Fyvie Castle
Fyvie Castle
4.5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The charm of Fyvie ranges from its 13th-century origins to its stunning Edwardian interiors. The castle is home to a superb collection of arms, armour and paintings, including works by Raeburn and Gainsborough. Stroll around the picturesque loch, or visit the restored 1903 racquet court and bowling alley. Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie Castle's 800-year history. Tradition claims that the castle's five successive families - Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Forbes-Leith - each added a tower to this magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress. You can see their influences today among the medieval stones and the lavish Edwardian interiors, and imagine what castle life must have been like for the families and their royal guests - among them Robert the Bruce, Edward I and Charles I.
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- Joanna BSan Antonio, Texas27 contributionsFyvie Castle - A Must SeeFyvie Castle is a very interesting place to visit. It was one of the highlights of the various castles we visited during our holiday. Highly recommend the tour of the castle. Our tour guide, Bob, did a great job telling us the history of the castle and pointing out interesting items seen on the tour. People usually see a picture where the eyes of the person in the painting follow you. In one of the paintings in the castle’s collection a shoe on the person in the painting follows you. Very weird! Definitely recommend this castle for a tour.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 6, 2023
- Paul D1 contributionLovely Bob 🙂Myself and the wife visited the castle today for the first time. We really enjoyed our tour from Bob and he was very entertaining and lots of knowledge about the castle. All staff were very friendly and we finished of with a lovely walk through the gardens of the castle. Well worth a visit 🙂⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 13, 2023
- Angela MBrisbane, Australia83 contributionsGreat castle, made more special by our tour guideWe are very glad that Storm Babet receeded in time to allow us to visit Fyvie Castle. A beautiful building that exudes history and fascinating stories. I mainly want to thank Sheila, our tour guide, for her patience, charm and sense of humour - she really brought the house alive for us. This place is definitely worth a visit. Also, go to the tea rooms - delicious.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 3, 2023
- Bobby DrakeNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom358 contributionsA special placeOne of the best castle tours yet! So many interesting stories, impressive artwork and stunning rooms. Our tour guide Leslie was fabulous. The tearooms serve the best cheese scones - but get there early or they’ll run out. Dogs may be allowed inside if it’s quiet but if it’s busy you may have to sit outside- this seems a sensible policy and we were lucky as it was quiet and there were no other dogs around. There is a relatively short (20-30 minute) walk around a little loch and a walled garden. Parking is free with National Trust or about £3 without. A special place and well worth a visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 28, 2024
- Jacque333Aberdeen, United Kingdom33 contributionsFantastic Fyvie Castle Guided TourOur second visit, but first to take tour inside castle. Bob our guide was super. Very informative about the contents of the castle, the families that had owned it over time and the history surrounding the owners and the castle. He was patient with our kids and took time to engage them when some of the information was a little over their heads, and hunting for the Green Lady in each room was a real hit.! The castle itself has some beautiful and interesting artefacts. All in all a fantastic day out on an otherwise wet and windy day. We didn’t visit the tearoom this time but did on our last visit and it was lovely, reasonably priced for a castle and staff friendly. We will definitely be back. Thank you,Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten April 3, 2024
- Gill MScotland, United Kingdom95 contributionsWell worth a visitWe arrived as a group of 10 and went round the castle with a tour guide and other visitors. The tour was a little over an hour and our guide was friendly, informative and it was well worth going on. I really recommend the tour. There's a gift shop and tea room (tasty soup, bacon roll, cakes). Plenty walking outside but we didn't partake as it was pouring rain but the plants and shrubs on the walk to the castle were lovely to look at. Definitely recommend. £16 entry, free if National Trust member, £4 for parking (coins) but you can pay at reception if no cash.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 11, 2024
- swoodrufMuskegon, Michigan1,638 contributionsOne of the BEST Castles to Visit in EuropeFyvie Castle is one of the best castles I have ever visited. It is full of furniture, art, and other items that are pertinent to the time. This castle is unique as it was built over time. The first tower was built sometime in the 13th century. Every family that occupied the castle after that added on various towers. The walls are covered with portraits, landscapes, and other art. Some of the pieces are done by Masters and are priceless. I really appreciated that the Scottish National Trust placed chairs that you can actually sit on in most of the rooms. When you walk in, you see a couple of knight’s armor. One was extremely unique (see the photos.). We had a young man, Ronan, who was our guide through the castle. He told us up front that he was going to tell us about the things that he loved and found interesting, but if we had other questions he would certainly answer them. For being so young, he was very knowledgeable. I loved the interesting historical stories that he told including one involving a curse which has come to fruition as well as several ghost stories of spirits who still inhabit the castle. There is a very nice little bookstore and tea room. The grounds are immaculate with some interesting sculptures. If you like castles, this is one not to be missed! We got an extra treat when Ronan played both the organ and grand piano in the music room. The music room was constructed to be acoustically magnificent. Sometimes weddings are held in that venue. There is also rooms to let in the oldest tower. We did not visit that tower, but I believe he said the accommodation would fit 16 people. Loved this visit.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 14, 2024
- cliff k1 contributionGreat experience!Bob as our guide gave us an excellent tour of Fyvie Castle. The history and artwork of the castles various occupants were brought back to life, thanks to Bob’s delivery. Bob engaged very well with the children. The story of the ‘Green Lady’ the castle ghost, raised the hairs at the back our necks. We would recommend the castle tour as a great family experience!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2024
- tomalli68Falkirk, United Kingdom953 contributionsInterestingCaught a tour of the house. Interesting history and stories to be heard in the tour. Lots of artwork and nice pieces to be seen. Tour guide was great and engaged well with kids. Would recommendVisited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
- ysa1772London, United Kingdom527 contributionsInteresting historic sitePleasant visit and tour of the castle which proved interesting, although not dog friendly, so one had to wait outside. Pleasant cafe with welcoming staff and good drinks and snacks. Worth a visit.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 17, 2024
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
427 reviews
Excellent
303
Very good
96
Average
18
Poor
5
Terrible
5
scottishpixie
aberdeenshire18 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Great castle and you get to see quite a lot of it. Bob our guide had a good bit of banter and past on lots of information on in an interesting manner. We asked about some of the ghost stories, green lady and weeping stones which is what I like to hear in a castle. Only so much dead historical owners I want to know about. Although I cannot complain at having so much works of art by notable artists Raeburn of course needs a mention. The guide can make or break a visit and Bob made ours. We had 2 grand children aged 4 and 8 and Bob kept them engaged throughout. You should also have a walk round the walled garden and if you have time have a walk round the lake.
Written August 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,335 contributions
May 2022
This fine castle is one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture. For a castle that has been around for 800 years, it’s no surprise that the interior has examples of mediaeval, Gothic and Baroque styles.
The castle has guided tours every 45 minutes starting from 10.45, although I’m not sure if guided tours are the only way to visit. Inside, the castle features a great wide spiral staircase, displaying original arms and armour, and a collection of portraits. The various owners of the castle have also left an impressive portrait collection, including works by Raeburn, Romney and Gainsborough. The library is the epitome of luxury, where there’s an impressive collection of books and grisly death mask of a hanged murderer alongside other busts. The library even has what in modern times would be considered a man-cave.
The guided tour is well scripted, informative and the guides are happy to answer questions. All in all , a fantastic visit.
The castle has guided tours every 45 minutes starting from 10.45, although I’m not sure if guided tours are the only way to visit. Inside, the castle features a great wide spiral staircase, displaying original arms and armour, and a collection of portraits. The various owners of the castle have also left an impressive portrait collection, including works by Raeburn, Romney and Gainsborough. The library is the epitome of luxury, where there’s an impressive collection of books and grisly death mask of a hanged murderer alongside other busts. The library even has what in modern times would be considered a man-cave.
The guided tour is well scripted, informative and the guides are happy to answer questions. All in all , a fantastic visit.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D H
24 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Stunning grounds and a beautiful castle, the history behind the castle is amazing, as well as all of the wild characters who lived and visited there. We were apprehensive when we realised we had to have a guided tour but we were very lucky as our tour guide was absolutely amazing. His knowledge and passion for the castle was incredible and it was a great experience to be in the presence of someone who clearly lived and breathed his job. Unfortunately we can't remember his name, it may have been Bernard? He is there Thursday and Friday one week and one day the next week. We'd love for him to get this lovely feedback as his hard work and dedication was very appreciated and he made the experience for us.
He went above and beyond and even though he had finished for the day he made an extra effort to show us some sites of interest on the grounds. He is truly a testament to the staff there and we would really recommend a tour with him if he's available!
The castle is definitely worth a visit and the Loch is also a beautiful site, it's a short walk from Fyvie Town and I'd recommend walking as the driveway up to the castle is surrounded in ancient woodland.
He went above and beyond and even though he had finished for the day he made an extra effort to show us some sites of interest on the grounds. He is truly a testament to the staff there and we would really recommend a tour with him if he's available!
The castle is definitely worth a visit and the Loch is also a beautiful site, it's a short walk from Fyvie Town and I'd recommend walking as the driveway up to the castle is surrounded in ancient woodland.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobby Drake
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK358 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
One of the best castle tours yet! So many interesting stories, impressive artwork and stunning rooms. Our tour guide Leslie was fabulous. The tearooms serve the best cheese scones - but get there early or they’ll run out. Dogs may be allowed inside if it’s quiet but if it’s busy you may have to sit outside- this seems a sensible policy and we were lucky as it was quiet and there were no other dogs around. There is a relatively short (20-30 minute) walk around a little loch and a walled garden. Parking is free with National Trust or about £3 without. A special place and well worth a visit.
Written March 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngelaHobbs
8 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Fantastic castle with a rich history! Rowan was our tour guide and he was highly knowledgeable of the castle’s history. He surprised us with a wonderful mini concert of one of his own musical compositions on the castle piano at the end of the tour that brought me to tears. I can’t recommend this castle highly enough!
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanna B
San Antonio, TX27 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fyvie Castle is a very interesting place to visit. It was one of the highlights of the various castles we visited during our holiday. Highly recommend the tour of the castle. Our tour guide, Bob, did a great job telling us the history of the castle and pointing out interesting items seen on the tour. People usually see a picture where the eyes of the person in the painting follow you. In one of the paintings in the castle’s collection a shoe on the person in the painting follows you. Very weird! Definitely recommend this castle for a tour.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gill M
Scotland, UK95 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
We arrived as a group of 10 and went round the castle with a tour guide and other visitors. The tour was a little over an hour and our guide was friendly, informative and it was well worth going on. I really recommend the tour. There's a gift shop and tea room (tasty soup, bacon roll, cakes). Plenty walking outside but we didn't partake as it was pouring rain but the plants and shrubs on the walk to the castle were lovely to look at. Definitely recommend. £16 entry, free if National Trust member, £4 for parking (coins) but you can pay at reception if no cash.
Written May 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bdon257
Morpeth, UK5,447 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We visited this castle and were taken on a guided tour by a knowledgeable member of staff. This is a large castle with an impressive interior with furniture artefacts and books, it is also the home of the largest collection of paintings by Raeburn in the world. This is a super place to visit.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cliff k
1 contribution
May 2024 • Couples
Bob as our guide gave us an excellent tour of Fyvie Castle. The history and artwork of the castles various occupants were brought back to life, thanks to Bob’s delivery. Bob engaged very well with the children. The story of the ‘Green Lady’ the castle ghost, raised the hairs at the back our necks. We would recommend the castle tour as a great family experience!
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelcardon
Melbourne, Australia198 contributions
Sept 2019
This beautiful castle is well worth a visit. The history is fascinating and the interiers are breathtaking. Mnay stairs, so people with mobility can struggle, but the guide was most helpful, sending the visitors ahead and assisting me uo and down the stairs.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
Can we have a BBQ somewhere in Fyvie castle?
Thank you
Written July 2, 2018
Sorry, no idea. Would suggest phoning Fyvie Castle direct.
Written July 3, 2018
What is the recommended length of time for a visit?
Written April 2, 2017
I spent around an hour inside the castle, they have someone in each room to give you details and stories, could easily spend 2 hours if you want. Plus they have the park and the lake. Each time i went there i spent a few hours. Love that place :)
Written May 15, 2017
What is the usual evening dress code?
Written April 27, 2015
How do we get to Fyvie Castle with public transportation, from Stonehaven? And, is there public transportation from Fyvie to Aviemore?
Written March 5, 2015
From Stonehaven you can take the train into Aberdeen Union Square. There's not a train station in Fyvie, so you would need to take the number 35 stagecoach bus. It's about an hour's journey on the bus. The bus has two stops in the village, one beside the co-op, and the other is beside the school. If you get off at the co-op you can walk up the drive to the castle (about 1 1/4 miles). There is no transportation from Fyvie to Aviemore as Fyvie is on the costal road (whereas Aviemore is inland) to Inverness.
Please note the castle is currently closed for the winter.
Written November 1, 2016
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