Blair Castle and Gardens
Blair Castle is a magnificent, bright white fortress that serves as the ancestral home of the Clan Murray. It is famously home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only remaining private army. It is located near Blair Atholl, Perthshire, and uses the postcode PH18 5TL.
What to Expect and Enjoy
The castle is visually stunning, looking like something out of a fairytale with its white walls and pepper-pot turrets. Inside, you can explore over 30 rooms filled with Scottish history, including an incredible collection of weapons in the entrance hall and lavish Victorian ballrooms. The grounds are equally impressive; you can visit the nine-acre Hercules Garden, which features a beautiful walled garden, a life-sized statue of Hercules, and a peaceful pond. Animal lovers should look out for the red squirrels in the woodland and the majestic Highland cattle that graze in the nearby fields.
Best For and Time Spent
This is a perfect destination for families, history enthusiasts, and walkers. The vast estate offers plenty of room for children to explore.
- Duration: Most visitors spend about three to four hours here to see both the castle interior and the extensive gardens.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
- Parking: There is a large, free car park on-site for visitors.
- Food & Drink: The Tullibardine Restaurant on-site serves hearty lunches and fantastic home baking, often using produce grown in the castle’s own gardens.
- Accessibility: While the ground floor is accessible, the historic nature of the castle means the upper floors are reached via stairs. However, the gardens are largely level and easy to navigate.
Nearby and Combine-able Hits
The castle is right next to the village of Blair Atholl, where you can visit the working Blair Atholl Watermill. It is also a very short drive to the House of Bruar, a famous shopping destination known as the “Harrods of the North,” which also features a lovely walk to the Falls of Bruar.