Glamis Castle
The Scottish childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and a grand, ancient Scottish castle with magnificent interiors.
Forfar, Angus, DD8 1QJ
Facilities
-
Accessible loos
-
Accessible parking
-
Bike storage facilities
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Charged parking
-
Free parking
-
Parkland / open spaces
-
Pet friendly
-
Picnic area
-
Shop
Found in the very heart of Angus in Scotland, Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. Once the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors, from Mary, Queen of Scots to James V. Glamis Castle was the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her younger daughter, HRH Princess Margaret, was born here and was also frequent visitor during her childhood. Throughout our open season expert guides will lead visitors on their tours. Visit our gardens and grounds flourish in the Summer months, visit our Gift Shop for some inspirational gift ideas and be served scrumptious delights from the Victorian Kitchen Restaurant.
A private tour offers visitors looking for a more unique, personalised tour an unforgettable castle experience. These are available on request. If you would like to find out more please contact our team for further information (Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm).
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.
Opening Times 2026
Glamis Castle & Gardens opens for the 2026 season on 20th March and closes on 31st October. The castle and gardens are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry and guided tours beginning at 4:30pm.
If you wish to visit the Gardens & Grounds only, these are also open daily during the same season (20th March – 31st October) from 10am to 5pm.
Guided Castle Tours
Guided tours of the castle are available throughout the open season. Visitors may arrive anytime between 10am and 4:15pm, with the last tour of the day departing at 4:30pm. Each tour takes approximately 50 minutes.
Special Events & Exhibitions
The Behind the Seams at Glamis Exhibition runs from 20th March to 11th October 2026.
Birds of Prey Demonstrations are scheduled for 28th June 2026 and 19th July 2026.
Garden Highlights Throughout the Season
The gardens offer seasonal interest throughout the year:
- Snowdrops on the Nature Trail appear towards the end of February
- Daffodils bloom around the end of March
- Tulips and Blue Poppies in the Italian Garden flower in late spring or early summer
- Perennial Borders are at their best in August and September
- Dahlias in the Italian Garden display in late summer towards autumn
- Autumn Crocuses in the Pinetum appear in autumn
Annual Membership
Friends of Glamis Annual Membership passes are available for 2026 and are valid for the entirety of the open season (20th March – 31st October).
Free Entry upon presenting cards on arrival. Pre-booking not required. Includes Castle Guided Tour and Access to our gardens & grounds all day until regular closing time. See website for details.
Castle Tour, Garden and Grounds
Adult – £18.50
Concession (60yrs/students) – £16.00
Children (5yrs to 16yrs) – £11.00
Family Tickets (2 adults & 3 Children) – £60.00
Garden & Grounds
Adults – £8.50
Children – £6.00
Glamis Castle welcomes groups. Our season runs from April to October but groups may also be booked by prior arrangement during November, December and March.
Group Rate for 20 people or more per booking.
Castle Tour, Garden and Grounds
Adult Rate @ £14.00 per person
Children’s Rate (5yrs to 16yrs) @ £9.50
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £71 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.