Huntingtower Castle | Visitor Information & Tickets

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Visiting Huntingtower Castle

Huntingtower Castle is located near the village of Huntingtower and west of Perth. It was previously known as the House of Ruthven but was renamed when the Ruthven family was involved in the Gowrie Conspiracy. Today, the castle is owned by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to visitors for an admission fee. The castle is also available for wedding ceremonies and photography sessions.

Parking

There is a car park located on site and the visitors centre is 12m (0.007mi) away, but access is limited to smaller vehicles.

Price

Admission costs are £6.00 for adults aged 16-64 and £3.60 for children. For those 65+ or those unemployed, admission is £4.80. There are also family rates available for groups — a family pass for one adult and two children is £12.00, two adults and two children is £17.00, and two adults and three children is £20.50.

Opening

The castle welcomes visitors from 10 am to 4 pm. It is open daily from 1 April to 30 September, and from 1 October to 31 March, it is open Saturday through Wednesday.

Plan Day Visit

Location and Access

Huntingtower Castle is located approximately 5km (3.1mi) northwest of Perth. It is near the intersection of A9 and A85. It is located off of Castle Brae in Ruthvenfield.

Know Before You Go

Before visiting the Huntingtower Castle, it is essential to know that car park access is limited to smaller cars. Large cars and campervans do not have access.
There is a visitor centre and toilet on site.
Huntingtower Castle’s visitor centre has no steps, but the castle towers require you to walk upstairs.
If you would like to bring a pet, dogs are allowed on the castle grounds but not in roofed areas. The exception to this is assistance dogs that are permitted on all sites.

Places To Stay Nearby

If you’re looking for accommodation near the castle, there’s the Travelodge Perth A9 just across A85. Rates for this hotel start at £24.99 and vary depending on the date. This hotel is a wonderful option as it is only a 5-minute walk to the castle and is excellent for budget travellers.

For something more upscale, check out Leonardo Boutique Huntingtower Perth. This inn is located in the beautiful countryside amid landscaped gardens. The rates for bed and breakfast start at £85 a night.

If you’d like to stay somewhere closer to the heart of the city, you have many options. First on the list is the Townhouse, a five-star boutique bed and breakfast. They have three options for their rooms: Traditional, Deluxe Park View, and Cosy King.

All rooms sleep 1-2 guests but have different square meterage. Rates range from £80.00 for a Cosy King room to £155.00 for a Deluxe Park View room.

History of Huntingtower Castle

Huntingtower Castle was previously known as the House of Ruthven and was built by the Ruthven family in the 15th century. However, during the Gowrie Conspiracy in 1600, the family was tried for treason. This event led to today’s name of Huntingtower.

Timeline

1582

“The Ruthven Raid” happens in 1582. James VI is held hostage at Huntingtower Castle for ten months by the Earl of Gowrie. He eventually escapes and forgives his kidnappers.

1600

In 1600 the Ruthven family was accused of trying to kidnap the king once again. They were then killed for conspiring against the crown, and the property fell to the hands of the royals.

1643

The crown gives Huntingtower Castle to the family of Murray of Tullibardine. John Murray and Lady Mary Ross are notable figures from the family who reside in the castle.

1767

Lady Mary Ross dies, which leaves John Murray to let the castle go to ruin. It was abandoned by residents, instead being used by farmers.

Huntingtower Castle Occupants

Currently, there are no residents of Huntingtower Tower. The last residents were the Cowan family, who left in 2002. Previously, the castle was occupied by John Murray and Lady Mary Ross but was abandoned.

Other notable residents include Lord George Murray, Lady Glenorchy (Katherine Ruthven), and Dorothea Stewart, Countess of Gowrie.

Images of Huntingtower Castle

Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package

Castle Facts

The Legend of Lady Greensleeves

As the legend goes, the young Dorothea was meeting secretly with her lover, a servant of the castle. This was an unapproved relationship, but the two continued to meet in the servant’s wing.

One night Dorothea’s mother found out about their relationship and rushed to the servant’s wing to punish her daughter.

Dorothea quickly escaped to the roof and managed to jump several meters in between the towers of the castle. She returned to bed just in time for her mother to find her innocently sleeping in her room. Supposedly the two ran away together the very next day.

Over the years, several witnesses have said they have seen the ghost of Dorothea at Huntingtower Castle. She appears at dusk in a green dress, hence the name Lady Greensleeves. Some claim she is an omen of disaster to come.

Bats in Huntingtower Castle

Although many do not believe in ghosts, one thing for certain is that there are bats living in Huntingtower Castle. A colony of pipistrelle bats calls the castle home. In addition to the pipistrelle, there are other species of bats.

There are also different types of wildlife, such as barn owls, rabbits, and hedgehogs.

Art of Huntingtower Castle

Throughout the castle, you can see the influence of the Renaissance in the decor. There are paintings from the 16th century in the Eastern Tower, and the painted ceiling is from approximately 1540. This is the earliest known example of this type of painted ceiling in Scotland.

Castle Q&A

Who Owns the Castle?

The castle is currently owned by Historic Environment Scotland, which is a public body. Historic Environment Scotland took over the castle’s maintenance when the Cowan family left the property in 2002.

According to the organization’s website, its mission is to “investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment.”

Is the Castle Open for Visitors?

The castle is open to visitors. The admission costs vary from £3-6 for single visitors, depending on age. Family passes are available as well, ranging from £12-20.

Is the Castle Accessible by Public Transit?

The castle is accessible by public transport. You can plan your route using Traveline Scotland. You can also check bicycle paths near the castle here.

Is the Castle Open for Events?

You can host wedding ceremonies and photoshoots at Huntingtower Castle. The State Room is available for wedding ceremonies and can hold up to 60 people. Several different ceremony options are available. You also can take wedding pictures here, even if your ceremony isn’t at the castle.

Do Historic Environment Scotland Members Get Discounts on Admission?

If you are a member, you can get free admission, but you must still book a spot online. Members are required to show proof of membership upon arrival at the castle.

Can I Bring My Dog?

Dogs are allowed on Huntingtower Castle grounds but not in roofed areas. However, if you have an assistance dog, it is permitted in all areas.

Do I Need To Book in Advance?

All tickets must be booked online on Historic Environment Scotland’s website. Even if you’re a member and you qualify for free admission, you must book in advance.

What if It Rains?

In some events, such as severe weather, the castle may have to close unexpectedly. You can check Historic Environment Scotland’s Twitter page to find information on site closures.

What Else Should I Know About the Castle?

The castle has a visitor centre as well as a shop. There is a toilet on site. There is also a picnic area, as well as a water bottle refill station.

Location of Huntingtower Castle

The castle is located in Perthshire, northwest of Perth (approximately 5km (3.1mi)). It is not far from the A9 and the A85 Crieff road.

Other Places to Visit Near Huntingtower Castle

Due to its proximity to Perth, there are many fun indoor and outdoor activities to do around Huntingtower Castle. If you’re interested in museums, there is Perth Museum and Art Gallery and the Fergusson Gallery. These are perfect destinations for any fine arts lover.

For those more outdoors inclined, take a ride down Kinnoull Hill. This winding path through the Scottish countryside is accessible by foot or by bike. There are absolutely stunning views from the top. Or perhaps you’d like to see Branklyn Garden, a 2-acre (87120 sq ft) garden that looks over Perth.

History lovers will delight in a trip to Stanley Mills — this historic site dates back to the Industrial Revolution. There is a visitor’s centre for information on all the textiles the mill produced in the 18th century. There are also interactive exhibits to experience.

Other historical sites include Kirk of St. John the Baptist and Perth Railway Station.

Of course, if you’d like to see more castles, you have plenty of options as well. The Black Watch Castle and Museum is located in Perth and dates back to the 12th century. Scone Palace offers visitors a tour and a coffee.

There is also Elcho Castle from the 1500s. If you’re visiting Perth, there are multiple options for you, but make sure to see Huntingtower Castle.