Elcho Castle
A beautifully preserved 16th-century tower house with charming orchards, offering a peaceful escape and unique fruit-picking experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Apple picking season!
Elcho Castle
Best Time
Apple picking season!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 16th-century tower house with charming orchards, offering a peaceful escape and unique fruit-picking experiences.
"Elcho Castle is one of those places that feels totally overlooked, and that’s part of the magic."
🍎 Pick Your Own Fruit!
Time your visit for apple and pear season to enjoy fresh fruit from the castle orchards.
👟 Explore Every Nook
With many floors and staircases, wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the castle has to offer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abundant Orchards
Castle grounds
Wander through peaceful orchards and pick fresh apples and pears – a truly unique castle experience.
Intact 16th-Century Tower House
Main castle structure
Explore a remarkably well-preserved tower house with Renaissance touches and comfortable living spaces.
Hidden Stone Doocot
Near the castle
Discover a charming, often-missed stone doocot (dovecote) adding to the castle's historical intrigue.
Twisting Staircases & Rooftop Views
Castle interior and roof
Navigate winding staircases and enjoy panoramic views from the castle's rooftop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peak Apple Season
Embrace the 'Hidden Gem' Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍎 Pick Your Own Fruit!
Time your visit for apple and pear season to enjoy fresh fruit from the castle orchards.
👟 Explore Every Nook
With many floors and staircases, wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the castle has to offer.
🚗 Small Car Park
The car park is small (around 10 spaces), so arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🏰 A Family Adventure
Great for kids to run around and play hide-and-seek in the castle's many rooms.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍎 Pick Your Own Fruit!
Time your visit for apple and pear season to enjoy fresh fruit from the castle orchards.
👟 Explore Every Nook
With many floors and staircases, wear comfortable shoes for exploring all the castle has to offer.
🚗 Small Car Park
The car park is small (around 10 spaces), so arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🏰 A Family Adventure
Great for kids to run around and play hide-and-seek in the castle's many rooms.
📍 Scenic Drive
Enjoy a lovely drive through farmland to reach the castle, accessible via Rhynd Road.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Elcho Castle's unique charm, particularly its well-preserved 16th-century tower house and the delightful experience of picking apples and pears from its orchards. The castle is praised for being a less crowded 'hidden gem' offering a peaceful exploration and a great adventure for families. Some note the small car park and the fact that interiors are less furnished, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
"We had a wonderful experience here as a group of 12 for a unique hen party experience: exploring a huge castle, and picking apples in a huge orchard. The giant game of snakes and ladders was a fun touch too!
It had rained while we were there, so the group hid among the trees, and once we returned to our accommodation we baked a couple of beautiful apple pies.
Highly recommend, and we timed it perfectly with the apples being in season!"
Donna Hutchinson
"Lovely drive thru farmland to get there, the castle is mostly intact, lots of curving stairs to explore, but the orchard is the star! Amazing, delicious, apples and pears."
tangierene
"We received the most friendly welcome. Loved the castle, loved being able to discover every corner and fill our bellies with apples :)"
Dita Nash
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elcho Castle is located near Perth. You can reach it via Rhynd Road, either from Bridge of Earn or Scoonieburn off the A912. The drive through farmland is scenic.
Information on direct public transport to Elcho Castle is limited. It's often best accessed by car, with a small car park available on site.
There is a small car park with approximately 10 spaces available at Elcho Castle. Arriving early is recommended, especially during peak times.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach Elcho Castle, especially for locals. The surrounding countryside offers pleasant cycling routes.
The drive involves single-track roads in parts, but is generally considered manageable and part of the charm of reaching this 'hidden gem'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Elcho Castle is a Historic Scotland property. Tickets are required for entry, and it's advisable to check their official website for current opening times and admission fees.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult the Historic Scotland website for the most up-to-date information on when Elcho Castle is open.
Elcho Castle typically has seasonal opening hours. It may be closed during winter months, so checking the Historic Scotland schedule is essential.
Historic Scotland members usually receive free entry to their properties, including Elcho Castle. Membership details can be found on the Historic Scotland website.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check if it's recommended or required, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the well-preserved 16th-century tower house, wander through the orchards for apple picking (seasonally), discover hidden nooks, and enjoy rooftop views.
Absolutely! Kids love exploring the castle's many rooms, twisting staircases, and playing hide-and-seek. The orchards add an extra element of fun.
It's a fine example of a 16th-century tower house designed for comfort rather than defense, featuring Renaissance elements and an unusual number of 'ensuite' facilities.
Yes, during the right season (late summer/early autumn), you can pick apples and pears from the castle's orchards.
While formal guided tours might not always be scheduled, staff members are often available and delightful to speak with, offering insights into the castle's history.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the castle's exterior against the landscape, the winding staircases inside, the charming doocot, and the fruit-laden orchards during picking season.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites to protect the structures and visitor experience. Always check local regulations and site-specific rules before flying.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful light for photographing the castle and its surroundings. Weekday mornings offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Yes, photography is generally permitted inside Elcho Castle for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
Focus on the unique Renaissance-style windows, the multiple spiral staircases, open chimneys, and the overall structure of the tower house.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The orchards offer a fun seasonal activity where kids can pick their own apples and pears. 🏰 History Enthusiasts
+1 Explore the intricate details of its construction and imagine the lives of the Wemyss family who once resided here. 🍎 Foodies & Garden Lovers
📸 Photographers
+1 The orchards, especially when laden with fruit, offer vibrant shots. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Elcho Castle
+1One of the most intriguing aspects of Elcho Castle is its unusual number of facilities, with many rooms boasting their own 'ensuite' conveniences, a testament to the evolving standards of living. The structure itself is remarkably well-preserved, allowing visitors to truly step back in time and imagine life within its sturdy stone walls. The presence of a doocot (dovecote) nearby further adds to the historical context of the estate.
While the interior may not be furnished with extensive artifacts, the castle's intact structure and its picturesque setting on the banks of the River Tay make it a captivating site. Its designation as a Historic Scotland property ensures its preservation for future generations to appreciate its historical and architectural significance.
Experiencing the Orchards and Local Produce
This seasonal bounty has inspired creative uses, with visitors reporting baking delicious apple pies from their freshly picked harvest. The experience is often described as a 'star' attraction, offering a tangible connection to the land and the castle's historical estate. The chance to enjoy such fresh, local produce within the grounds of a historic castle is a rare treat.
Beyond the picking, the orchards themselves provide a peaceful and scenic environment for a stroll. The combination of historical exploration and the simple pleasure of fruit picking makes Elcho Castle a destination that appeals to a wide range of interests, from history buffs to families seeking a unique outdoor activity.
Exploring Elcho Castle with Children
The surrounding orchards also add a significant draw for younger visitors, especially during the fruit-picking season. The chance to pick their own apples or pears is an exciting activity that connects them with nature and provides a tangible reward for their visit. The relatively compact nature of the castle, combined with its engaging features, makes it manageable for families without overwhelming younger children.
Parents often praise Elcho Castle for being a 'great wee castle adventure' for little ones. The ability for children to run around freely (within safe boundaries) and explore at their own pace contributes to a positive and memorable family outing. It's a place where history comes alive in a fun and accessible way.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit