Balvenie Castle is a ruined castle located in Scotland, near the village of Dufftown. It was built in the 13th century and played an important role in Scotland’s history. It has a rich and complex history. The castle has seen destruction, reconstruction and abandonment. Read the article to uncover its secrets and fascinating past.
| Location | Dufftown, Moray, Scotland (Google Map) |
| Open for visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | Local Government and managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) |
| Room’s available | Yes (Wedding, Events, Filming) |
Balvenie Castle History
Balvenie Castle was built by the Comyn family and played an important role in Scotland’s history. The castle was a royal castle built by Alexander II of Scotland. In 1308, it was given to Earl of Buchan and used as a stronghold during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It was also used as a prison for the Earl of Atholl, who was accused of treason in 1342.
In the 15th century, the castle passed to the Gordon family, and it was reconstructed and expanded. Then it passed to the Ogilvy family, who abandoned it in the 17th century, and it fell into ruin. Today, This Castle is open to the public, and visitors can explore its remaining walls, towers, and courtyards.
Balvenie Castle Pricing
Historic Environment Scotland manages the Castle (HES), and if you’re a HES member, entry to the castle is entirely free!
For non-members, adult tickets are priced at £4.50, children at £2.70, concessions at £3.60 and families at £11.50.
Not a bad price for a journey through centuries of history! Don’t forget to check the HES website or call the site directly before visiting to confirm prices and opening hours, as they may change depending on the season or special events.
Balvenie Castle Interesting Facts
- The castle was used as a warehouse for maturing whisky.
- It has been used as a filming location for movies and TV series. The castle appeared in the 1971 film “The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes” and the TV series “Outlander” in 2014.
- The castle is open to the public from April to September and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and school groups.
- It is a great event location and has hosted reenactments and historical demonstrations.
Balvenie Castle Nearby Places to Stay
- The Craigellachie Hotel: A traditional 4-star hotel located in the nearby village of Craigellachie, just a short drive from Balvenie Castle. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Scottish cuisine.
- The Knockando Hotel: A 4-star hotel located in the nearby village of Knockando, just a short drive from the Castle.
- The Smiddy B&B: A charming bed and breakfast located in the nearby village of Tomintoul, just a short drive from Balvenie Castle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Balvenie Castle?
Balvenie Castle is owned by the local Government and managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), an executive agency of the Scottish Government.
Where is Balvenie Castle?
Balvenie Castle is located near the village of Dufftown in Scotland. The castle is situated in the Aberdeenshire region on the northeast coast of Scotland. The town of Dufftown is about 40 miles southwest of Aberdeen and about 25 miles east of Elgin.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
