Home of the Dukes of Atholl and 700 years of
Scottish History:
Discover Blair Castle, nestling in the dramatic landscape of Highland Perthshire, and be taken on a journey into the fascinating past of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl.
Nineteen generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl and the people who have lived and worked alongside them, have created a rich tapestry of stories, interwoven with tales from Scotland's own turbulent past. They have all left their mark on Blair Castle, its collections and historic grounds.
Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story told here will take you from a visit by Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War, and from the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden following Bonnie Prince Charlie's own stay in the castle. You'll hear how the lucky inheritance of
a smuggler-infested island helped turn the castle into a comfortable home, and learn how a stay by Queen Victoria led to the creation of Europe's only surviving private army.
The Rooms and Collections:
Thirty rooms are open to view, each alive with characters from the past. Scenes such as a Victorian nursery bring history to life, and exhibitions reveal more about subjects
including the Atholl Highlanders regiment.
Highlights:
- Baronial Entrance Hall and ornamental armoury
featuring muskets used at the Battle of Culloden
- The classic Georgian styling of the Picture Staircase
- Spectacular settings for entertaining, from
the baroque grandeur of the Dining Room to the
magnificent Ballroom bedecked in hundreds of
antlers
- Fascinating pieces of antique furniture, art and tapestry, and extensive displays of Jacobite relics,china, embroidery and family treasures
- Tours of the castle attics with a climb to the rooftops
Gardens and Grounds:
The Hercules Garden, recently restored to its original Georgian design, is a peaceful walled garden of fruit trees, vegetables and herbaceous borders. Unusually, this almost-secret garden features a large landscaped pond complete with Chinese bridge, as well as a trail of contemporary and 18th century sculpture.
Diana's Grove boasts some of the country's finest and tallest trees. Cross an 18th century bridge to find the ruins of St Bride's Kirk, the final resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. His breastplate and helmet can be found in the castle.
For a special view of the castle and the historic
landscape, take a short stroll to 18th century folly the Whim, for the view from its gothic arches.
Other Quality Awards:
Gold Green Tourism Award
Contact Details:
Atholl Estates
Blair Atholl
Cairngorms National Park
PH18 5TL
tel: 01796 481207
web: www.blair-castle.co.uk
Approximate Location:
Reviews from Trip Advisor
- 8 reviews of Blair Castle and Hercules Gardens in Pitlochry
At A Glance
Opening Times:
Summer Season:
From 26 March to 26 October 2012
Daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm
(last admission 4.30pm)
Winter Weekend Season:
From 3 November 2012 to 24 March 2013
Weekend opening from 10am to 4pm
(Last admission at 3pm)
* Check website for festive opening times*
Admission: Please visit our website for more information.
