15 Best Historic Castles Near Dundee

Dundee is Scotland’s fourth largest city and overlooks the River Tay. This post explores the best castles and historic ruins near Dundee.

The city is home to four castles which have all been preserved very well. Exploring the best historic castles near Dundee is a perfect activity for adventurous travellers.

All four of Dundee’s castles are stunning and great to visit. Also, there is plenty more to explore in the surrounding areas of Fife and Angus including palaces, ruined abbeys and cathedrals.

Most interestingly the castles display a famous history of the east of Scotland from the 14th century onwards. Therefore, you can let your imagination run wild with the supposed historic events that went on in these castles.

Also, the castles are picturesque unique venues for special occasions, Instagram hotspots or holiday destinations for a relaxed weekend.

This post lists the best 20 castles and castle ruins that are in Dundee and surrounding areas. Also, the distance and drive times from Dundee are included to give you an idea of how long to plan for your trips.

Mains Castle

Mains Castle is a 16^th Century castle located in Caird Park, Dundee. Also known as Fintry Castle or Claverhouse Castle.

The castle consists of several buildings, including a square tower house with dressed cornerstones and a courtyard. However, many of the western buildings no longer exist.

Interestingly, the family who lived here stayed in the northern and eastern buildings while the servants stayed in the southern quarters.

Nowadays, the castle is a very popular wedding venue and occasionally hosts a ghost tour.

Broughty Castle

Broughty Castle was built in the late 15^th century on the banks of the River Tay to protect the nation against the English navy.

Also, the castle has also been used as an artillery defence in the 1860 French invasion and again in World War II for responding to the threats from the Germans.

In contemporary times, the castle hosts a museum run by Leisure and Culture Dundee. The museum includes a history of the local people, environment, and wildlife of Broughty Ferry.

Moreover, the site provides amazing views of the River Tay and the museum is very informative.

Claypotts Castle

Claypotts Castle is one of Scotland’s quirkiest castles located in Broughty Ferry, Dundee. Also, Claypotts Castle is very well preserved by Historic Environment Scotland.

The tiny castle was built in the 16^th century, and it is an example of the popular z-plan castles displaying geometrical turrets and round towers. Back in the 1500s, the castle was home to the Strachans and ‘Bonnie Dundee’.

Dudhope Castle

Dudhope Castle is a late medieval tower house located on the south facing side of the Law in Dudhope Park, Dundee. The castle was built in the 13^th century by the Scrymgeour family.

Moreover, the castle has a large history and has been used for many things including a factory, military barracks, and terraced housing.

From the late 1990s until 2018, the castle was used as a conference centre and office and was part of the University of Abertay Dundee Business School.

Castles In Angus Near Dundee

Kinnettles Castle

Kinnettles Castle is a truly magnificent boutique castle in the heart of Angus. It is the perfect venue for a fairy-tale wedding.

The castle is located near Forfar. I have been to a lovely wedding here as a child.

Glamis Castle, Glamis, Angus

Glamis Castle is a 14^th-century turreted chateau-style castle which is in Glamis near Forfar. Glamis Castle is known as Scotland’s most beautiful castle which used to be the late Queen Mother’s childhood home.

Tours are available of the castle and gardens. However, due to social distancing limited tickets are on sale.

Also, you can enjoy an afternoon tea or Sunday roast in the Castle Kitchen. All tickets for the kitchen include complimentary access to the gardens and grounds.

Red Castle, Lunan, Angus

The Red Castle of Lunan is a small, fortified house on the coast of Angus, Scotland. It was built in the 12th century for King William the Lion to protect from Viking invasions at Lunan Bay.

The castle fell into a state of decline between the 16^th and 18^th centuries. Nowadays, it is a perfect photo opportunity site to watch the sunrise over one of the best beaches on the east coast – Lunan Bay.

Edzell Castle, Edzell, Angus

Edzell Castle and Gardens is a 16^th-century ruined castle just outside Edzell, Angus. This unique site has a surviving walled garden or ‘Pleasaunce’, which was popular in the Renaissance.

Moreover, the castle’s idyllic setting is pleasant and relaxing. Also, it is an excellent place to enjoy nature in the magnificent garden.

The property began declining in 1715 Jacobite rising. A purchase of a ticket allows you to view the Great Hall, the Vaulted Cellar, and the walkway of the west range.

Balintore Castle, Near Kirriemuir, Angus

Balintore Castle is a Victorian A-listed 1860’s masterpiece located in the Scottish Highlands near Kirriemuir and 16 miles away from Glenshee.

The views overlooking the surrounding countryside are spectacular and the castle is enchanting.

As of 2023, the castle is currently undergoing restoration. Parts of the castle are now an AirBnB!

Staying in the kitchen quarters takes you back to the Victorian era with modern comfort. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the progress for the massive restoration.

Castles In North East Fife Near Dundee

Dairsie Castle, Fife

Dairsie Castle is a restored six-bedroom castle containing a great hall and gallery. The entire castle is currently available for booking on AirBnB.

Dairsie was built in the 12th century and it has been home to secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges and a secret retreat for members of the Scottish monarch. The building was falling into ruins in the 19th century.

However someone bought the property in 1992 and has restored it into a comfortable living space while maintaining some medieval character.

The castle comes with six acres of land, containing a woodland walk near the River Eden.

It is a unique vacation property with close access to the Scottish Highlands.

Birkhill Castle, Fife

Birkhill Castle is a perfect accommodation overlooking the banks of the River Tay. It is isolated and secluded, so it is the perfect place to relax.

Also, the rooms are large and authentic, and you can admire the splendid views of the grounds and gardens.

Birkhill Castle is the ancestral home to the Earls of Dundee. The venue is the perfect backdrop for a relaxed romantic wedding.

St Andrews Castle, Fife

St Andrews Castle is a castle ruin which is in St Andrews. The castle is perfectly situated as it sits on a prominent rock overlooking Castle Sands Beach and the North Sea.

Now the site is now regarded as a scheduled monument and maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. Also, there is a gift shop and museum which displays surviving carved fragments from the site.

One thing I remember from the visit is a tunnel which went underneath the road. So, if you are not a fan of tight enclosed spaces then some parts of the castle are not for you.

Most importantly, the castle is famous for the ‘bottle dudgeon’ prisons in medieval Britain.

Falkland Palace, Falkland, Fife

Falkland Palace is set in the heart of a conservation village: Falkland, Fife. It was a royal palace of the Scottish Kings. Most importantly, Mary, Queen of Scots used to reside here as it was an escape from the political and religious turmoil.

More recently, parts of the palace has been restored, and the gardens are beautiful. It is a very interesting visit, with the tennis courts still in use.

Also, there are excellent places in the village to stop and eat. Currently, you have to book tickets in advance to explore the castle, however the gardens are accessible for free.

Castles In Perth & Kinross Near Dundee

Kinnaird Castle

Kinnaird Castle is occupied and currently not open to the public. It is one of many castles that are located at the bottom of the Sidlaws.

It is an interesting but dramatic place. The castle was first built in the 13th century.

The Kinnair’s lived here before they moved to Moncur Castle and Rossie Priory. Where Kinnaird was used to protect the Carse of Gowrie people against the highlanders.

Final Note

Dundee and surrounding areas has so much history. Exploring these castles is a great activity for an adventurous traveller.

There are many castles around Scotland. Explore the castles near Perth, Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Not only do you get some wonderful photos, but you can also learn about the historic roots of Dundee. Before you start exploring head to a cafe or restaurant to get brunch.