Huntingtower Castle
Huntingtower Castle
4.4
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
A tale of two families - Huntingtower Castle was a lordly residence for 300 years, from the 15th to the 18th century. It is associated with two noble families: the Ruthvens (later earls of Gowrie) and, following their downfall in 1600, the Murrays (earls of Tullibardine and later dukes of Atholl). Prior to 1600, Huntingtower was known as the Place of Ruthven.Huntingtower has hosted some famous visitors, and been associated with some dramatic events. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1565, during her honeymoon with Lord Darnley. In 1582, Mary’s son, James VI, was held here against his will by the 1st Earl of Gowrie, in a famous episode known as the ‘Ruthven Raid’.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.4
306 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
111
Average
25
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Michelle D
108 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
This is a wee gem. Small, but very interesting. The lady at the ticket desk was lovely and very knowledgeable.
Take your time to poke around in every nook and cranny. The roof is assessable all the way around and you get lively views of Perth. Lots of seating outside, so bring a picnic.
Take your time to poke around in every nook and cranny. The roof is assessable all the way around and you get lively views of Perth. Lots of seating outside, so bring a picnic.
Written 4 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma B
9 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Lovely place to spend some time. The castle is small but lots of levels to explore, and the place really came alive to us when speaking to David who gave us a great introduction to the area suitable for the young ones while also being interesting to the adults. Just beware the car park is tiny with very tight spaces
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie P
United Kingdom2,028 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
As the name suggests this is a tower house, and for that reason there are plenty of steps, and no disabled access. You can climb out on to the roof. Most of the building is a shell but one room has a painted wooden ceiling
The car park is tight and narrow, with a turning space at the top. It closes for lunch for ½ hr. There are toilets.. It doesn’t take long to visit, but it is interesting.
The car park is tight and narrow, with a turning space at the top. It closes for lunch for ½ hr. There are toilets.. It doesn’t take long to visit, but it is interesting.
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma A
Worthing, UK53 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
We arrived at the castle to a car park with two cars which were obviously the two staff members as no other visitors could be seen. We were met with a professional and polite lady who told us that dogs were not allowed ANYWHERE on site. Not even through the gate to allow one of us to sit outside whilst one explored the castle which is what we have done with other castle visits nearby. I clarified this by explaining that one of us usually waits outside whilst the other walks around the grounds but she explained that it was policy and dogs were not allowed. Website does not explain that dogs are not allowed in the grounds and although she said it was in line with other castles in the area I can say that it isn’t having visited two others the same day. Very disappointing as members
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback on your recent visit to the castle, and for your patience as we investigated this matter for you.
As stated on our website, visitors' dogs are allowed in the grounds at Huntingtower Castle, but are not permitted in roofed areas, which includes the Castle. On this occasion, there was a new member of staff working at the site who was unaware of this rule and unfortunately did not allow you entry with your dogs. We are very sorry for this misunderstanding and will endeavour to improve staff training to ensure the best visitor experience possible in line with our existing dog policy.
Apologies again for this misunderstanding, and thanks again for your feedback which has been passed on to staff at the castle.
Written 25 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J R B
6 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Thrilled to actually visit a historic monument in Scotland that is currently open as many are fenced off. The site manager prepared us well for our visit and was especially helpful regarding our guide dog. We loved exploring the many nooks and crannies within the castle including climbing up to the walled roof area. It was great to have the freedom to wander unhindered throughout the building as we had the castle to ourselves which we were told could be usual on a weekday - weekends can be busy.
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike E
Duns, UK33 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
A nice castle with a lot of history. I'm glad l visited. An attractive shell of a tower with fantastic rare painted ceiling and fragmentary medieval wall paintings. Parking. Not suitable for walking disabled. We missed a bus tour, which was great. Following a group of 30 odd tourists around the spiral staircases and roof turrets would be a nightmare. A half hour at maximum will suffice.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M1DXB
Edinburgh, Scotland488 contributions
Nov 2022
Huntingtower retains a roof which has protected much of the interior, including the lovely 16th century painted ceiling in one of the rooms. It gives much more sense of how the inside of a castle might have looked than do many ruins, and it is good to be able to get out onto the roofs of the towers.
The Historic Scotland custodian was very helpful and friendly.
The Historic Scotland custodian was very helpful and friendly.
Written 9 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Random Jenny
Gourock, UK251 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Great visit to the castle owned by Historic Scotland.
The lady working there, Marian I think her name was - was very friendly and helpful taking time to explain the history of the castle.
There was also another staff member inside to help explain things.
Toilet and small gift shop on site as well as a small car park.
Dogs are allowed on site but not inside the castle itself stairs are steep.
Really enjoyed our visit would recommend the guide book!
The lady working there, Marian I think her name was - was very friendly and helpful taking time to explain the history of the castle.
There was also another staff member inside to help explain things.
Toilet and small gift shop on site as well as a small car park.
Dogs are allowed on site but not inside the castle itself stairs are steep.
Really enjoyed our visit would recommend the guide book!
Written 28 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
Fantastic welcome, we were provided with great tips on how to get the best from our visit. Main rooms had posters with pictures & descriptions of how the rooms would have been used. History was explained. A memorable experience, recommend including in your itenerary.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alixtrench
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
The castle is a great place to stop for a quick visit, especially with a castle mad 9 year old. The children enjoyed being able to explore the rooms inside and we climbed up to to get out on the roof, which they loved. The member of staff on duty was friendly, welcoming and very helpful. She gave an activity booklet to the children and chatted to us about the site. You won't spend very long there, but it's worth a stop!
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long do most people spend at Huntingtower Castle, to see all of it and learn history?
Written 21 July 2019
One hour is enough, the castle is not really big. If the weather is good, you can have a picnic as well, so you will need to add as much time as you wish. You will like it for sure :)
Written 23 July 2019
Yes! It is on the public transport route and you can get off very close to it.
Written 10 November 2017
Hi, I will be attending a conference at Perth town center [Mercure Hotel] over this coming April. I would like to visit the Castle. Can anyone advise me on what is the best way to travel from my hotel to here? Thanks.
Written 16 February 2017
Jo P
Adelaide, Australia
Hi I must apologize in advance I am the site admin for Huntingtower and I would have promptly answered your question but,I have been under treatment for an advanced cancer.I truly hope you enjoyed your trip to my ancestral home and please come back again :) Thanks Josephine Ruthven-Petrovic"
Written 21 May 2017
Not that I know of I have never seen a dog there and there are many steep steps so I would advise not to but there are good walks near by so you may want to go to the castle but then take your dog from your car and walk with it in the area
Written 6 November 2016
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