Menzies Castle, Aberfeldy, United Kingdom

Castle Menzies in Scotland is the ancestral seat of the Clan Menzies and the Menzies Baronets for over 500 years. Strategically situated, the sixteenth-century castle was involved in the turbulent history of the highlands.

In 1840 an entirely new wing was added, designed by William Burn using stone from the same quarry on south side of Loch Tay.

Duleep Singh, last maharajah of the Sikh Empire, lived at Castle Menzies between 1855 and 1858, following his exile from the Punjab in 1854. He was officially the ward of Sir John Spencer Login and Lady Login, who leased the castle for him.

The castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society after 1957, is an example of architectural transition between an earlier tradition of rugged fortresses and a later one of lightly defensible châteaux. The walls are of random rubble, originally harled (roughcast), but the quoins, turrets and door and window surrounds are of finely carved blue freestone. This attractive and extremely hard-weathering stone was also used for the architectural details and monuments at the nearby Old Kirk of Weem, which was built by the Menzies family and contains their monuments and funeral hatchments.

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Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Frances Robertson (3 months ago)
Very interesting castle.History includes not just Scottish but also includes Polish soldiers and a Punjabi Raja. Lots of stairs though.

Dea M (10 months ago)
A bonus castle to our list! So much information to take in, Hearing about the plans coming for the gardens, we cannot wait to come back! Especially for the Night Haunted walk! Staff extremely helpful and a bundle of information! Thanks guys!!

Alan and Debbie (11 months ago)
Stunning from the outside, lots of rooms to explore, lots of great pieces on display, lots of history explained. Great for children and adults to explore . Nice friendly staff, car park right at the door. Worth the entrance fee.

Geraldine Swales (12 months ago)
Lovely castle and very interesting. Enjoyed our visit. It was just a shame that the cafe was shut due to staff shortages. So it's not been open yet this season. But they hope to open it in a couple of weeks.

Wendi Richards (18 months ago)
Castle Menzies has been beautiful restored to its former glory. It is a must-see if you are in Aberfeldy Scotland. If you are here for a day or longer, contact them to host a haunted tour, intimate dinner, or large gathering. It's a unique venue that will not disappoint.

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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.

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