Menstrie Castle
Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Photo: Rosser1954, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Stephencdickson, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust for Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- Alloa, 3.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- NTS Nova Scotia exhibition rooms only; rest private flats; by appointment
Pinpoint
7 Castle Rd, Menstrie FK11 7AF
Telephone 01259 679009
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
A 17th-century tower house best known for its small National Trust for Scotland exhibition on the founding of Nova Scotia, the Menstrie family were central to the colonial scheme, with visits by appointment only. Most of the building is now private flats, and several reviews here actually describe staying in one of those rather than the exhibition itself.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The Nova Scotia exhibition - a specific, unusual piece of history housed in a building most visitors would otherwise walk past.
Before you go
Book ahead for the NTS exhibition rooms specifically, since access is by appointment rather than drop-in - and if a review you've read describes a stay in a named flat or turret suite, note that's a private holiday let within the building, not the exhibition visit itself.
What visitors say
Menstrie Castle reviews · 4.3 / 5 across 70 Google reviews
The reviews for Menstrie Castle mostly describe overnight stays in its apartments, and are consistently glowing about the accommodation - spotless, spacious rooms, warm welcomes from the hosts, and a guided tour of the small museum housed within the castle.
The one review focused purely on the building itself describes it as a well-preserved, characterful historic structure in a quiet village setting worth a stop if passing.
No complaints are mentioned across the reviews.
“Wonderful place to stay! Staff very helpful and informative!”- Duane Estep, visitor review
Within reach of Glasgow (25 miles), Edinburgh (29 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
Alexander family · c.1560
Menstrie was built around 1560 by the Alexander family, a sept of Clan MacAlister. Sir William Alexander, born here around 1577, became a royal advisor and Earl of Stirling, and was instrumental in the Nova Scotia colonisation scheme. The castle was burned by the Royalist Marquess of Montrose in 1645 during the English Civil War.
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.
- Guided tours
- “We also had the pleasure of a guided tour from Tracey and Douglas of the museum which is located within the castle building.” - Mhairi Fearn
Common questions about Menstrie Castle
Where is Menstrie Castle?
Menstrie Castle is in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, at 7 Castle Rd, Menstrie FK11 7AF.
How do you visit Menstrie Castle?
Menstrie Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by National Trust for Scotland. Because the dates are restricted, check with the operator and book ahead before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Menstrie Castle?
The Nova Scotia exhibition - a specific, unusual piece of history housed in a building most visitors would otherwise walk past.
Is Menstrie Castle a ruin or still intact?
Menstrie Castle is largely intact - NTS Nova Scotia exhibition rooms only; rest private flats; by appointment.
