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Great place to explore
Edzell Castle is a ruined 16th-century castle, with an early-17th-century walled garden. It is located close to Edzell, and is around 5 miles (8 km) north of Brechin, in Angus, Scotland.
Free for Historic Scotland members – and English Heritage, this was a great castle. Loads of interesting history and a garden unique to Scotland. Loads to see and a great place for a picnic.
The castle remained the property of the Earls of Dalhousie, who appointed a caretaker from the 1870s and built a cottage for him in 1901, which is now in use as a visitor centre. In 1932, the walled garden passed into state care, followed by the rest of the castle in 1935. The castle and garden are currently maintained by Historic Environment Scotland and are open to the public year-round. The motte and castle are protected as Scheduled Ancient Monuments, and the garden is included in the Inventory of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes, the national listing of significant gardens. The caretaker’s house is a Category B listed building.

Its highlight is the great garden added in 1604, which has enclosing walls featuring decoration unique in Britain
The castle is so peaceful. Its stones are a beautiful red with light streaking – quite unique. There are secure, wooden stairs so you can climb up high, explore all the rooms, and view the lovely countryside. It stands alone in a field with magnificent gardens and also flowers embedded in the walls. There is a resident peacock! The summer house in the corner is adorable. There’s a little museum in the gift shop house that is informative about the Lindsay family, the castle, and the castle building in general. Highly recommended.
Castle
Who lived in Edzell Castle?
- Edzell Castle was home to the Lindsays, a gifted, turbulent and tragic noble family who acquired the estate in 1358. The lordly seat was a motte and bailey residence near the medieval church. In the 1500s, the family built a brand new castle – the one we admire today.
Garden
What created the walled garden?
- The beautiful walled garden at Edzell is one of Scotland’s unique sights, created by Sir David Lindsay in 1604. Edzell was home to the Lindsays, a gifted yet tragic noble family whose head became the Earl of Crawford and one of the most powerful men in the realm.
Edzell, by Brechin, Angus, DD9 7UE
Discover More
Erected in 1779, House of Mark is situated in the ancient glen of Glenesk in Angus, now offers high-standard accommodation, there is nothing archaic about our approach however with a contemporary style and efficient service our guests return time and again.

Pictures by https://www.flickr.com/photos/bervaz/