Brodie Castle

Forres, United Kingdom

Brodie Castle is a well-preserved Z plan castle located about 5.5 kilometres west of Forres, in Moray. The original Z-plan castle was built in 1567 by Clan Brodie but was destroyed by fire in 1645 by Lewis Gordon of Clan Gordon, the 3rd Marquis of Huntly. In 1824, architect William Burn was commissioned to convert it into a large mansion house in the Scots Baronial style, but these additions were never completed and were later remodelled by James Wylson (c. 1845).

The Brodie family called the castle home until the early 21st century. It is widely accepted that the Brodies have been associated with the land on which the castle is built since around 1160, when it is believed that King Malcolm IV gave the land to the family.

Architecturally, the castle has a very well-preserved 16th-century central keep with two 5-storey towers on opposing corners. The interior of the castle is also well preserved, containing fine antique furniture, oriental artifacts and painted ceilings, largely dating from the 17th–19th centuries.

Today the castle and surrounding policies, including a national daffodil collection, are owned by the National Trust for Scotland and are open to the public to visit throughout the year. The castle may be hired for weddings and indoor or outdoor events. An ancient Pictish monument known as Rodney's Stone can be seen in the castle grounds.

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Address

Forres, United Kingdom
See all sites in Forres

Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tiffany Joslin (31 days ago)
Absolutely lovely place nice walk to the pond and back and saw a range of wildlife. Did a tour round the castle which was guided and free for national trust members. Dogs are allowed in the grounds only.
Karen (44 days ago)
Good value fascinating yet relaxing day out for all, £5 per car, walks, play areas, music area, flower & veg garden, cafe, indoor soft play, great for prams & wheel chairs etc as flat ground, the castle however is one hour tour £14 walking over 3 stories floors
Janet Richardson (2 months ago)
Road trip to Inverness joined National Trust For Scotland while first visit to Brodie Estate & Castle. Wonderful daffodils and flowering shrubs in the gardens. Delicious home made soup in the café before taking a guided tour around the Castle which took an hour. Interesting tour with so much to look at.
Sarah Etherington (3 months ago)
A beautiful day out, we were so lucky with the weather and the timing as the daffodils were in full bloom. Had a wonderful walk with the dog around the grounds and pond. Only downside was the Cafes, 2 on site and selection at both a bit underwhelming as it was the 'off season' with poor vegetarian options. Might be better in high summer, but otherwise I'd take a picnic. But only £5 to park and then you have full access to the grounds, a tour of the castle costs extra.
Olivia Begnami (3 months ago)
Aberdeenshire has loads of pink/stone castles and this did not disappoint. Becautiul on the outside and inside (sadly photos are not allowed of the inside!). Brodie holds the biggest library of all castles in Scotland and I would stay there for hours if I could! Entrance to the castle is by guided tours only- so check the time before going. Brodie castle is a part of National Trust for Scotland and if you’re visiting more then 3 of the castles, it’s worth paying for the membership! The estate is also big so plenty of places for walks and many animals to see. Dogs are allowed on the state but not inside the castle. Ig: @olivianaescocia for more tips :)
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Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.