What to do and see in Perth and Kinross, Scotland: The Best Castles

Our 16th-century 'Z-plan' castle is a unique building with an exciting history: occupied by Cromwell's forces in the 1650s, captured by the Jacobites in 1715, and visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie for two nights during 1746 on his way to Culloden, before it was seized by Hanoverian forces. The Castle was the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years. Situated in a strategic location, it was involved in much of the turbulent history of the Highlands. Castle Menzies is a spectacular sixteenth century Scottish castle, restored during the twentieth century by the Menzies Clan Society. Architecturally fascinating, it is a splendid Renaissance example of the transition in Scottish castles from earlier rugged Highland fortresses to later mansion houses. Many of the Castle's rooms remain intentionally unfurnished to allow a better understanding of the structure and fabric of the building, which our visitors greatly appreciate. This is not a plushly furnished family home. Rescued as a ruin in 1957 by the then recently re-formed Menzies Clan Society, the Castle has been lovingly restored from dereliction by generations of Society members and was placed into a charitable trust in 1993. It is open to all as a visitor attraction, museum, Clan centre for the Menzies Clan and venue for weddings, concerts and other hire. All proceeds are exclusively used for the continued restoration and maintenance of the Castle, its Walled Garden and the Old Kirk of Weem.

Discover Blair Castle and go on a journey into the fascinating past of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story here leads you from Mary Queen of Scot's visit to the Civil War, and from the Jacobite cause to Queen Victoria's famous stay which led to the creation of Europe's only surviving private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Over 700 years of Scottish history are on display across 30 rooms. Highlights of the castle tour include the Baronial Entrance Hall, featuring weapons used at the Battle of Culloden; the classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase; the grandeur of the State Dining Room and Drawing Room; and the magnificent Ballroom, bedecked in hundreds of antlers. The Castle sits at the hub of a breathtaking historic landscape and the gardens and grounds feature a 9 acre walled garden, a peaceful wooded grove, a ruined kirk, a red deer park and a whimsical Gothic folly.

The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a 5 star multi- award winning visitor attraction located in the Perth. The Black Watch Museum is housed within the historic Balhousie Castle, the origins of which are said to date back to the 12th century. A visit to the ancestral Home of The Black Watch brings this colourful Highland Regiment’s history to life, through artefacts, personal stories and interactive displays. Relax and unwind in the welcome ambience of the Castle Cafe. The seasonal menu offers an appealing selection of meals, snacks, soups, desserts and afternoon tea created with quality ingredients of local provenance. Browse the popular Castle Gift Shop to find a range of quality gifts, regimental memorabilia and branded products with an emphasis on providing an enjoyable shopping experience within a Scottish Castle. The venue is a unique and compelling location which can also host weddings, offer private dining, exclusive use of the Castle, group and bespoke tours.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. The island fastness of Lochleven is associated with many colourful events and has been visited by countless distinguished personalities during its history. The castle will be forever associated in the memory with another Stewart sovereign, Mary Queen of Scots. She first visited in 1561 as a guest of the owner, Sir William Douglas. But her last stay, in 1567-8, was as his prisoner. It was at Lochleven that she was compelled to abdicate her throne in favour of her infant son, James VI. The castle walls held her for less than a year. In May 1568 she escaped across the loch and before that month was out she was in exile in England. She never saw her native land again. Accessed by small passenger boat. Sailings run on a shuttle basis to and from the island on demand.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Find out more about our reopening plans. A tale of two families - Huntingtower Castle was a lordly residence for 300 years, from the 15th to the 18th century. It is associated with two noble families: the Ruthvens (later earls of Gowrie) and, following their downfall in 1600, the Murrays (earls of Tullibardine and later dukes of Atholl). Prior to 1600, Huntingtower was known as the Place of Ruthven.Huntingtower has hosted some famous visitors, and been associated with some dramatic events. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1565, during her honeymoon with Lord Darnley. In 1582, Mary’s son, James VI, was held here against his will by the 1st Earl of Gowrie, in a famous episode known as the ‘Ruthven Raid’.

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Elcho Castle is a handsome and complete 16th century fortified mansion with three projecting towers on the banks of the River Tay. This is a castle to explore. Parade up the grand staircase or scurry up the service stair, venture into the well-appointed kitchen and admire the views over the countryside from the high battlements. The remarkably complete house of the 1500s was the country retreat of the wealthy Wemyss family. Its orchard has been replanted with traditional varieties of apple, pear and plum and has become a haven for butterflies and wildlife. The castle still has in place original wrought iron grilles to protect the windows. The interior is complete and roofed, with remains of decorated plasterwork.