Blair Castle
With a National Art Pass you get
Built across 800 years, from medieval tower to 21st-century gallery, Blair Castle is a manifest history of Scottish architecture.
Originally a fortified tower, the castle has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, reflecting the changing architectural styles and fortunes of its occupants, Clan Murray and their chiefs, the Dukes of Atholl.
Family legacy
The ancestral home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, Blair Castle has accumulated fascinating collections over its long and illustrious history. Portraits of past Dukes and Duchesses adorn the grand halls, while well-preserved furniture, weaponry, and artefacts offer insights into the family’s past.
Grand interiors
The dining room showcases exquisite 18th-century plasterwork by Thomas Clayton. Opulent furnishings throughout the rest of the house include Louis XVI gilt chairs, Huguenot silks, and Mortlake Tapestries that once belonged to King Charles I.
Atholl Highlanders
The castle, known as the gatekeeper to the Scottish Highlands, is also home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders, a ceremonial infantry regiment originally established in the 18th century.
Beyond the castle walls
Step outside the castle and explore the stunning grounds including a magnificent nine-acre walled garden and a sculpture trail. Beyond the manicured lawns lies a peaceful wooded area, home to some of Britain’s tallest trees and the ruins of St Brides Kirk, the final resting place of the Jacobite leader, Bonnie Dundee.
Visitor information
Address
Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross, PH18 5TL
01796 481207
Opening times
Gardens and grounds are now open, pre-booked guide led castle tours are open for the months of August and September.
30 Mar – 31 Oct Daily, 9.30am – 5.30pm (excluding 27th October)
Please visit the Blair Castle website for winter opening times.
Refurbishments
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.