and the garden.

Bob M.

Google

Beautifully restored castle and fantastic visitor experience. Excellent self-guided tour with the aid of the Bloomberg Connects mobile app, which has floor plans, audio and video guides to each of the Castle's sympathetically restored rooms. It's worth downloading the app and multimedia content before you visit. I recommend bringing your own personal headphones to listen to the audio on your mobile device as I wasn't sure if they provided equipment. I thought the admission price was quite reasonable considering the entry and parking fees go towards the vital upkeep of the castle, which is under community care. The staff guides are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Mitch H.

Google

Stepping into Braemar Castle is like turning the pages of a captivating history book. We were taken on a journey that showed us how this impressive structure transformed from a no-nonsense redcoat garrison into a glamorous high-society escape. The stories of its Royal visitors and the many colorful characters who lived within its walls are brought to life by the knowledgeable guides. If you want to get a true feel for the history of the area and the people who shaped it, a visit to Braemar Castle is an absolute must. It's a truly memorable experience. There is a paid parking area outside the castle entrance.

Danielle C.

Yelp

We had a wonderful visit to Braemar Castle in Braemar Scotland. The staff at the castle were wonderful! Kind, informative and very professional. It was such a nice visit to such a beautiful place! Thank you for making our visit memorable :)

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

The Best Places to Visit in Scotland | Condé Nast Traveler

"Set within the Braemar area, Braemar Castle provides a historical anchor for visitors exploring the Cairngorms and the surrounding Caledonian pine estate." - Mike MacEacheran

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-places-to-visit-in-scotland

Braemar Castle

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

In-Depth Review of the Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland - AFAR

https://www.afar.com/magazine/in-depth-review-of-the-fife-arms-in-braemar-scotland

Braemar Castle

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

The Essential Guide to the Highlands

Photo courtesy of Braemar Media

Braemar Castle

Laurent G.

Google

Anthony H.

Google

Matt H.

Google

Gwen G.

Google

We had a wonderful tour with Doreen through the castle. She told us so much that we probably would not have known or noticed on our own. We love that the castle is run by the local community.

J. P.

Google

Gyorgy V.

Google

Beautiful castle, easy walk from the carpark, plenty information along the walk. Unfortunately didn't get inside the castle, but was. Great to see the set up, and the garden.

Bob M.

Google

Mitch H.

Google

Danielle C.

Yelp

Braemar Castle

Information

Postcards

Media

The Best Places to Visit in Scotland | Condé Nast Traveler

In-Depth Review of the Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland - AFAR

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The Best Places to Visit in Scotland | Condé Nast Traveler

In-Depth Review of the Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland - AFAR