Top 5 Castles around Kirriemuir Landward East

The region offers a diverse range of castles, from ruined 16th-century tower houses like Invermark Castle Ruins and Edzell Castle and Gardens, to private residences such as Inverquharity Castle and Airlie Castle, and the magnificent visitor attraction of Glamis Castle. You'll find a mix of historical periods and architectural styles.

Yes, Edzell Castle and Gardens is categorized as family-friendly. Its unique Renaissance walled garden, the 'Pleasance', and the ruins offer an engaging experience for all ages. Glamis Castle also offers guided tours and extensive grounds that are popular with families.

Edzell Castle and Gardens is particularly renowned for its unique and well-preserved Renaissance walled garden, the 'Pleasance', which features intricate carved panels. Glamis Castle also boasts extensive grounds, including a walled garden and arboretum.

Invermark Castle Ruins is a striking 16th-century tower house ruin located in picturesque Glen Esk. While the interior is not accessible to the public, its dramatic setting amidst mountainous scenery makes it a rewarding visit for those interested in scenic walks and historical landscapes. You can view the exterior from the track to Mount Keen.

Balintore Castle is a private residence and is not generally open to the public. It is a Victorian-era castle in the Scottish Baronial style that is currently undergoing restoration. Its distinctive architecture makes it a visually impressive landmark from the exterior.

Many castles are situated in scenic areas perfect for outdoor activities. For instance, Invermark Castle Ruins is ideal for scenic walks. You can find various hiking and mountain biking routes in the wider Kirriemuir Landward East area. Explore options like the Loch Brandy Circuit or the Glen Clova and Ben Tirran loop for hiking, or the Airlie Monument loop for mountain biking. More details on these routes can be found in the Hiking around Kirriemuir Landward East and MTB Trails around Kirriemuir Landward East guides.

While Glamis Castle is a major attraction, castles like Inverquharity Castle and Airlie Castle are private residences, offering a glimpse of historical architecture without the crowds, though public access is limited to exteriors or special events. Invermark Castle Ruins, due to its remote Glen Esk location, also offers a more secluded experience.

The summer months (June to August) generally offer the best weather for exploring castle grounds and ruins, with longer daylight hours. Edzell Castle and Gardens, for example, is open during these months. However, the dramatic landscapes surrounding castles like Invermark Castle Ruins can be beautiful in spring and autumn as well, with fewer visitors.

Information on specific wheelchair accessibility for all castles is not readily available. Major visitor attractions like Glamis Castle typically offer some level of accessibility, but it's always recommended to check their official websites directly for the most up-to-date information on accessible routes and facilities before your visit.

For visitor attractions like Edzell Castle and Gardens and Glamis Castle, dedicated visitor parking is usually available on-site. For more remote ruins like Invermark Castle Ruins, parking might be available at nearby trailheads or designated lay-bys. Always check specific castle websites or local visitor information for precise parking details.

Glamis Castle is a significant attraction with extensive interiors and grounds. A comprehensive visit, including a guided tour of the castle and time to explore the gardens and estate, could easily take 3-4 hours or more.

Major visitor attractions like Glamis Castle often have on-site cafes or refreshment facilities. For other castles, especially those in more rural settings like Invermark Castle Ruins, you would need to travel to nearby villages or towns such as Kirriemuir for cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

Inverquharity Castle is a 15th-century tower house, originally built by the Ogilvie family. It's a Category A listed building and a well-preserved example of a Scottish tower house, featuring its original 15th-century iron gate. Its history includes a notable dispute that led to the 'Battle of Arbroath' in 1445, showcasing its role in regional power struggles.