Glamis Castle is a historic home in Angus, known for its turrets, towers and guided tours through its rooms. The Lyon family has held the estate since 1372, and the castle is linked with Mary, Queen of Scots, Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the childhood of the Queen Mother. Allow time for the grounds too: they include an Italian garden, woodland walks, a Macbeth trail and Highland cows. The café and shop add a practical stop before or after exploring.
A castle shaped over centuries
A castle stood at Glamis by 1372, when Robert II granted the estate to his son-in-law, Sir John Lyon. The Lyon family has remained connected to the property ever since. Over time, its members became the Lords Glamis and later the Earls of Kinghorne and the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
The castle’s older core includes a keep, while major rebuilding took place in the late 17th century. Its towers and turrets give the exterior the appearance of a French chateau. The building remained standing through medieval conflicts, but during the Civil War Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers stayed there for several months. They burned the furniture when they left, so most of the furnishings now in the castle date from after 1650. Some armour associated with the soldiers is displayed in the central tower.
Stories inside the castle
The interior is seen on a guided tour. Guides lead visitors through the rooms and share stories connected with the castle and its residents. The tour covers royal history as well as the Lyon family’s long association with the estate.
Mary, Queen of Scots, visited in 1562. The castle is also linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth: Duncan’s Hall is traditionally associated with the play. The Queen Mother spent her childhood at Glamis, and Princess Margaret was born there in 1930.
Tours move between rooms as a group, so there may be limited time to look around each space. Photography inside is permitted only in the final room. A video tour on the ground floor provides an alternative way to follow the castle visit for visitors with disabilities.
Gardens, woodland and the Macbeth trail
The grounds extend beyond the castle façade into gardens and woodland. The Italian garden is one of the named garden areas, and woodland walks include a Macbeth loop with wooden figures. Look out for the small pet cemetery and Highland cows as you explore. A children’s play area is also on the grounds.
Garden routes include gravel paths, which can be difficult to manage in a wheelchair. The grounds are mostly level, though there is a short steeper section leading to the kitchen walled garden. The restaurant is accessible, and visitors can sit outside. The starting point for the garden walk can be hard to spot from the car park, so ask staff if you need directions.
Café and shop
The café serves meals and has choices marked for dietary requirements, including vegan-friendly food. There is also an outdoor counter for coffee, cake and ice cream. You can visit the restaurant without a castle entry ticket.
The shop sells souvenirs and has an upstairs area with antiques. Leave time to browse both floors if you are interested in taking something home.
FAQ
Can you visit the inside of Glamis Castle?
Yes. The interior is visited on a guided tour, and tickets are recommended in advance.
How long should you spend at Glamis Castle?
Allow around 2 to 3 hours for a castle tour and time in the grounds.
Can you visit the café without a castle ticket?
Yes. The restaurant can be visited without an entry ticket.
Is Glamis Castle accessible for wheelchair users?
The entrance and restaurant are accessible, and a ground-floor video tour is available. Some garden paths are gravel, and there is a short steeper section to the kitchen walled garden.
