Huntingtower Castle
Perth and Kinross, Scotland
Photo: PaulT (Gunther Tschuch), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: HARTLEPOOLMARINA2014, CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท HARTLEPOOLMARINA2014, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Perth, 2.2 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Twin towers with rare painted ceilings
Pinpoint
Huntingtower, Perth PH1 3JL
Telephone 01738 627231
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Monday : 10am to 4.30pm 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 |
| 1 October - 31 March | Monday : 10am to 3pm Tuesday : 10am to 3pm Wednesday : 10am to 3pm Thursday : Closed Friday : Closed Saturday : 10am to 3pm Sunday : 10am to 3pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing (1 hour on 24 December)
- Closed
- 25 December - 2 January
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
Two 15th-century towers joined by a later range, run by Historic Environment Scotland and unusual for the painted ceilings that survive intact inside. It's compact rather than imposing, but reviewers consistently rate it above what its size suggests.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The painted ceiling - visitors are handed a blanket so they can lie down and view it properly.
Before you go
The car park is very narrow, so only bring a small car; climb to the roof if you're comfortable with heights for views and the 'lovers' leap' story on the information boards.
What visitors say
Huntingtower Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 700 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently enjoy Huntingtower Castle, praising the friendly, helpful staff and unique features like the twin-tower design, painted ceiling (viewed with a provided blanket/mirror trick), and roof access with good views.
It's generally described as well preserved and reasonably priced.
One practical caveat comes up: the car park is very narrow, so larger vehicles may find it tricky to navigate.
“Helpful staff and a cool castle! Not terribly big, but if you go on a nice day you can do the wall walk! Parking lot is INCREDIBLY narrow so only bring small cars unless you're a very skilled driver”- sparklyclarke, visitor review
Within reach of Edinburgh (34 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
Lords of Badenoch · 14th century
Originally a 14th-century gatehouse, with a second tower added around 1500 and later linked by a range. Known as Ruthven Castle until 1600 when the Ruthven family was forfeited; the castle then passed to the Murray family and contains rare painted ceilings from around 1540.
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 lot is INCREDIBLY narrow so only bring small cars unless you're a very skilled driver” - sparklyclarke
- Facilities
- “Car park, toilets and pet friendly in the grounds but no pets allowed in the castle itself.” - M Gallichan
Common questions about Huntingtower Castle
Where is Huntingtower Castle?
Huntingtower Castle is in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, at Huntingtower, Perth PH1 3JL.
Do you need a ticket to visit Huntingtower Castle?
Yes - Huntingtower 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 Huntingtower Castle?
The painted ceiling - visitors are handed a blanket so they can lie down and view it properly.
Is Huntingtower Castle a ruin or still intact?
Huntingtower Castle is largely intact - Twin towers with rare painted ceilings.
