Corgarff Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Photo: Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Eric Kilby, CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท Mike McBey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Aviemore, 22.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Tower within star-shaped wall; seasonal opening
Pinpoint
8m, on the A939, W of, Strathdon AB36 8YP
Telephone 01975 651460
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 April | Monday : Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : Closed Thursday : Closed Friday : 10am to 4.30pm Saturday : 10am to 4.30pm Sunday : 10am to 4.30pm |
| 1 May - 30 September | Monday : Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : 10am to 4.30pm Thursday : 10am to 4.30pm Friday : 10am to 4.30pm Saturday : 10am to 4.30pm Sunday : 10am to 4.30pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- 1 October to 31 March
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Corgarff is a small tower house set inside a star-shaped defensive wall, preserved to reflect its later use as a government garrison in the years after the 1745 Jacobite rising. It's a modest site by design - reviewers say the scale is part of the appeal, not a shortcoming.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The star-shaped outer wall itself, an unusual defensive layout that sets it apart from the region's other tower houses.
Before you go
It's a genuine hill climb to reach from the car park at the bottom - around 15 minutes on a grass track - and it's seasonal, so check ahead before a winter visit, as the exterior walk is really all that's available out of season.
What visitors say
Corgarff Castle reviews · 4.2 / 5 across 190 Google reviews
Visitors like the unique star-shaped defensive wall and well-preserved tower house, and most find the short uphill walk from the car park manageable and worthwhile for the views and information boards.
A couple of reviewers note the castle could do with a freshen-up compared to older photos, there's no gift shop, and dogs aren't allowed inside.
“Very well preserved Tower house and star shaped defensive wall. It is preserved as a British garrison at the time just after the Jacobite uprising of the '45.”- John Irvine, visitor review
History
Elphinstone family · c.1530
The Elphinstone family built Corgarff as a tower house around 1530. Adam Gordon burned it in 1571, and Jacobite supporters burned it again in 1689 and 1716. The British government purchased it in 1748, rebuilt it as a military barracks, and added its distinctive star-shaped defensive wall.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking at the bottom and not too far to walk to the top, 15 minutes or so on a grass track” - Scott Walmsley
Common questions about Corgarff Castle
Where is Corgarff Castle?
Corgarff Castle is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at 8m, on the A939, W of, Strathdon AB36 8YP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Corgarff Castle?
Yes - Corgarff Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Corgarff Castle?
The star-shaped outer wall itself, an unusual defensive layout that sets it apart from the region's other tower houses.
Is Corgarff Castle a ruin or still intact?
Corgarff Castle is largely intact - Tower within star-shaped wall; seasonal opening.
