Situated just 2 miles from Pitmedden, Tolquhon Castle sits on a slight hill amidst expansive grounds in a wonderful countryside setting, next to Aberdeenshire fields and farmlands.
 

Grand Carvings Befitting a Grand Castle Await at Tolquhon Castle

Said to have been one of Scotland’s most beautiful castles, Tolquhon with its pink and silver hue (typical of the best stone in the area) certainly has a certain glory to it. The castle is now in a ruinous state but much of the lower part of the outer shell of Tolquhon Castle remains intact, with the lower parts of turrets and towers still to be seen, along with the main building.

One fascinating feature of Tolquhon Castle, are the magnificent large carvings found on some of the castle walls. The tradespeople who worked on this building were understandably proud, with the architect Thomas Leiper, even signing his initials to the outside of the property!

This castle was built to impress and although a ruin when visiting today you still get a sense of largess and grandeur with this castle.

 

Fascinating Fact About Tolquhon Castle

Bound to entertain visitors, is the fact that the laird had built for him a special hidden compartment built above his chambers, to keep all his valuables safe and sound!

 

History of Tolquhon Castle

The castle was built for Sir William Forbes, the 7th Laird of Tolquhon in the 1580s and is a grand extension of an original tower house. The castle has its own gatehouse, as befitting a castle this grand. In medieval times, the castle was essentially built around the original tower house (called Preston’s Tower).
 

When to Visit Tolquhon Castle

The castle is only open in the summer months, from 1 April through to 30 September and there is a small entrance fee for both children and adults.

Tolquhon Castle Address:

Tolquhon Castle
Tarves
Aberdeenshire
AB41 7LP

Visiting Information

Tolquhon Castle, although a ruin, is managed and protected by Historic Environment Scotland (Historic Scotland), a public body responsible for promoting some of Scotland’s best historic buildings.