Leslie Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Photo: John Andrea, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Terry Eve from Aberdeen, Scotland, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Private owner (Leslie family)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- Insch, 2.5 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- 17th-century Z-plan tower house built for William Forbes of Monymusk, restored by the Leslie family from 1979.
Pinpoint
Leslie, Insch AB52 6NX
Telephone 07503 887554
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 8:00 – 11:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 – 11:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 – 11:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 – 11:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 – 11:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 – 11:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 – 11:00 AM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM |
A seventeenth-century Z-plan tower house built for William Forbes of Monymusk, restored from near-ruin by the Leslie family from 1979 and now run as a small guesthouse.
At a glance
Who to know
William Forbes of Monymusk · the man this 17th-century Z-plan tower house was built for
Worth the trip
The restoration itself - reviewers consistently describe staying inside a genuinely rebuilt tower house rather than a themed hotel.
Before you go
This is a working guesthouse rather than a staffed visitor attraction - reviewers recommend booking a stay or a guided tour by arrangement rather than turning up unannounced.
What visitors say
Leslie Castle reviews · 5 / 5 across 55 Google reviews
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive and remarkably consistent, praising hosts Nicola and John by name, John's cooking, and the warmth and character of the restored tower house.
Several describe it as the most memorable hotel stay they've had, and more than one mentions a personal or family connection to the Leslie name adding to the experience.
No negative themes recur across the reviews.
“I had the most wonderful stay. The Leslie Castle Guesthouse is absolutely beautiful. The food was fabulous. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Can't wait to come back.”- Laura Leslie, visitor review
History
William Forbes of Monymusk
A 17th-century tower house commissioned by William Forbes of Monymusk, Leslie Castle lay in ruin for centuries until the Leslie family undertook comprehensive restoration from 1979 onwards, returning it to working condition.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Common questions about Leslie Castle
Where is Leslie Castle?
Leslie Castle is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at Leslie, Insch AB52 6NX.
How do you visit Leslie Castle?
Leslie Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by Private owner (Leslie family). Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Leslie Castle?
Yes - Leslie Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Leslie Castle?
The restoration itself - reviewers consistently describe staying inside a genuinely rebuilt tower house rather than a themed hotel.
Is Leslie Castle a ruin or still intact?
Leslie Castle is largely intact - 17th-century Z-plan tower house built for William Forbes of Monymusk, restored by the Leslie family from 1979.
