Top 9 Castles around Kincardine
Best castles around Kincardine offer a journey through Scotland's rich history and diverse architectural styles. The region features a variety of historical sites, from medieval ruins to stately homes, often situated within scenic landscapes. These castles provide insights into centuries of Scottish heritage and the lives of noble families. Visitors can explore well-preserved structures and evocative remnants of past fortresses.
Best castles around Kincardine
- The most popular castles is Callendar House, a castle that dates from the 14th century and is set within Callendar Park. This historical site offers permanent displays, a café, and woodland walks, including a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site.
- Another must-see spot is Linlithgow Palace, a 15th-century royal palace. This historic ruin is notable as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and offers extensive areas for exploration, including its towers.
- Visitors also love Alloa Tower, a medieval tower house. This ancestral home of the Erskine family is Scotland’s largest and oldest keep, featuring four floors and an important collection of portraits and furnishings.
- Kincardine is known for its medieval ruins, 16th-century tower houses, and Victorian country estates. Visitors can explore a variety of castles, from the evocative remains of Old Kincardine Castle to the dramatic cliffside Dunnottar Castle.
- The castles around Kincardine are appreciated by the komoot community, with 43 upvotes and 33 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Callendar House
Highlight • Castle
Callendar House dates from the 14th century. It is set in the nationally-important historic designed landscape of Callendar Park, which also contains a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site.
The House's permanent displays are The Story of Callendar House, a history covering the 11th to the 19th centuries, The Antonine Wall, Rome's Northern Frontier, and Falkirk: Crucible of Revolution 1750-1850, tells how the local area was transformed during the first century of the industrial era.
In the restored 1825 Kitchen, costumed interpreters create an exciting interactive experience with samples of early-19th century food providing added taste to stories of working life in a large household.
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Linlithgow Palace
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Alloa Tower
Highlight • Monument
The walls of this medieval tower tell some incredible stories and even come complete with their own dungeon! As you explore the tower’s four floors, you’ll hear tales of an abbot’s curse, crib ghosts, fortunes and titles lost and regained, and the building’s ruin and restoration.
The tower is packed with arresting architectural anomalies, such as the stone well built into the tower walls and the magnificent vaulted beamed ceiling. You will see artworks on display by Henry Raeburn and Van Dyck, along with precious china, silverware, period costumes and furnishings.
The ancestral home of the Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie, Alloa Tower is one of Scotland’s largest surviving medieval tower houses. It has been altered over the centuries and is now an 18th-century mansion contained within a medieval shell. The Tower is home to an important collection of portraits, silver and furniture, which are loaned from the family’s private collections.
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Old Tulliallan Castle Ruins
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Culross Palace and the Historic Village
Highlight • Historical Site
Explore the beautiful refurbished palace with its decorative painted ceilings and furnishings of the period. Behind the palace is the restored 17th century garden, complete with herbs, vegetables and fruit trees.
The Town House, once the legal and commercial centre of Culross, is also open to visitors as is the Study, where Bishop Leighton of Dunblane reputedly composed his sermons.
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Tips from the Community
Impressive well preserved building and interior. Beautiful terraced garden
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Parking is available near the Palace. The idyllic town offers enough opportunities for a stop after the visit.
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Linlithgow Palace lies roofless and ruined but you can see how it was once an amazing royal palace. Work began to build the palace in 1424 when James 1st ordered a pleasure palace to replace the fire damaged older residence. The Royals used it as a rest stop and nursery as they travelled between Edinburgh and Stirling. It didn't last long though once the royals moved to London in 1603 it fell into disrepair and was finished by a huge fire in 1746. Today the site is managed by Historic Scotland. You can visit some of the castle and have a look around. The run around the loch gives great views from all angles.
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As well as going in and seeing the house, there is plenty to do within the grounds. Cafe, woodland walks, and a section of the Antonine wall. Free but limited parking, and children’s play area. There’s also a lot of wildlife, and longer walks to the kelpies or Falkirk wheel are possible.
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I can't say how things are now, but in the summer of 2006 it was more or less a ruin that was being worked on. Still it was worth seeing.
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Linlithgow Palace was built from 1424 and is best known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots (8 December 1542 - 8 February 1587). The palace fell into decline when James VI moved the royal court to London in 1603, following his coronation as James I of England.
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Callendar House is a French chateau style stately home that was built in the 14th century. Set amid the beautiful grounds of Callendar Park, the estate has hosted many great historical figures over the centuries, including: Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie.
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This tower is in well kept grounds. OK, its only a tower, but it is a nice stop on the the amazing Scottish National Cycling Network. It was built in the 1300s so if you love history, you will love this. In summer, you can go inside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Kincardine?
The Kincardine area offers a diverse range of castles, from medieval ruins to grand Victorian estates. You can visit the 14th-century Callendar House, the historic 15th-century Linlithgow Palace, or the ancient Alloa Tower. The region also features evocative ruins like Old Kincardine Castle and the dramatic cliffside Dunnottar Castle.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Kincardine?
Yes, several castles in the area are great for families. Callendar House, set within Callendar Park, offers woodland walks and a children's play area. Linlithgow Palace provides extensive areas for exploration, including its towers. Alloa Tower, with its dungeon and historical tales, is also suitable for families.
What historical sites are near the castles around Kincardine?
Beyond the castles themselves, the region is rich in history. Callendar House is situated in Callendar Park, which contains a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site. The nearby Royal Burgh of Culross, with its Culross Palace and Historic Village, offers a glimpse into 16th and 17th-century domestic life with its cobbled streets and period buildings.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Kincardine offers various outdoor activities. You can find easy hikes, such as the Rhododendron Tunnel loop or the Standard Stone loop. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the Culross Village – Preston Island Ruins loop. Mountain biking trails, including the Clackmannan Way Cycle Path, are also available. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, cycling, and MTB trails guides for Kincardine.
Are there walking routes around specific castles?
Yes, many castles offer pleasant walking opportunities. Callendar House is set within Callendar Park, which features woodland walks. The grounds of Alloa Tower are well-kept and suitable for strolls. For more extensive walks, you can explore the areas around Linlithgow Palace or the atmospheric ruins of Old Tulliallan Castle.
What is the best time of year to visit castles around Kincardine?
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their grounds. Many castle gardens, such as those at Kincardine Castle (Royal Deeside) and Crathes Castle, are particularly vibrant during these seasons. Some attractions, like Alloa Tower, have extended opening hours from May to August. Winter visits are possible, but some sites may have reduced hours or be partially closed.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the castles?
Yes, you can find amenities near several castles. Callendar House has an excellent café on-site. The town of Linlithgow, near Linlithgow Palace, offers various cafes and pubs. The historic village of Culross, home to Culross Palace, also provides options for refreshments.
Can I visit the private Kincardine Castle in Royal Deeside?
Kincardine Castle in Royal Deeside is primarily a private family home and hospitality venue. While not generally open for public tours, its stunning gardens are occasionally accessible for public events. It's ideal for those seeking a luxurious Scottish country house experience for private events, weddings, or gatherings. For more information, you can visit Wikipedia or Celtic Castles.
What is special about Dunnottar Castle?
Dunnottar Castle, located dramatically on a cliff edge near Stonehaven, is a ruined medieval fortress famous for its spectacular location and rich history. It is most renowned as the place where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's army in the 17th century. Its surviving buildings largely date from the 15th and 16th centuries, making it a popular attraction for history and nature lovers alike.
Are there any hidden gem castles in the Kincardine area?
While not entirely 'hidden,' the ruins of Old Kincardine Castle near Auchterarder offer an atmospheric experience for history enthusiasts. This 13th-century royal fortress, though largely overgrown, provides a tangible link to Scotland's medieval past without modern interventions. Similarly, the remains of Old Tulliallan Castle Ruins, a 14th-century hall-house, offer a glimpse into medieval architecture and the families who once owned it.
What are the parking options at castles near Kincardine?
Parking availability varies by castle. Callendar House offers free but limited parking. For other sites, it's advisable to check specific visitor information before your trip, as some ruins or less developed sites may have limited or no dedicated parking.
Can I bring my dog to the castles or their surrounding areas?
While specific castle interiors may have restrictions, many of the surrounding parks and outdoor areas are dog-friendly. For instance, the woodland walks within Callendar Park around Callendar House are suitable for dog walks. Always keep dogs on a lead and check individual castle policies before visiting.
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