Huntly Castle
Huntly Castle is a dramatic, ornate ruin of a grand baronial fortress famous for its spectacular stone carvings and deep underground dungeons. It is located in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, using the postcode AB54 4SH.
What to Expect and Enjoy
Set in a peaceful clearing by the river, this ruined castle is a fantastic place to explore because so much of its grand architectural skeleton is still standing proud.
- The Ornate Frontage: Marvel at the breathtaking, massive stone carvings above the main doorway, which are widely considered some of the finest heraldic sculptures in the whole of the UK.
- The Great Hall: Walk through the grand rooms to see the massive fireplaces engraved with historic inscriptions from the powerful Earls of Huntly.
- The Dungeons: Brave a walk down into the dark, vaulted stone basements to see where prisoners were kept deep beneath the castle floors.
Best For and Time Spent
This is a great, highly rewarding stop for families, history lovers, and photographers. A thorough exploration of the castle and its riverside grounds usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Height and Age Guidance
The castle is open to all ages. Due to its historic ruined nature, there are stone steps and uneven lawns, so pushchairs are best left in the car while exploring the interior towers.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
- Parking: There is a convenient free car park located right outside the main visitor center gatehouse.
- Food & Drink: The small visitor center sells hot drinks and light snacks, and features a wonderful grass picnic lawn. The traditional market town of Huntly is just a brief stroll away for hearty pub lunches and bakeries.
- Savings: Entry tickets are very reasonably priced, and they offer discounted family passes that keep the day out highly affordable.
Nearby and Combine-able Hits
The castle sits right next to the River Deveron paths, placing it directly alongside the all-weather cross-country tracks at Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre. It is also an easy drive down the road to the action-packed tracks at Lochter Activity Centre and the aquatic exhibits at Macduff Marine Aquarium.