Aberdour Castle, Aberdour, United Kingdom

Aberdour Castle is located in the village of Easter Aberdour. Parts of the castle date from around 1200, making Aberdour one of the two oldest datable standing castles in Scotland, along with Castle Sween in Argyll, which was built at around the same time.

The earliest part of the castle comprised a modest hall house, on a site overlooking the Dour Burn. Over the next 400 years, the castle was successively expanded according to contemporary architectural ideas. The hall house became a tower house in the 15th century, and was extended twice in the 16th century. The final addition was made around 1635, with refined Renaissance details, and the whole was complemented by a walled garden to the east and terraced gardens to the south. The terraces, dating from the mid-16th century, form one of the oldest gardens in Scotland, and offer extensive views across the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh.

The castle is largely the creation of the Douglas Earls of Morton, who held Aberdour from the 14th century. The earls used Aberdour as a second home until 1642, when their primary residence, Dalkeith House, was sold. A fire in the late 17th century was followed by some repairs, but in 1725 the family purchased nearby Aberdour House, and the medieval castle was allowed to fall into decay. Today, only the 17th-century wing remains roofed, while the tower has mostly collapsed. Aberdour Castle is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, and is open to the public all year.

References:

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User Reviews

ValleyWest (6 months ago)
Very nice garden. Honestly the public area is all you need to see for free. The ticket isn't much. But the outside view of the castle far exceeds the inside. Lovely time tho. Specially in Oct

Marion Ann Murray (6 months ago)
Had precooked tickets. Bought tour guide. Given map and helpful advice. Neolithic rock art exhibition on. Very impressed to find talented and knowledgeable musician, Jim Tribble, demonstrate a wide range of ancient instruments. Delightful extra immersive experience - was fortunate to have this additional enriching experience. Castle is considerable in size with information boards and on several levels. Scottish Neolithic rock art exhibition display. Really enjoyed visit. Sadly no time to see chapel and doecot. Had not seen the specific use of oyster shells in mortar before. Good to see Outlander information in stables ?. Well worth a visit!

Jorn Mehnen (8 months ago)
Nice little castle. The ruin has been partially repaired. You can visit the grounds and walk through the two levels of the castle. One room on the first floor is nicely restored. You may see the Firth of Force from one of the windows. The gardens are lush and the apple orchard heavy with fruit. The dovecot looks like a bee hive. It is currently empty. You can park in the nearby carpark at the train station for free. There are only two charging stations. The walk to the castle is really short. You do have to pay but that's alright.

anna martin (9 months ago)
Took my 5 year old grandson to Aberdour castle on Saturday and we both really enjoyed our visit. There is a car park within the grounds but you can also park at the nearby train station. The sun was shining which helped as we strolled around the beautiful gardens before entering the castle. As you walk into the entrance you pass the stable area which has realistic horse noises. Then through the open door which leads onto the pristine lawns and orchards. There is also a dove coot which is shaped similar to a large bee hive and steps which lead down into it. Once inside the castle walls there are several rooms to explore. Our favourite was geared towards children and provided drawing resources, books, dressing up costumes, games, bricks and make your own crown. It is not a big castle in size but it does offer child friendly amenities. There are clean toilets and a small shop which is pretty reasonable. Is it worth a visit? yes definitely.

Kate Popova (10 months ago)
Aberdour castle is one of the oldest ones in the area. A big part of the castle was preserved and you can have an authentic medieval experience. There are very nice gardens around the castle which you can enjoy for free. The tickets and navigation booklets can be bought in the shop near the entrance. Pay attention to your time - the castle is closed after 16:30. The personnel pays attention to the timing and will politely ask you to leave if you overstay your welcome.

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