Glamis Castle with kids: info, tips and secrets from a local! (2024)
Nestled in the heart of the Strathmore Estate in Angus, Glamis Castle in Scotland is surrounded by stunning countryside. With its fascinating history, legends, and fairy tales, visiting Glamis Castle with kids is a definite ‘must-see’ day out.
We have lived on the doorstep of Glamis Castle for more than a decade. Walks around the grounds are enjoyable through every season. Our kids have grown up playing in the area, enjoying the playground, wild animals, Castle tours, special events and the cafe.
Glamis Castle with kids
Glamis Castle, located in the heart of Scotland, is a captivating destination that offers an enchanting blend of history, architecture, and folklore.
Visiting this iconic castle with kids is an experience that immerses them in tales of royalty, adventure, and fantasy. Glamis Castle is a great day out with kids, from exploring grand rooms to learning about ghostly legends!
History Of Glamis Castle
As you approach the castle, its majestic turrets and towers rise against the backdrop of the rolling Scottish countryside, instantly transporting you back in time. For children, the castle’s exterior resembles something straight out of a fairy tale – a real-life Hogwarts waiting to be explored.
Glamis Castle has witnessed six centuries of incredible history and has been the family home for the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. If you see the white Strathmore Flag flying during your visit, you can be sure that the current Earl is in residence. Despite this, the Castle is open to the public throughout the year.
The Castle has a solid royal association and was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. Her youngest child, Princess Margaret, was born here, and the King’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, frequently visited Glamis Castle until she died in 2022.
The Castle is renowned for its famous visitors, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, and King James V. and Willian Shakespeare, who is said to have taken inspiration from the 1st Earl of Kinghorne for one of his most famous works, Macbeth. Visitors can walk through the Pinetum, home to a MacBeth-themed sculpture garden – a great place to enact the play.
The Best Time To visit Glamis Castle with kids
As one of the best castles in Scotland, Glamis will be at its finest at whatever time of year you visit.
In spring, the castle drive is lined with thousands of daffodils and snowdrops pushing up around the ancient oaks. Summer sees the gardens in full bloom, with the Italian garden looking and smelling wonderful.
Despite summer being peak season and the summer school holidays, it is a great time to visit with kids. The castle is never too crowded, and summer means families can maximise the use of outdoor gardens, trails, and playpark.
As the days shorten, autumn slowly takes over, with vibrant orange and red colours forming a beautiful backdrop for the castle. Winter brings fewer visitors, but the Castle looks magical when covered in a crisp, white snow blanket.
Being a local means we get to enjoy the Castle in all the seasons. Even in the rain, the castle grounds and woods are worth visiting. Spring is our favourite season to visit Glamis Castle, with fresh blooms of colour and baby livestock along the drive.
Glamis Castle Opening Times
Glamis Castle is open daily, March – October, from 1000 till 1700, with the last admission at 1600.
During the winter months (November to February), the Castle is only open on selected dates for special events. Bespoke weddings and private events can be held at the Castle, which occasionally closes its grounds to the public.
The extensive grounds at Glamis Castle allow plenty of outdoor space whenever you visit. Guided Castle tours are busiest during weekends and mornings. It is worth booking ahead if you want to avoid any queues and guarantee the time of your tour.
Afternoons are generally quieter, so a tour of Glamis Castle with kids might be best after exploring the gardens after lunch.
Ticket Price
There are two standard ticket options for Glamis Castle: One for the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions only (Adult £8.50, Child £6 and Families £25) and one that also includes a guided castle tour (Adult £17.50, Child £11 & Families £60).
Additionally, if you are staying in the local area, a Glamis season pass or a ticket collaboration with other local castles – Blair Castle and Scone Palace may be worth considering when purchasing your day ticket.
What to do when visiting Glamis Castle with kids
There are various things to do when visiting Glamis Castle with kids, from taking a tour, having afternoon tea or running riot in the gardens.
Guided Castle Tours
Inside Glamis Castle, families are greeted by knowledgeable guides who bring history to life with their engaging storytelling suitable for kids.
Our family friendly guided tour lasted about 50 minutes. The guide sparked our imagination and provided insights into the lives of past residents. Our kids marvelled at the opulent furnishings, intricate tapestries, and medieval armour, gaining a tangible connection to the past.
The Castle resembles an elaborate French chateau, with wonderfully finished rooms and family collections. You will be guided through a selection of rooms, including the Dining Room, Crypt, Drawing Room, Chapel, Billiard Room, King Malcolm’s Room, Royal Apartments, Duncan’s Hall, and the Family Exhibition Room.
See how many lions you can spot that symbolise the Lyon family
Coachhouse Exhibition
The coachhouse displays a rotation of exhibition displays in the Castle. The exhibition is self-guided through photographs and items shown.
Glamis Castle Gardens
Beyond the castle walls are expansive gardens and grounds that provide ample space for children to run, play, and explore.
See if you can spot any white Glamis Castle rose bushes
The castle’s well-kept gardens offer a serene setting for a family picnic, while the surrounding woodland areas are perfect for adventure-filled nature walks. The gardens’ beauty changes with the seasons, offering a different experience with each visit.
Several marked-out walks guide you around the grounds. The trails take you through the Italian Garden, past Princess Margret memorial, the Macbeth Trail in the Pinetum, the walled garden, and over the River Dean back to the Castle.
A children’s activity sheet is available to add a challenge while exploring the Nature Trail.
The large and impressive oak tree at the front of the castle was a favourite play area for the young Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (late Queen Mother) during childhood. Squirrels now enjoy playing in the tree, especially when the sun shines!
>>>See if you can spot any red squirrels while at Glamis Castle in Scotland<<<
Sundial
In front of the Castle stands a magnificent sundial. It is an impressive 21 feet high and was constructed by the Earl of Strathmore in the 17th century. Four lions, each holding a shield with over eighty dial faces, decorate the structure.
Playground
A well-equipped playground for children under eight years old to run off steam is located in a large grassed area near the castle. This is also a perfect spot for family picnics, as it is close to the toilets.
The Victorian Kitchen Restaurant
The Victorian Kitchen Restaurant on the ground floor provides the opportunity to purchase drinks, snacks, lunch, and afternoon tea at Glamis Castle.
Pavilion Shop
No visit is complete without a stop at the Castle’s gift shop. Here, kids can find a variety of souvenirs, from historical books and toys to trinkets inspired by the castle’s legends. It’s an opportunity for children to take a piece of Glamis Castle’s magic home with them.
Glamis Castle Events
A selection of events are held at Glamis Castle throughout the year. These are a bonus when they coincide with a visit.
Glamis Castle events include seasonal fairs and festivals, family fun days, open-air cinema/theatre, Transport Extravaganza, Halloween tours, Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto and sporting events like the Glamis Castle Highland Games.
things to do around Glamis Castle with kids
While visiting Glamis Castle, you should explore the picturesque village of Glamis, built by the 9th Earl of Strathmore. There is a Kirk, a Village Store/Post Office/Coffee Shop, a Gin Bothy, and an Art Gallery.
The tranquil woods make for a pleasant discovery walk along the Glamis Burn. Through the twisting path, there are several bridges to cross rivers, adding an adventure along different paths.
St Fergus Well, a natural spring, is situated within the woods and accessed via steep, poorly proportioned steps – take care if you venture with kids.
As the legend goes, St Fergus set about converting local people to Christianity and baptised them with the water.
Kids will find many ways to bring the woods to life with fairies and treasures, or you may stumble upon the opportunity to throw a stick for a dog while surrounded by ancient trees.
There are two hidden ice houses within the estate; they are separate from the garden tour and not easily visible, but they add a nice bit of history if you spot them. Due to their condition do not go near them.
Within the village are two class II Pictish stones in Glamis dating back to the 9th century; one is located privately in Glamis Manse (only viewed from a distance). The second one is in the woods adjacent to the village.
The village has an old and new post office, prison cells, and a pub (currently closed).
If the kids have exhausted history, they may appreciate a nature spot. The castle grounds and the woods are home to red squirrels, deer, foxes, butterflies, kingfishers, osprey, herons, beavers, and otters. We have had the pleasure of seeing all of these in the area.
The Angus Glens and Cairngorm National Park are a 30-minute drive from Glamis Castle, offering fantastic hiking trails, birdwatching, and scenic views.
Other family things to do in Scotland
Hike to a pyramid
Climb UK’s highest peak
Where To Stay when visiting Glamis Castle
The village of Glamis, Scotland, has a charming character; if time allows, it is worth exploring. What better way to do that than to stay within a stone’s throw (or a few miles) from Glamis Castle. There are no hotels in Glamis.
📍Best Budget Spot – Glamis Camping Sites
Drumshademuir Caravan and Camping Park is located 5 minutes from Glamis Castle. This well-serviced site offers camping, caravans, and pods all year round.
📍Best Luxury Spot – Glamis House
Glamis House is a charming 19th-century self-catering accommodation for 12 guests adjacent to the castle grounds. Surrounded by open fields, this is a perfect spot to relax with family and friends.
Where Is Glamis Castle?
Glamis Castle is located in a small rural village in Angus, Scotland. It is well-signposted and easily accessible from all major routes.
Estimated travel times to Glamis Castle by road from Edinburgh would take around 90 minutes, Aberdeen 60 minutes, Dundee 30 minutes, and Forfar 12 minutes. Onward travel to other Scottish castles is easy if you have transport.
The Castle will reveal itself to you as you descend its impressive driveway with a stunning backdrop of the Angus Glens.
By Car
Arrival by car is the most convenient way to reach Glamis Castle. There is ample space in the car park, which is included in your ticket price. Driving is also the best option to combine with other points of interest en route, such as visiting Edinburgh and having the freedom to stop when the kids need a break.
By Coach
Many tour companies operate daily from Edinburgh and Aberdeen to Glamis Castle. A coach tour is a good option if you do not have a car or wish to travel in a group.
By Bus
A local ‘rural’ bus service stops at the Castle door, but make sure you plan your return journey, as onward travel may not be so convenient.
Visiting Glamis Castle with kids FAQs
Is visiting Glamis Castle with kids a good family day out?
We have spent many great days at the Castle, where our kids (toddlers to teens) have enjoyed exploring the extensive gardens, trails, and impressive interior on foot and by bicycle. Afternoon tea by the roaring fire or ice cream in the playpark finishes a visit perfectly.
Is Glamis Castle Dog-Friendly?
Dogs are welcome at Glamis Castle; they are even treated to a biscuit at the ticket office! However, dogs must be kept on leads while on the grounds.
Can you see Glamis Castle from the road?
Glamis castle sits within a large estate surrounded by fields and trees. Although you can ‘just’ see the Castle from the road, you must approach from the drive to truly appreciate the stunning beauty of this Castle and gardens.
Is Glamis Castle National Trust?
No, Glamis Castle is privately owned by the Strathmore Family and not part of the National Trust.
Is Glamis Castle suitable for wheelchairs?
If a wheelchair is required, unfortunately, the castle tour is not suitable. Paths around the grounds are in fitting with a castle of this age; some may not be suitable for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users have free admittance when visiting Glamis Castle.
How long should you spend when visiting Glamis Castle?
If the weather is fair, you can spend a few hours to a whole day visiting Glamis Castle with kids. Additionally, in the village of Glamis, there is a Kirk, standing stones, a Gin Bothy, an Art Gallery, and a Village Store with a Coffee Shop that bakes outstanding scones!
What is Glamis Castle Secret room?
As legend has it, there was a confined monster of Glamis Castle. The 11th Earl of Strathmore was said to have been deformed from birth and spent his life hidden from view in the secret room. The ‘monster’ of Glamis Castle was thought to only come out of the room at night and has been a Glamis Castle ghost since he died in 1920.
Kids will be wide-eyed as they hear about secret chambers and hidden passageways where the “Monster” was supposedly kept. This eerie story adds an element of mystery and excitement to the visit, igniting children’s imaginations.
Final Thoughts: visiting Glamis Castle with kids
As the day at Glamis Castle draws to a close, your kids will surely be filled with memories they will cherish. The mix of history, enchantment, and imagination creates an experience transcending the ordinary. Glamis Castle is not just a castle to visit but to dream, explore, and believe in magic.
As a family, we have spent many enjoyable hours walking the estate grounds and have been on several tours while visiting Glamis Castle with kids. We even had the privilege of seeing the late Queen Elizabeth II on one of her last visits to the Castle.
So, if you’re planning a family adventure in Scotland, make sure to put Glamis Castle at the top of your list. Your family won’t be disappointed.
