Glamis Castle (Angus)

Summary

16th century buildings
Guided tours
Gift shop
Information provided
Gardens
Children's play area
Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks

Restaurant
Picnic area

Introduction

16th century Glamis Castle, was the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting for Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. Visitors can see the 'Great Hall', which is now a Drawing Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling and magnificently-carved over-mantel, an 18th Century Billiards Room and the remarkable 17th Century family chapel, its walls illustrated by biblical portraits by Dutch artist Jacob de Wet.

History to the present day

Mary Queen of Scots and her entourage visited Glamis in 1562, the East Wing was dominated by the main Tower, which had been added in about 1435. The Castle was enclosed within a fortified court.

The 17th century witnessed many changes. The West Wing was added, as well as a small north-east wing containing the chapel. The courtyard buildings and much of the fortifications were swept away and replaced by a baroque setting of courts, sculptures and vistas.

In the mid-18th century the grounds in front of the Castle were landscaped with radiating avenues of trees. New kitchens, a Billiard Room and new service courtyards beyond the East Wing were all added in 1773. Two years later, the West Wing was demolished and remodelling of the grounds into open parklands in the style of Capability Brown began. This was achieved by pulling down the garden walls in front of the Castle and moving the De'il Gates to the boundary where they stand today.

The pitched roof of the East Wing was replaced with castellations in 1797 and the reconstruction of the West Wing in a matching style was effected in about 1800. The main avenue was replanted in about 1820.
In 1893, the 13th Earl laid out the Dutch Garden in front of the Castle. This return to a formal style was continued with the creation by The Queen Mother's parents of the Italian Garden in 1910. This was the last major alteration and completes the modern day appearance of the Castle.

Food and Drinks

A self-service, licensed restaurant serving light snacks and hot meals using local produce is available from 10.00am - 4.30pm.

Grounds and gardens

The castle has extensive grounds and gardens that surround the castle. These include the avenue, the Italian Garden, the pinetum and the walled garden.

Other facilities

A variety of shops available including gift, food, antique and clothing shops.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , Angus, , United Kingdom

Directions: Glamis Castle garden is 6 miles west of Forfar on the A94

Nearest Train Station: Dundee

Opening Hours: March-October 10.00am to 6.00pm. November-December 10.30am - 4.30pm.