Blair Castle
23 minute walk from Blair Atholl station · Stirling, Central and Fife
Blair Castle is a historic stronghold in Perthshire, standing in a strategic position within Glen Garry. As the ancestral home of the Clan Murray and the seat of the Duke of Atholl, this Category A listed building dates back to 1269. It is notable for providing the garrison for the Atholl Highlanders, the only legal private army in Europe.
The castle features a multi-layered history, having been occupied by Oliver Cromwell’s army and visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Visitors can explore the 13th-century Comyn's Tower and a Victorian-era ballroom. The castle's rooms house impressive collections of weapons, hunting trophies, and needlework gathered by the Murray family over many generations.
The expansive grounds are included in the national listing of significant gardens. Visitors can find the ruins of St Bride’s Kirk and Diana’s Grove, which contains a Grand Fir recognized as one of the tallest trees in Britain. The castle has been open to the public since 1936, offering a unique look at Highland heritage.
Visitor information
- Place type
- Castle
- Good for
- Castles, Gardens, Military history, Museums
- Characteristics
- Designed landscape, Listed, Medieval, Nationally significant, Victorian
- Admission
- Paid admission
- Region
- Stirling, Central and Fife
Stations within walking distance
- Blair Atholl station — 23 min walk, 1.8 km
Other places near Blair Atholl
- Blair Atholl to the Red House — 1 min walk from the station
- Atholl Country Life Museum — 7 min walk from the station
- Kilmaveonaig, St Adamnan’s — 15 min walk from the station
- Càrn a' Chlamain — 17 min walk from the station
- Beinn Dearg from near Blair Atholl — 17 min walk from the station
- Glen Tilt viewpoint, Blair Atholl — 17 min walk from the station