Huntly Castle

Overview

2024 Update - Huntly Castle is open but at the time of writing (5 Feb 2024) the highest floor level of the tower is not accessible.

Huntly Castle was the main baronial residence for the Gordons. It is now an empty ruin, but it is worth a visit as the Castle has had a very interesting history and was once a base for Robert the Bruce during his campaign for Scottish Independence.

Huntly Castle was originally called Strathbogie, but it gained the much more attractive name of Huntly in 1506, when it became the property of the Earl of Huntly.

Huntly Castle, although a ruin, has many complete rooms and enough remains to give a good idea of its original splendour. The basement with its high vaulted ceilings and large dungeon are very intact. The dungeon contains two inmates and it is an atmospheric place accessed via a cramped corridor.

Above the main entrance of Huntly Castle you can see some fine stone carvings. On the upper floors there are skillfully sculpted stone fireplaces protected by modern glass awnings. The castle has had some floors and one spiral staircase partially rebuilt and this improves the visitors ability to access and appreciate the building.

Climb all the way to the highest point of Huntly Castle and you can step out onto a small metal platform that provides good views of the castle from above. The platform feels quite exposed so vertigo sufferers be warned!

Huntly Castle is not as clearly signposted from the A96 as it could be. From the Huntly roundabout on the A96 you should just keep driving towards and then straight  through the square in the town centre. The road to Huntly Castle passes through a narrow arch and then goes through a park before arriving at the castle.

Save money on visiting this attraction by buying an Explorer Pass