Top 9 Castles in Moray
Castles in Moray offer a glimpse into Scotland's past, with a collection of historic sites ranging from well-preserved family homes to atmospheric ruins. This region, situated in Scotland, features a diverse landscape that has shaped the history and architecture of its fortifications. Visitors can explore 9 distinct castles, each providing insights into centuries of Scottish heritage. The area's geography, including its rivers and strategic locations, influenced the development of these significant structures.
Best castles in Moray
- The most popular castles…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Brodie Castle
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Ballindalloch Castle
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Balvenie Castle Ruins
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Duffus Castle
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Nelson's Tower
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Drumin Castle
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Bridge of Avon and Ballindalloch Castle Gatehouse
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Ladyhill Monument and Elgin Castle Ruins
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Auchindoun Castle Ruins
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Gordon Castle
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Popular around Moray
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Tips from the Community
You can’t visit the castle but there is a great coffee shop/restaurant and beautiful walled garden
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Worth a visit: From here you have a beautiful view over Elgin and, in good weather, you can even see the Speyside River. The few remaining remains of Old Elgin Castle are still there.
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A lovely property with a spacious park. A lovely place to stop for a rest. More information at National Trust Scotland https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodie-castle
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Nelson's Tower can be reached via beautiful forest paths. From the top you have a beautiful view of Findhorn Bay.
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The castle was first mentioned in documents in 1160, the current building dates from 1567. The small, pretty castle is worth a visit, as are the parks. There is a café right next to the castle. There is a rather elegant and large shop, Brodie Countryfair, with a large restaurant on the street by the car park. The restaurant also offers smaller meals and we can highly recommend it.
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Bridge over the Avon from 1745, where a military road used to lead. Here is also the entrance gate with tower house to Ballindalloch Castle
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Lovely cafe with home baking open certain days - please check.
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The ancestral seat of the earls of Moray Duffus Castle was built by a Flemish man named Freskin, who came to Scotland in the first half of the 1100s. After an uprising by the ‘men of Moray’ against David I in 1130, the king sent Freskin north as a representative of royal authority. He was given the estate of Duffus, and here he built an earthwork-and-timber castle. Freskin’s son William adopted the title of ‘de Moravia’ – of Moray. By 1200, the family had become the most influential noble family in northern Scotland, giving rise to the earls of Sutherland and Clan Murray.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles in Moray?
Yes, several castles in Moray are great for families. Brodie Castle features a 'Playful Garden' with interactive installations and Scotland's largest bunny sculpture. Ballindalloch Castle, known as the 'Pearl of the North', has extensive grounds to explore. Duffus Castle, though a ruin, offers an engaging exploration of a motte-and-bailey structure. Gordon Castle also welcomes families and has a cafe.
What types of castles can I explore in Moray?
Moray offers a diverse range of castles, from well-preserved family homes to atmospheric ruins. You can explore Z-plan tower houses like Brodie Castle, impressive motte-and-bailey ruins such as Duffus Castle, and 13th-century courtyard castles like Balvenie Castle Ruins. The region also features fortified residences of bishops, like Spynie Palace, and smaller tower houses like Drumin Castle and Auchindoun Castle Ruins.
What outdoor activities can I do near Moray's castles?
Moray's castles are often situated amidst beautiful landscapes, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including easy loops like 'Charlestown of Aberlour & Linn Falls' or more challenging options like 'Ben Rinnes walk'. For cyclists, there are cycling tours such as 'A loop of Findhorn Bay & Brodie Castle from Forres'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like 'Burghead Woods Gravel Track' available for gravel biking in Moray.
Which castles in Moray offer impressive views?
For impressive views, consider visiting Nelson's Tower, which provides panoramic vistas. The ruins of Spynie Palace, particularly 'David's Tower', offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Ladyhill Monument and Elgin Castle Ruins also provide a good vantage point over Elgin.
Are there cafes or dining options near Moray's castles?
Yes, some castles in Moray have cafes or dining options nearby. Brodie Castle has a cafe on-site, and the larger Brodie Countryfair with a restaurant is located nearby. Gordon Castle also features a cafe and restaurant. For other castles, you may find options in nearby towns.
What is the best time of year to visit Moray's castles?
The best time to visit Moray's castles largely depends on your preferences. Spring (April-May) is particularly beautiful, especially at Brodie Castle, which boasts a national daffodil collection in full bloom. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, ideal for exploring ruins and grounds. Many castles are open from April to September, so checking individual opening times is recommended.
Are there any lesser-known or ruined castles worth visiting in Moray?
Absolutely. Beyond the more prominent sites, Auchindoun Castle Ruins offer a beautiful ruin amidst a scenic landscape, with free access and a short walk from a small car park. Drumin Castle is another historical site that provides a glimpse into the past. Burgie Castle, though largely ruinous, showcases a 17th-century Z-plan tower house and a well-preserved lectern dovecot.
What makes Brodie Castle a popular choice for visitors?
Brodie Castle is popular due to its remarkably preserved 16th-century interiors, showcasing fine antique furniture, art collections, and a library with over 6,000 volumes. Its extensive grounds feature a national daffodil collection and a family-friendly 'Playful Garden'. Guided tours are highly praised for bringing the castle's 400-year history to life.
Can I visit a castle that has been continuously inhabited by the same family?
Yes, Ballindalloch Castle, known as the ‘Pearl of the North’, has been continuously lived in by the Macpherson-Grant family since its completion in 1546. This offers a unique perspective on Scottish noble life and heritage.
Which castle in Moray is a good example of medieval fortification?
Duffus Castle is considered one of Scotland's finest examples of a motte-and-bailey castle. Originally built around 1140, its substantial ruins, particularly the central keep atop a grassy motte, provide a compelling visual of medieval fortification and the evolution from timber to stone castles. A unique feature is a section of the north tower that has slipped down the side of the motte.
Are there any castles in Moray with connections to the whisky industry?
While not directly a distillery, Balvenie Castle Ruins are located in Dufftown, often referred to as the 'whisky capital of Scotland'. Its proximity to distilleries like Glenfiddich makes it an ideal historical stop for those interested in combining history with whisky tours.
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