Edzell Castle and Garden
Angus, Scotland
Photo: Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Jonathan Oldenbuck, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Laurencekirk, 8.4 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Renaissance walled garden of 1604
Pinpoint
Edzell, Brechin DD9 7UE
Telephone 01356 648631
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Monday : Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : Closed Thursday : Closed Friday : 10am to 4pm Saturday : 10am to 4pm Sunday : 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: 15 minutes before closing
- Closed
- 1 October to 31 March
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
The ruined stronghold of the Lindsay family, notable less for the castle itself, reduced now to wall stumps and room outlines, than for the Renaissance walled garden laid out in 1604, with carved heraldic panels built into the walls. Historic Environment Scotland stages occasional living-history events on the grounds.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The 1604 walled garden - reviewers rate the carved stonework and planting among the best of any Historic Environment Scotland site.
Before you go
Check ahead for reenactment or event days if you want the fuller experience - visitors who timed a trip to a Sir Arthur Erskine's Regiment display called it the highlight - and the wide grounds give children plenty of room to run if the garden itself doesn't hold their attention.
What visitors say
Edzell Castle and Garden reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 225 Google reviews
Visitors consistently highlight Edzell's walled garden as a real standout, often calling it one of the best they've seen, alongside the atmospheric castle ruins tied to the Lindsay clan.
One accessibility note recurs: surfaces in and around the main castle are uneven and unsuitable for wheelchairs, though the garden and grounds are otherwise easy to explore with parking and a small gift shop on site.
“Fine old castle that was home to the Lindsay clan. Just the remnants are left but you can still see some room structures. The gardens are wonderful.”- Terry Kimmel, visitor review
History
David Lindsay · c. 1520
David Lindsay built the original tower house around 1520 as a country seat rather than a fortress. His son, Sir David Lindsay-a Renaissance scholar, judge and courtier-added the north range in the late 16th century and created the famous walled garden in 1604 with symbols celebrating the Union of the Crowns. Mary, Queen of Scots and King James VI both visited during the family's tenure.
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 for about 30 normal sized cars with small gift shop and toilets on site.” - Scott McCall
- Guided tours
- “Dale from this team offered guided tours and his knowledge was amazing.” - Scott McCall
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Grounds and walled garden easy to explore but some surfaces in and around the main castle are unsuitable for wheelchairs etc as is be uneven.” - Scott McCall
- Facilities
- “Next time we will take a picnic and stay longer.” - Scott McCall
Common questions about Edzell Castle and Garden
Where is Edzell Castle and Garden?
Edzell Castle and Garden is in Angus, Scotland, at Edzell, Brechin DD9 7UE.
Do you need a ticket to visit Edzell Castle and Garden?
Yes - Edzell Castle and Garden 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 Edzell Castle and Garden?
The 1604 walled garden - reviewers rate the carved stonework and planting among the best of any Historic Environment Scotland site.
Is Edzell Castle and Garden a ruin or still intact?
Edzell Castle and Garden is a ruin - Renaissance walled garden of 1604.
