Glamis Castle is undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most enchanting and mysterious castles. Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Angus, a short distance from Dundee, this magnificent castle has been the official residence of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne for over 650 years.
As you arrive along the tree-lined drive, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale. Glamis Castle possesses all the hallmarks of a classic Scottish fortress: pointed turrets, imposing towers, conical roofs, crenellated walkways and formidable pink sandstone walls forming a striking five-storey L-shaped structure, framed magnificently against the backdrop of the Grampian Mountains.
Beyond being an important historical site, Glamis is chiefly famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s celebrated tragedy “Macbeth”, as well as being the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, mother of Queen Elizabeth II, and the birthplace of Princess Margaret in 1930.
During our visit to this extraordinary mansion, we were struck not only by its imposing exterior architecture, characterised by its iconic towers, but also by its sumptuous interiors. The gardens meticulously maintained around the estate offer picturesque views in every season.
The castle interiors are accessible only by guided tour in English, lasting approximately one hour. Unfortunately, photography is strictly prohibited inside, which is rather a shame given the beauty of the rooms.
The tour typically begins in the Dining Room, where we were impressed by the magnificent mahogany table which, when fully extended, can seat up to thirty-six guests. During our visit, we admired the opulent silver centrepiece shaped like a galleon, presented to the 13th Earl and Countess by the estate’s residents on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary in 1903. The ornate plaster ceiling, decorated with thistles (Scotland’s emblem) and roses (England’s symbol), is equally striking.
The Crypt is one of the most fascinating rooms, built in the 15th century when it served as the servants’ dining and sleeping quarters. Today it houses Victorian-era replicas of German tournament armour and 17th-century breastplates. According to legend, a mysterious secret chamber is concealed behind the clock wall here, which we’ll discuss further below.
The Drawing Room, which in the 16th century formed the Great Hall of the fortress, features an impressive fireplace bearing the coat of arms representing the union of the Scottish and English crowns in 1603 under King James VI. The small chairs in front of the fireplace were childhood favourites of Queen Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, when they visited their grandparents at Glamis.
The Chapel was consecrated in 1688 according to the rites of the Scottish Episcopal Church and continues to be regularly used by the family today. It houses one of the most unusual depictions of Jesus, shown wearing a hat, as Mary Magdalene mistakenly took him for a gardener after the Resurrection.
The tour continues through the Billiards Room, originally the castle library, built between 1773 and 1776, and King Malcolm’s Room, named in honour of King Malcolm II of Scotland who, according to official accounts, died here at Glamis in 1034 whilst on a hunting expedition.
A short walk from the castle stands the Italian Garden, created by the Queen Mother’s parents in 1910. Strolling amongst expertly manicured hedges, babbling fountains and colourful flower borders, we enjoyed panoramic views of the castle from various angles—perfect for capturing memorable photographs.
Nearby you’ll find the Nature Trail and the Pinewood, planted around 1870, ideal for those who enjoy walks in nature. During our wander through these grounds, we encountered ancient centuries-old trees, charming little bridges and even some examples of local wildlife.
A particularly interesting feature within the pinewood is the Macbeth Trail, where wooden sculptures depicting characters from Shakespeare’s tragedy are carved into the landscape. The atmosphere here is genuinely evocative and recalls the ancient legends tied to the castle. It’s worth noting that Shakespeare dedicated his tragedy “Macbeth” to King James I in 1606, recently proclaimed King of England, and it is said the playwright drew inspiration from stories about Glamis Castle that he heard from the king and his friend, the first Earl, whilst staying at court.
Saint Michael’s Chapel within the castle deserves special mention. This sacred space, characterised by magnificent stained-glass windows and an atmosphere of profound spirituality, is still used by the family for private ceremonies. During our visit, we were struck by the serene beauty of this place and by our guide’s detailed explanations of the family’s religious traditions.
After exploring the castle and its gardens, we recommend stopping at the Visitor Centre. Here you’ll find an interesting exhibition exploring the castle’s history, with archaeological finds, period photographs and historical documents that enhance your visit experience.
Before leaving Glamis, treat yourself to a break at the Victorian Kitchen Restaurant. Located within the castle’s original kitchens, this welcoming café offers a selection of traditional Scottish dishes prepared with local ingredients. During our visit, we enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea with fresh scones, homemade jam and a steaming cup of tea—the perfect way to end the day.
Glamis Castle operates a ticketing system with several options depending on your preferences. During our visit, we opted for the full ticket, which includes both a guided tour of the castle interiors and access to the surrounding gardens and grounds—a choice we strongly recommend to make the most of your experience.
Admission is free for children under five, and discounts are available for families, groups and seniors. Prices may vary by season, so we recommend checking current prices on the castle’s official website before your visit.
An important note: castle interior tours are available only in English with a guide and depart at scheduled times.
The opening hours of Glamis Castle vary considerably throughout the year. Generally, the castle is open from 10:00 to 17:00 from 30 March; from 1 November to 19 December, hours are reduced, from 10:30 to 16:00.
During winter months, the castle opens only on certain days of the week, so we strongly recommend checking the exact hours on the official website before your visit, as these can vary due to special events and holidays.
During our stay, we discovered that morning is the ideal time to visit the castle, when the light is perfect for external photography and crowds tend to be smaller. Alternatively, a late afternoon tour can offer particularly evocative light for admiring the gardens.
Glamis Castle is located in Angus county, in eastern Scotland, approximately 20 kilometres north of Dundee and about 80 kilometres north-east of Edinburgh. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible from Scotland’s major cities and other tourist attractions in the region.
If travelling from Edinburgh, we recommend taking the A90 heading north, crossing the impressive Forth Road Bridge (an unmissable experience in itself) and continuing towards Dundee. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. From here, follow signs for Forfar and then for Glamis.
If you’re based in Dundee, the castle’s nearest city, the journey is significantly shorter: approximately 20–25 minutes following the A90 northbound and then the A928. For those using public transport, there are typically two to four buses daily from Dundee heading to the castle. You’ll first reach Forfar and then take a local bus to Glamis. You can check bus timetables here. Services aren’t particularly frequent, so we recommend planning your journey carefully.
As always, we recommend hiring a car as the best option. However, if you prefer not to drive, consider a bus tour from Edinburgh.
Glamis Castle stands in the heart of the picturesque Angus countryside in eastern Scotland, approximately 20 km north of Dundee, 80 km north-east of Edinburgh and 50 km south-west of Aberdeen.
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