Aberdour Castle - Image 1
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Aberdour Castle and Gardens

4.6
·1k reviews·Aberdour, United Kingdom

Explore one of Scotland's oldest castles, featuring medieval ruins, painted ceilings, and beautiful terraced gardens.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Aberdour Castle - Image 1

Aberdour Castle and Gardens

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore one of Scotland's oldest castles, featuring medieval ruins, painted ceilings, and beautiful terraced gardens.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Step back into the past at Aberdour castle, it's a small castle with rooms and ruins to explore."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Easy Train Access

Aberdour Castle is easily reachable by train from Edinburgh, making it a perfect day trip.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the castle grounds and gardens, but not inside all castle areas.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Tower House

Medieval Tower House

Main Castle Structure

Explore the oldest castle in Scotland, a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution.

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Terraced Gardens and Orchard

Terraced Gardens and Orchard

Castle Grounds

Wander through beautiful, well-maintained gardens, a dovecot, and a tranquil apple orchard.

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St. Fillan's Chapel

St. Fillan's Chapel

Adjacent to the Castle

Discover the charming, historic chapel located right next to the castle ruins, offering a moment of quiet reflection.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds

Aberdour Castle and Gardens is a popular spot, especially for day-trippers from Edinburgh. To avoid the busiest times, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and holidays can get quite crowded, so planning ahead is key for a more peaceful experience. Instagram

Accessibility and What to Expect

While the grounds and gardens are generally accessible, some parts of the castle involve numerous staircases, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues or young children. InstagramReddit The staff are known to be very welcoming and knowledgeable, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, thinning crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends/Holidays
Why
Can be very busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

وجهة جميلة قريبة من لندن ادنبرة في اسكتلندا 😍❤️
@by.bashair
17.6K likes • 549.3K views

🚶 Easy Train Access

Aberdour Castle is easily reachable by train from Edinburgh, making it a perfect day trip. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the castle grounds and gardens, but not inside all castle areas. Reddit

Mum and son day trip to Aberdour, Fife 💖 Alex and I had a fun wee adventure to Aberdour, which is just 30 minutes from Edinburgh. Itinerary 👇 📍 Shore Road Play Park 📍 Shopping on the High Street 📍 Lunch at Cafe @ Number 16 @cafeatnumber16 📍 Aberdour Castle and Gardens Did you know that Aberdour Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland? The oldest part of the castle dates back to 1200...
wayfaringkiwi
0 likes • 4.8K views
Aberdour castle and gardens 🏰 Being @historicscotland member I love getting to explore castles in my spare time, and Aberdour castle didn’t disappoint for a second and it’s over 30 minutes away from Edinburgh by train! And very assessable by foot. And for outlander @outlander_starz fans, it has been used for locations in season one and two. #tavelvlog #minivlogs #minitraveller #visitfife #dai...
amandaslifeedit
53 likes • 2.5K views

📜 History Unfolds

Read the placards to learn about the castle's rich history and its former inhabitants. Reddit

📸 Outlander Filming Location

Fans of Outlander can spot familiar scenes, as it was used for filming in seasons one and two. Instagram

AD 13 must visit places in the Heartlands of Fife (save for visiting) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 1. Kinghorn Harbour 🛶 2. @banchory_farm accommodation ✨ 3. @bagelshop.tornado 🥯 4. @paddleboard_fife 🏄🏻‍♂️ 5. @aberdourbistro ☕️ 6. Aberdour Castle and Gardens @historicscotland 🏰 7. @cluny_activities 🏹 8. @the.buffalofarm 🐐 9. @theecologycentre 🌳 10. @merchantshousecafe 🧁 11. @kirkcaldy_galleries @onfife_cultural_t...
ontheroadagaintravels
0 likes • 34.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Easy Train Access

Aberdour Castle is easily reachable by train from Edinburgh, making it a perfect day trip. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Grounds

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the castle grounds and gardens, but not inside all castle areas. Reddit

📜 History Unfolds

Read the placards to learn about the castle's rich history and its former inhabitants. Reddit

📸 Outlander Filming Location

Fans of Outlander can spot familiar scenes, as it was used for filming in seasons one and two. Instagram

🍎 Explore the Orchard

Don't miss the lovely apple orchard located below the main castle structure. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Aberdour Castle and Gardens for its serene beauty, rich history, and well-maintained grounds. The combination of the medieval ruins, lovely gardens, and adjacent chapel creates a captivating experience. Staff are frequently noted as kind and knowledgeable, enhancing the visit. Some find the numerous staircases a challenge, but the overall sentiment is highly positive.

"Castle ruins in a serene, beautiful location. The placards tell the history of the castle and its inhabitants. The garden area and courtyard are fantastic. Wonderful gift shop as well."

John Espinosa

"Loved this castle as it was ruins and not. And nice little chapel next door. There is a gate but was closed and had to walk around."

Luke Verner

"🏰 Kind and courteous staff
🏰 Quiet and relaxing visit on a weekday morning
🏰 Easy walking distance from the Aberdour train station
🏰 Beautiful gardens
🏰 Toilets available
🏰 Note that as with most castles, numerous staircases; keep an eye on the children, elderly and those with physical disabilities for safety"

Diana Hsu

What People Like

Historic castle ruins
Beautiful gardens
Welcoming staff

What People Dislike

Many stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Aberdour Castle is easily accessible by train from Edinburgh. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and the castle is a short, pleasant walk from Aberdour train station. InstagramReddit Driving is also an option, with disabled parking available near the castle. Reddit

Absolutely! Aberdour Castle and Gardens makes for a fantastic day trip from Edinburgh, offering a glimpse into Scotland's history and beautiful coastal scenery. Instagram+1

Yes, public transport is a great way to reach Aberdour Castle. The train service from Edinburgh is frequent and convenient, and the walk from the station is straightforward. Reddit

For convenience and ease, traveling by train from Edinburgh is highly recommended. It's a quick and scenic journey, and the castle is within easy walking distance of the station. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available, including disabled parking, located next to the castle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees apply for Aberdour Castle and Gardens. It's advisable to check the official Historic Scotland website for the most up-to-date pricing and opening hours. Instagram

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, can save you time and guarantee entry. Consider a Historic Scotland membership if you plan to visit multiple sites. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the official Historic Scotland website for the most accurate and current opening times before your visit. Instagram

Historic Scotland members often get free entry. Check their website for any other potential discounts or family ticket options. Instagram

Yes, dogs are welcome in the grounds and gardens of Aberdour Castle, but they are not permitted inside all areas of the castle itself. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the medieval tower house, wander through the beautiful terraced gardens and orchard, and visit the adjacent St. Fillan's Chapel. Informative placards detail the castle's history. InstagramReddit+1

Children can enjoy exploring the castle ruins and gardens. However, be mindful of numerous staircases and uneven surfaces, so supervision is recommended. Reddit

Aberdour Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland, with parts dating back to the 12th century. It has a rich history spanning over 500 years, evolving through different periods. Instagram+1

Yes, toilet facilities are available for visitors at Aberdour Castle. Reddit

While disabled parking is available, the castle's historic nature means many areas have stairs and uneven terrain, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. The gardens and grounds offer more accessible areas. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the castle ruins against the coastal backdrop, the intricate details of the gardens, and the charming St. Fillan's Chapel. The terraced gardens offer great perspectives. Instagram+1

Yes, Aberdour Castle provides excellent photographic opportunities with its blend of medieval architecture, lush gardens, and scenic coastal setting. Instagram+1

Photography is generally permitted inside Aberdour Castle, but always be respectful of other visitors and the historic site. Check for any specific restrictions on flash photography. Instagram

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the atmosphere of the castle and gardens. Early mornings can also offer softer light and fewer people. Instagram

The medieval tower house, the terraced gardens with their vibrant blooms, the dovecot, and the adjacent St. Fillan's Chapel are all highly photogenic elements. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Aberdour Castle and Gardens offers an engaging experience for families. Children can enjoy exploring the castle ruins, imagining knights and royalty. The gardens and orchard provide space for them to run around and discover nature. Reddit

While the castle has many stairs, which require supervision, the overall experience is rewarding. The nearby Shore Road Play Park is also a great addition for younger children, making Aberdour a well-rounded family day out. Instagram

🚶 Day-Trippers from Edinburgh

Aberdour Castle is an ideal destination for a day trip from Edinburgh. It's easily accessible by a short train ride, taking around 30 minutes. InstagramReddit

Combine your visit with a stroll along the coast, a visit to the local shops and cafes, or a stop at the Shore Road Play Park for a complete and enjoyable day out. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

Dog owners will appreciate that Aberdour Castle and Gardens are dog-friendly. Your furry friends are welcome in the grounds and gardens, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful scenery alongside you. Reddit

Remember to keep your dog on a lead and be mindful of other visitors. While dogs can explore the outdoor areas, they are not permitted inside all parts of the castle itself. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through Aberdour Castle's History

Aberdour Castle stands as one of Scotland's most significant medieval strongholds, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century. The castle evolved over centuries, showcasing different architectural styles and periods of habitation. Its strategic location on the coast made it an important defensive structure. Instagram+1

During its prime, the castle was a vibrant residence, featuring a grand tower house, a courtyard, and various domestic buildings. The painted ceilings, though now faded, hint at the former opulence. The castle's history is punctuated by periods of both prosperity and conflict, reflecting the turbulent past of Scotland. Reddit

Today, as a ruin managed by Historic Scotland, Aberdour Castle offers a tangible connection to the past. Visitors can explore its various sections, from the imposing tower to the more intimate chapel, and imagine life within its walls centuries ago. The well-preserved gardens and dovecot add to the immersive historical experience. InstagramReddit

Exploring the Gardens and Grounds

The gardens at Aberdour Castle are a significant draw, offering a peaceful contrast to the castle's martial history. These terraced gardens are meticulously maintained, featuring vibrant borders, manicured lawns, and a charming apple orchard. InstagramReddit

Visitors can wander through these beautiful spaces, enjoying the scents and colors of the flora. The presence of a dovecot adds a unique historical touch to the grounds. The adjacent St. Fillan's Chapel provides a serene spot for reflection, further enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of the estate. InstagramReddit

These grounds are also dog-friendly, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll with your canine companion. The combination of historical architecture and natural beauty makes the gardens a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Aberdour Castle: A Filming Gem

Aberdour Castle has captured the attention of filmmakers, notably serving as a filming location for the popular historical drama series, Outlander. Fans of the show can recognize the castle from scenes in seasons one and two, adding an extra layer of appeal for visitors. Instagram

The castle's atmospheric ruins and picturesque setting make it a compelling backdrop for historical dramas. Its medieval architecture and coastal location contribute to its cinematic quality, allowing viewers to step into the world of the show. Instagram

For Outlander enthusiasts, a visit to Aberdour Castle offers a chance to connect with the series on a deeper level, walking through the very grounds where iconic moments were filmed. This adds a unique dimension to the historical exploration of the site. Instagram

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