Braemar Castle

A visit to Braemar Castle offers an immersive journey through living history.

While visitors are welcome to explore the castle at their own pace, guided tours provide the fullest experience and are highly recommended. Led by knowledgeable volunteer guides, these tours bring the castle’s dramatic past to life. Since 1628, Braemar Castle has endured Jacobite uprisings and clan rivalries, transformed into a high society retreat for royalty, and now stands proudly revived as Scotland’s first community-run castle. Visitors can expect engaging storytelling, lesser-known anecdotes, and the opportunity to ask questions as they move through the castle’s atmospheric rooms.

Those who choose a self-guided tour will find interactive exhibitions, authentic interiors and interesting displays throughout the castle, offering insight into Clan Farquharson and the many generations who shaped its story. Fans of film and television may also recognise the castle from its appearance in Outlander.

Families will enjoy discovering hidden details and hearing dramatic stories from the castle’s past, while history enthusiasts can delve into its architectural development and its important role in Deeside and within the Braemar community.

Outside, visitors can walk the grounds and explore the Timeline Trail that leads to the castle entrance, tracing key dates and events in its history. There is also the 1930s kitchen garden which is planted with heritage varieties of fruit and vegetables and along the winding paths you can visit the Fog House, a 19th century folly which offers wonderful views towards Invercauld Estate.

The gift shop offers a selection of locally inspired gifts, books and souvenirs.

Whether joining a guided tour or exploring at leisure, visitors will find a warm welcome and memorable experience shaped by the volunteers who proudly care for the castle and share its story.