Discover stunning Historic buildings and Castles in Morayshire. Select up to 3 (three) to be visited!*

Duration

8 hours

Group size

1- 6

About

There are 46 castles, towers, and fortified houses in the county of Morayshire. Some Castle featured on this itinerary suggestion are still habitual (Ballindalloch Castle and Brodie Castle, for example) while others are ruins (Balvenie Castle, Duffus Castle, to name a few)

Description

Duffus Castle (HS)

Duffus Castle was a fortress–residence for more than 500 years, from the 1100s to the 1700s and it was one of the strongest castles in Scotland. The stone castle we see today was built in the 1300s, replacing an earlier timber fortress. Abandoned in 1705, its ruins today are impressive and boast beautiful views from the top of the hill.

Brodie Castle (NT)

Brodie Castle, the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years. The castle houses a magnificent collection of furniture, ceramics, and artwork. An ancient Pictish monument known as Rodney's Stone can be seen on the castle grounds.

Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens (P) Summer Season only

Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens The castle grounds contain a 20th-century rock garden and a 17th-century dovecote. Known as the "Pearl of the North". The rivers Spey and Avon flow through the grounds, offering excellent fishing. The famous Aberdeen Angus cattle herd resides in the castle estate. Today, the castle is still occupied by the Macpherson-Grant family.

Balvenie Castle (HS)

Built in the 1200s, Balvenie Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. The curtain wall is an example of 13th-century military architecture in the country. Originally the seat of the Earl of Buchan, it later became the home of John Stewart, Earl of Atholl. The Stewarts changed the formidable medieval stronghold into a pleasing Renaissance residence in the 1500s.

Elgin Cathedral (HS)

Elgin Cathedral, also known as the ‘Lantern of the North is a majestic, historic ruin situated in Elgin. Also, it is one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, dating back to the 13th century. Elgin Cathedral has a rich history - it was badly fire-damaged in 1390 following an attack by Robert III's brother Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, who was also known as the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’. Well worth a visit and the climb of the tower is a must-do when in Elgin.

Auchindoun Castle (HS)

Auchindoun Castle may have been built by Thomas Cochrane, a favourite of King James III. The ruined castle stands alone in a spectacular setting amid a landscape mostly devoid of settlements. Its lonely, romantic location makes it more than worth the walk.

Spynie Palace (HS)

It is the largest surviving medieval house in Scotland, located a few miles outside Elgin and it was the residence of the bishops for Moray for 500 years. Its tower house, David's Tower, was one of the largest in Scotland.

Drumin Castle (P)

Drumin Castle stands in an ideal defensive location that may have been fortified as far back as the Iron Age. The castle was first built in the 1370s and rebuilt or updated in the 1470s or 80s. In 1490 the castle and its land were sold to Alexander Gordon, 3rd Earl of Huntly. It has been abandoned since the early 1700s.

HS- Historic Scotland NT - National Trust P - Private

What is included

• A bottle of mineral water
• Wi-Fi on board
• Mobile phone charger
• Private Transportation for your party only
• Driver-guide staff (ENG/PT)

What's not included

• This itinerary does not include accommodation anywhere along the itinerary
• Entrance to visitor attractions (castles, natural parks, special tours, distilleries experiences and entry fees, etc.) and suggested tours featured in the itinerary. However, advice on pre-bookings can be provided
• Meals and drinks at lunch stops and any other stop needed
• Travel Insurance, including cancellation insurance

*** IMPORTANT NOTES***

• The choice of Castles to be visited on a day is directed related to the time available to travel between sites, opening hours, and pre-booked slots (where applicable)*
• Many attractions in the region are seasonal (Spring/Summer) while others are only open for a few months during the year. It is highly recommended to check the attraction opening dates and times on its website before planning your ground transportation. Contact us for more details.
• Local attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor adventure activities, distilleries, retail shops, breweries, etc. have changed/adapted their visiting operation systems due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. It is recommended to contact us before booking your transportation to consider the dates, times, and routes selected for your experience.
• Be prepared to pre-book all your attractions/experiences in advance due to new capacity restrictions in place on many premises, including places for food and beverage.