Spynie Palace
Moray, Scotland
Photo: Billreid at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Bill Reid, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Billreid (talk), 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
- Elgin, 2.4 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Bishops' castle; David's Tower, Scotland's largest tower house
Pinpoint
Elgin IV30 5QG
Telephone 0131 668 8600
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 10am to 4.30pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- 1 October to 31 March
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
The residence of the Bishops of Moray for several centuries, its centrepiece David's Tower standing as the largest tower house in Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland runs it as a staffed site with information boards tracing the palace from an early timber structure through its later stone rebuilding, and a combined ticket is available with Elgin Cathedral nearby.
At a glance
Worth the trip
David's Tower itself - the largest tower house anywhere in Scotland, and worth the entry fee for its scale alone.
Before you go
A combined ticket with Elgin Cathedral is available and worth asking about if you're visiting both; the car park closes around 5pm, so don't leave your visit until late afternoon.
What visitors say
Spynie Palace reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 253 Google reviews
Visitors consistently rate Spynie Palace highly, pointing to the views from the tower and helpful, informative staff as highlights, alongside decent free parking and information boards around the site.
Entry runs roughly £7.50-8.50, and a couple of reviewers mention you can save a few pounds with a combined ticket for the nearby cathedral.
One practical note: the car park tends to close around 5pm, so an evening visit may mean parking further down the road.
“Absolutely stunning castle. My favourite in the area. Alot to see so plan we'll and leave plenty of time to explore and enjoy”- kevin hatton, visitor review
History
Bishops of Moray · late 12th century
The fortified episcopal residence of the Bishops of Moray, originating in a timber structure during the late 12th century and transitioning to stone in the 13th century. David's Tower, the tallest medieval tower in Scotland, was constructed between 1462 and 1482, making the palace a seat of ecclesiastical power for roughly 500 years.
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
- “There is car parking but often this closes around 5pm so we had to park a little down the road in a passing spot.” - Matthew Fraser
Common questions about Spynie Palace
Where is Spynie Palace?
Spynie Palace is in Moray, Scotland, at Elgin IV30 5QG.
Do you need a ticket to visit Spynie Palace?
Yes - Spynie Palace 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 Spynie Palace?
David's Tower itself - the largest tower house anywhere in Scotland, and worth the entry fee for its scale alone.
Is Spynie Palace a ruin or still intact?
Spynie Palace is a ruin - Bishops' castle; David's Tower, Scotland's largest tower house.
