Balvenie Castle

2467 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

3/5

Review type

Things to do

Location

Date of travel

2013

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Husband

Reasons for trip

This stands on a small wooded hill on the outskirts of Dufftown close to the Glenfiddich Distillery. With a formidable curtain wall the Historic Scotland website describes it as a “a rare example of 13th-century military architecture in Scotland.” The later Atholl Lodging is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. We set off with high expectations.

The castle is one of the oldest in Scotland being built in the 13thC for the Comyns, Earls of Buchan. After the murder of John Comyn by Robert the Bruce, the family threw their allegiance behind Edward I and were promptly outlawed by the Bruce.

All that remains of the 13thC castle is the massive curtain wall with its ditch. In early 15thC, castle was owned by Black Douglases who probably rebuilt the accommodation along the west, south and east ranges. They rebelled against James II, were defeated and titles and lands forfeited to the crown.

In 1460, the castle was granted to John Stewart, first earl of Athol. The 4th earl completely remodelled castle in the 16thC and added a grand accommodation range including a round tower (Athol Lodging) in the NW corner. The 5th earl died leaving 4 daughters who surrendered their interest in the estate to the crown. The castle changed hands frequently but remained unoccupied after the suicide of its last owner in 1718. Now it is a ruin in the care of Historic Scotland.

From the outside it is a rather uninspiring building surrounded by a ditch. To the north west the ditch has stone lined walls. The join between the older (domestic) and newer (residential) sections is very clear. Along the top of the newer range are three small crests and there are cannon loops in the base.

Entry is through a small round topped door which still has its double yett (wrought iron gate) which was specially designed to resist attacks by battering ram. There are small guard room on either side.

On the inside are two round towers. On the ground floor were the servant’s quarters with a fireplace. These were very dark as the only light is from the cannon loops and one very small window. Spiral staircases giving access to the dining room and withdrawing room in the Atholl’s Lodgings. Access to these was restricted as restoration work is ongoing.

Round the inside of the walls are a range of domestic buildings including kitchens, brewhouse and storage cellars.

There isn’t a lot to see inside for £4.50 or £3.60 concessions. This is one to admire from the outside unless you are Historic Scotland members.

The visitor Centre in the small wooden hut sells a good range of Balvenie and Glenfiddich whisky. Dufftown itself is worth a stop as it is an attractive town with a central square with Mercat cross and a reasonable range of small family owned shops.

Visit website

Silver Travel Advisor

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.