As the first private home in Scotland to open to the public in 1936, we have a wealth of experience welcoming individuals and larger groups through our doors.
Whether the group would prefer to explore the castle at their own pace, receive an introduction on arrival or take a fully guided tour, we have a range of options available to suit most requirements as follows:
Guided tours may be requested (excluding July and August) at a cost of £300 for any groups of 12 or more, however, they are subject to availability on the day of the visit and cannot be guaranteed. Advance booking, particularly when guides are requested, is strongly recommended. Tours take approximately 50 minutes.
Standard tours of the castle are self-guided, with information in every room and guides on each floor to answer any questions you may have.
Smartify is free to download and allows users to experience a tour of the castle, as well as view collection items, both on-site and from the comfort of their own home. Smartify is a great enabler for visitors across the globe to experience our history and rich tapestry of stories.
For any visitors who have special interests or wish to learn about a specific discipline, we have the following tours to choose from:
This tour will include a 30-minute talk on any of the below subjects by our Archivist and then a tour of the Castle at your own leisure. The talk will be in our exclusive Library. The following subjects are available:
The Jacobites
Blair Castle was the last castle in Britain to be besieged as the Jacobite troops retreated to Culloden in 1746, under the command of the 2nd Duke’s brother Lord George Murray. The castle houses many treasures relating to these turbulent times.
Atholl Highlanders
Hear how Queen Victoria was guarded by Atholl men during her stay at Blair Castle, and how this led to the creation of Europe’s only private army – the Atholl Highlanders. View the historic record books and photographs that show the regiment and its activities from inception to the present day.
Lady Evelyn’s lace collection
Created by the daughter of the 7th Duke during her stay in mainland Europe, the collection includes items of exceptional quality lace both worked on and collected by Lady Evelyn. (Please note this is a viewing of the lace collection and not a tour)
Pricing:
£40.00 per person including VAT, (with a minimum charge of £400).
Please note any catering requirements would be an additional cost.
The castle’s guidebook is £5.25 and can also be added to the cost.
For the 2024 season room notes will be provided in a range of languages. Fully illustrated guidebooks are available in English prices at £5.25 and can be purchased at the ticket office, entrance hall, and gift shop.
Drivers, couriers, and tour guides receive complimentary admission to the castle and grounds and a voucher for a complimentary tea or coffee in the restaurant.
On arrival, you will pass through the castle gates, these are 3.3m (11ft) wide by 4.05m (13ft 4in) high and will accommodate most coaches and motor homes. If you have any concerns, please contact the administration office on 01796 481 207 for a route that will avoid this entrance.
Please stop at the ticket office on the castle drive to check-in, and receive further directions to parking. Visitors should be dropped off and collected from the coach parking.
Free parking for visitors is available 100 meters from the castle for 200 cars and up to 20 coaches at any given time.
Our Tullibardine Restaurant is open to guests and serving a fantastic selection of hot and cold food, including sandwiches and delicious home baking, as well as coffee, tea and cold drinks. All of our food is made on the premises by our expert team of chefs and where possible, use locally, Scottish ingredients.
The menu includes a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
For more details on catering packages we can offer please contact us on 01796 481207 or email.
If you would like to discuss your group visit to Blair Castle and Gardens, please contact our bookings office on 01796 481207 or email bookings@blair-castle.co.uk.
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