Glamis Castle

About the museum

Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat of the Lyon and Bowes-Lyon family, the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, since 1372, when King Robert II granted the lands of Glamis to Sir John Lyon. The castle seen today was built mainly from the fifteenth century onwards. It is linked to Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed here, and it is said to have inspired Shakespeare’s play Macbeth.

The castle also has strong royal connections. It was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who was born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, and her younger daughter Princess Margaret was born here. Visitors are taken round the historic rooms on guided tours that introduce the family and their collections. Highlights include rooms such as the Drawing Room, a medieval crypt, and a room with a plaster ceiling dating from 1621 that celebrates the Union of the Crowns.

The grounds include an Italian Garden designed by the Queen Mother’s mother, a Kitchen Garden and woodland walks, and the estate also has a restaurant, a shop and a courtyard cafe. Every season there are exhibitions, for example one about historic clothing worn by the Strathmore family and their servants, as well as events such as Halloween tours, concerts and Christmas markets. The castle remains a family-owned property at the centre of the Strathmore Estate.

Highlights

• Guided tour through the historic family rooms
• Childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
• Italian Garden and Kitchen Garden
• Medieval crypt and rooms with Jacobean plasterwork
• Castle Kitchen Restaurant and The Old Larder

Permanent exhibitions

• Guided castle tour – A tour through the castle’s historic rooms and family collections, following the Bowes-Lyon family who have lived at Glamis since 1372.
• Gardens – Grounds with the Italian Garden, the Kitchen Garden and large Douglas firs.

Founded

1372

Operated by

Strathmore Estates

Admission & discounts

The castle ticket includes a guided tour, the gardens and grounds and any seasonal exhibition. Car parking is included in pre-booked tickets. Partner cards accepted (valid card shown on arrival): HHA, ASVA, Scottish Tourist Guides Association, Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association and the RHS Partner Gardens Scheme.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The ground floor is step-free, including the Coach House exhibition and a video tour of the castle, but there is no lift to the upper floors and the guided tour includes several staircases (one with 42 wide steps) and uneven floors. Blue Badge parking is next to the Pavilion Shop, where the accessible toilet is. The restaurant is accessible by wheelchair and the Old Larder by ramp. The Italian Garden and Kitchen Garden can be visited by wheelchair or buggy, though some garden paths are rough. A manual wheelchair can be borrowed subject to availability. Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads.

Kids & families

A family ticket is available. The Old Larder has a tuck shop for children, and seasonal events such as a pumpkin patch are held in the autumn.

Getting there & parking

Reached from the A90: Aberdeen is 50 miles north and Dundee 12 miles south. Satnav postcode DD8 1QJ. Cycling to the castle is encouraged, with bicycle racks, but cycling is not allowed in the gardens.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Castle Kitchen Restaurant (lunches, drinks and afternoon tea) on the ground floor; The Old Larder takeaway cafe in the courtyard; Pavilion Gift Shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 200 guests.

Wedding ceremonies in castle rooms (up to 80 guests), the Italian Garden (up to 150) or a marquee on the front lawn (up to 200); the Century Chamber hosts meetings for up to 12 people.

Plan your visit