Huntingtower Castle

Description

Huntingtower Castle near Perth is a historic Scottish castle with a dramatic past and royal connections. It served as a noble residence for over 300 years and was once known as the Place of Ruthven. The castle is famous for hosting Mary Queen of Scots during her honeymoon in 1565 and for key events in Scotland’s history.

Visitors can explore the castle where Mary Queen of Scots stayed and learn about events such as the Ruthven Raid and Gowrie Conspiration. The building’s unusual design features two closely placed tower houses, a painted ceiling from around 1540, decorative plasterwork, and a hidden cupboard used to store Ruthven treasures. Guests can also take part in a fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the site.

Ticket prices are £8.50 walk-up (£7.50 online) for adults, £6.80 (£6.00) for concessions, and £5.00 (£4.50) for children aged 7–15. Family tickets range from £16.50 to £29.00 walk-up, with discounted online prices available. 

With its royal history, unusual architecture, and fascinating stories, Huntingtower Castle offers an engaging visit into Scotland’s past. Visitors can discover hidden features and dramatic historical events within its walls. It is a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts and families exploring the Perth area.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Explore the castle where Mary Queen of Scots and her new husband Lord Darnley stayed during the Chaseabout Raid – when they saw off a rebellion – and uncover some dramatic episodes in Scotland’s story.

  • Get to grips with the castle’s odd layout – its two closely placed tower houses form an unusual arrangement
  • Look for the delicately painted ceiling dating from about 1540 and painted plasterwork of a similar date
  • Seek out the secret hiding place used for Ruthven treasures – a cupboard within a cupboard, hidden behind a stone
  • Take our fun fact-finding quiz

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Ticket (Walk-up / Online)

  • Adult (16–64yrs): £8.50 / £7.50
  • Concession (65yrs+ & unemployed): £6.80 / £6.00
  • Child (7–15yrs): £5.00 / £4.50
  • Family (1 adult, 2 children): £16.50 / £15.00
  • Family (2 adults, 2 children): £24.50 / £21.50
  • Family (2 adults, 3 children): £29.00 / £25.50

Pricing URL: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/huntingtower-castle/prices-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • 1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 10am to last entry at 4pm (closes 4.30pm)
  • 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily except Thur & Fri, 10am to last entry at 2.30pm (closes 3pm)
  • Closed for lunch 12.30pm to 1pm (last entry 12 noon)

Address: Huntingtower Castle, Huntingtower, Perth, UK

Post Code: PH1 3JL

Council: Perth and Kinross

County: Perth and Kinross

Parking is limited. There is no car park access for larger cars or campervans or similar vehicles. There is a public carpark nearby at Tesco where you can park for a charge. A bike rack is available in the car park (in the Northernmost end, closest to the visitor centre). The nearest EV charging point is at the Tesco on Crieff Road, 0.5 miles from the castle.

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