'The pearl of the north' has been the family home of the Macpherson-Grants since 1546
Banffshire, AB37 9AX
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Picnic area
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Shop
Ballindalloch Castle is first and foremost a much-loved family home and one of the very few privately owned castles to be lived in continuously by its original family.
Built originally in 1546, the Castle has been home to the Macpherson-Grants ever since, and Guy Macpherson-Grant, his wife, Victoria, and their three young children, are the 23rd and 24th generations of the family to live here.
This warm and welcoming castle is filled with family memorabilia and photographs, as well as antique furniture, fine china and a magnificent collection of 17th-century Spanish paintings.
Visitors to the Castle will also find beautiful rock and rose gardens, and river walks, and the extensive grounds support a variety of native wildlife, including a healthy red squirrel population.
The estate is home also to the world-famous Aberdeen Angus cattle herd, which can be seen grazing peacefully beside the Castle during the summer months.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens is currently closed for the 2025 season. It will reopen to visitors on 31st March 2026.
Opening Times
The Castle and Gardens are open to visitors from Easter through to the end of September. Specific opening hours are not provided, but the season duration is clearly stated.
Admission Prices
- Castle & Grounds:
- Adult: £17.00
- Child (5-16): £9.00
- Child (under 5): Free
- Senior Citizens (65+): £15.00
- Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £40.00
- Grounds Only:
- Adult: £10.00
- Child (5-16): £6.00
- Child (under 5): Free
- Senior Citizens (65+): £10.00
- Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £25.50
Season Tickets
- Individual Season Ticket (Grounds Only, children free): £40.00
- Non-Transferable Family Season Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): £80.00
Historic Houses Members
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens is a member of Historic Houses. Members with a valid membership card can enjoy free entry to the Castle and Gardens.
Booking Information
No pre-booking is required; tickets can be purchased at the gate upon arrival. However, advance booking is available if preferred.
Visitor Information
Visitors can explore nearly 500 years of Highland history, formal gardens, woodlands, riverside walks, a children’s playground, picnic area, courtyard café, and gift shop. The facilities also include award-winning restrooms.
For group bookings, inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Historic Houses members visit for free.
Castle & grounds
Adult – £16.50
Child (6 – 16) £8.50
Child (under 6) Free
Senior Citizens (65 years +) £14.50
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £34.00
Grounds only
Adult: £9.50
Child (6-16 years incl): £5.50
Child (under 6): FREE Senior Citizen: £9.50
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £21
Please enquire:
Group Visits (20 + pax) £12 p.p.
Grounds Only Group Visit (20 + pax) £9.00
Getting here
Banffshire, AB37 9AX
The main visitor entrance is at ///jiggle.displays.mural.
The castle lies on the A95, 14 miles NE of Grantown-on-Spey and 21 miles south of Elgin.
The Speyside Way long-distance walking and cycling route passes close by the castle (although please note that the section from Ballindalloch to Grantown-on-Spey is not suitable for cyclists).
One of the most interesting characters to have lived in the Castle was General James Grant (1720-1806) who served in the British Army during the American War of Independence, and was Governor of East Florida from 1763 to 1771.
In addition to having a distinguished military career, General Grant was also something of a gourmet, and was reputed to have dined in his tent off the finest silverware as bullets flew outside in the height of battle.
On returning to Ballindalloch, General Grant brought with him his favourite French chef, for whom an entire new wing was added to the Castle to provide optimum living and working conditions.
Visitors to the Castle can see portraits of the General, painted at different stages of his career by Richard Waitt.
Although none of the current family have been aware of a ghost in the Castle, there are reputedly several! Probably the best-known of these is the 'Pink Lady' who is reputed to haunt the Pink Tower Bedroom. Seek her out if you're brave enough!
Houses nearby
Dunninald Castle
Montrose, Angus, DD10 9TD
Kemnay House
Kemnay, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5LH
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