Top 8 Castles around Earn

The Earn region is rich in historical castles. Lochleven Castle is famous as the prison of Mary, Queen of Scots, where she was forced to abdicate. Huntingtower Castle also has connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, and offers insight into medieval Scottish defensive architecture. Moot Hill at Scone Palace marks the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce and Macbeth.

Yes, Huntingtower Castle allows visitors to explore its rooms floor by floor, including a preserved ceiling. Elcho Castle, a remarkably complete 16th-century tower house, also offers the chance to explore its great hall, kitchen, and battlements, providing a vivid glimpse into its past.

Several castles are family-friendly. Lochleven Castle offers an exciting boat trip to the island fortress. Scone Palace and Gardens provides opulent rooms to explore and beautiful gardens. Burleigh Castle offers free access to its grounds, and keys can be obtained to explore the interiors of its towers.

Yes, the Earn region offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find routes like the 'View of Perth from the Bench – Moncreiffe Hillfort Viewpoint loop' near castles. Cyclists can explore routes such as the 'Path of Condie Country Road – Burleigh Castle loop' for road cycling or 'Sluice House Beach, Loch Leven – View of Lochleven Castle loop' for gravel biking. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Earn and Road Cycling Routes around Earn guides.

Huntingtower Castle is unique for consisting of two separate tower houses that were later conjoined, showcasing an interesting evolution in medieval Scottish defensive architecture. Burleigh Castle also presents unusual remains of a 15th-century tower house with accessible interiors.

Many castles are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Lochleven Castle is situated on an island in Loch Leven, offering scenic lake views and a quiet island setting. Scone Palace and Gardens features delightful walled kitchen gardens, including impressive dahlia beds.

While many castles are well-known, sites like Old Kincardine Castle, near Auchterarder, offer a glimpse into a 13th-century fortress with only fragments remaining, providing a more rugged historical experience. Fowlis Castle, now largely a mound of stones, holds deep historical importance as a former power base for the Earls of Strathearn, appealing to those interested in profound historical sites rather than grand structures.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for visiting castles in the Earn region. During this time, the weather is milder, and the natural surroundings, such as the large beds of pink purslane around Lochleven Castle, are in bloom. Many sites also have extended opening hours during these seasons.

While specific public transport routes vary, many castles are located near towns or villages that are served by local bus routes. For instance, Huntingtower Castle is close to Perth, which has good transport links. It is advisable to check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information when planning your visit.

Visitors appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from exploring the well-preserved interiors of castles like Huntingtower Castle to the dramatic historical setting of Lochleven Castle. The opportunity to delve into centuries of Scottish history, enjoy picturesque settings, and experience a quiet, authentic atmosphere without large crowds are frequently highlighted.

Lochleven Castle, with its evocative island setting on Loch Leven, provides stunning photographic opportunities, especially during a boat trip to the castle. The impressive architecture and grounds of Strathallan Castle also offer picturesque scenes, though it is often used for events.