Huntly Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Photo: Iain Lees, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Karora, Public domain · Pjt56 --- If you use the picture outside Wikipedia I would appreciate a short e-, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Huntly, 0.7 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Gordon palace-castle; currently no visitor toilets
Pinpoint
Castle St, Huntly AB54 4SH
Telephone 01466 793191
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 10am to 4.30pm |
| 1 October - 31 March | Monday : 10am to 3.30pm Tuesday : 10am to 3.30pm Wednesday : 10am to 3.30pm Thursday : Closed Friday : Closed Saturday : 10am to 3.30pm Sunday : 10am to 3.30pm |
Last entry: 1 hour before closing in summer, 45 minutes before closing in Winter
- Closed
- 25 December to 2 January. Closes at 2pm on 24 December.
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
The ruined seat of the Gordon family, once one of the grandest palace-castles in the north of Scotland, with heraldic stone carvings on the entrance front that reviewers rate among the best surviving anywhere. Historic Environment Scotland keeps it staffed, and there's enough left standing - cellars, a prison, a tower you can climb - to fill a proper hour of exploring.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The carved heraldic frontage above the main entrance, singled out by reviewers as some of the finest ornate stonework of any Scottish ruin.
Before you go
There's no road signage pointing you in, so set a sat nav destination rather than watching for signs - and as of recent visits the visitor toilets are out of service, so plan accordingly.
What visitors say
Huntly Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 1,013 Google reviews
Reviewers are impressed by the scale and detail of Huntly Castle's ruins, particularly the stone carvings and the ability to climb to the top of the tower, with the on-site information praised as informative and engaging.
One recent visitor flagged that the toilets had been out of service for some time, but otherwise the site comes recommended, including free parking even in the off-season.
“Impressed remains of what would once have been a magnificent building. I didn’t see any road signage directing me to the castle or car park but Google maps got me there ok.”- Mayflip, visitor review
History
Duncan II, Earl of Fife · c. 1180
Duncan II, Earl of Fife, built the original wooden castle around 1180 on the Strathbogie estate. In 1314, Robert the Bruce granted it to Sir Adam Gordon, establishing the connection to Clan Gordon that would define it for centuries. The 1st Marquis undertook major Renaissance renovations around 1602, giving the south front its striking French-inspired heraldic facade.
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
- “I didn’t see any road signage directing me to the castle or car park but Google maps got me there ok.” - Mayflip
- Facilities
- “One minor issue is that their toilets have been out of service since last August because they had a large log dropped in them.” - Aaron Lee
Common questions about Huntly Castle
Where is Huntly Castle?
Huntly Castle is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at Castle St, Huntly AB54 4SH.
Do you need a ticket to visit Huntly Castle?
Yes - Huntly 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 Huntly Castle?
The carved heraldic frontage above the main entrance, singled out by reviewers as some of the finest ornate stonework of any Scottish ruin.
Is Huntly Castle a ruin or still intact?
Huntly Castle is a ruin - Gordon palace-castle; currently no visitor toilets.
