B846, Weem, near Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2JD
Castle Menzies
Castle
Place photograph
7.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.4This 16th-century Z-plan castle was the seat of Clan Menzies for more than 500 years. In 1746 it received both Bonnie Prince Charlie and, only days later, the Duke of Cumberland, on opposing sides of the Jacobite rising.
Castle Menzies is more than a dramatic Highland exterior: its Renaissance plan, deliberately unfurnished rooms and long Clan Menzies story make the building itself the experience. Its brief, remarkable role in the 1746 Jacobite journey gives a visit a vivid historical thread.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapB846, Weem, near Aberfeldy, Perthshire PH15 2JD
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore a restored 16th-century clan seat whose architectural story meets the drama of the 1746 Jacobite rising. Take time to notice the castle’s plan and fabric, then add the Old Kirk of Weem and gardens if they are open.
Things to do
Read the castle’s Z-plan
Look at the building as a piece of Scottish Renaissance design and notice its Z-plan form, described in the supplied visitor guide.
Trace the 1746 Jacobite visit
Follow the account of Bonnie Prince Charlie resting at the castle on his way towards Culloden, then the Duke of Cumberland’s visit four days later.
Explore the deliberately unfurnished rooms
The castle explains that many rooms remain intentionally unfurnished so visitors can better understand the building’s structure and fabric.
Add the Old Kirk of Weem
The castle’s official site presents the Old Kirk as part of the wider heritage to explore. Check whether it is open and accessible on your visit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow time to explore the castle; exact visit duration is not established by the supplied sources.
Quick Escape: explore the castle
- 01
Check the current visitor arrangements before travelling.
- 02
Explore the restored rooms and look for the building’s Z-plan and Renaissance features.
- 03
Follow the castle’s Jacobite story: Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here in 1746, followed days later by the Duke of Cumberland.
Half day · Half day; allow extra time according to current opening arrangements.
Make a half day of it: castle, gardens and Old Kirk
- 01
Begin with the castle and its Clan Menzies and Jacobite history.
- 02
Add the castle gardens if open to visitors.
- 03
Visit the Old Kirk of Weem if it is open; check access and timings in advance.
Verified history
Castle Menzies is a 16th-century Scottish castle and the historic seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for more than 500 years. Rescued as a ruin in 1957 by the re-formed Menzies Clan Society, it was restored by generations of Society members and placed in a charitable trust in 1993. During the 1746 Jacobite rising, Bonnie Prince Charlie rested at the castle on his way to Culloden; four days later the Duke of Cumberland also stayed there. Many rooms are intentionally left unfurnished to show the building’s structure and fabric.
Hidden details
The castle’s Z-plan — The visitor guide identifies Castle Menzies as a Scottish Z-plan castle. Look at the building’s overall layout rather than focusing only on its exterior decoration.
Rooms left deliberately bare — Many rooms are intentionally unfurnished, allowing the structure and fabric of the castle to remain visible rather than presenting it as a furnished family home.
When to go
· Check current opening hours and allow time for the castle visit; no reliable best time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied visitor guide describes a seasonal opening period, but dates may change. Verify the current season and opening arrangements with the castle before travelling.
Check the forecast before travelling; no site-specific weather guidance is established by the supplied sources.
Worth pairing with
Old Kirk of Weem
A related historic site highlighted by Castle Menzies. Check current access and opening arrangements before adding it to your visit.
Castle Menzies gardens
The castle’s official site identifies its gardens as part of the wider visit. Confirm whether they are open and accessible on your chosen date.
What to look for
Notice the castle’s Z-plan layout and Renaissance character. Its intentionally unfurnished rooms let the structure and building fabric take centre stage. Look for information on the 1746 visits by Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Duke of Cumberland.
The story
Clan Menzies; Scottish Renaissance architecture; Jacobite history
Best time to go
Check the official website for the current visitor season and opening dates.
Check current opening arrangements before setting out; the supplied sources describe seasonal visiting, but do not establish current dates or hours.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers · Couples
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10:30am-5pm
- Tuesday: 10:30am-5pm
- Wednesday: 10:30am-5pm
- Thursday: 10:30am-5pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10:30am-5pm
- Sunday: 11am-5pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A visitor attraction with admission; check the official website for current opening arrangements, admission details and any event closures before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
A wheelchair-accessible car park is reported in the source row; confirm current arrangements before visiting.
Toilets
A wheelchair-accessible toilet is reported in the source row; confirm availability before visiting.
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. Confirm the extent of access within the historic building with the site before visiting.
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Castle Menzies
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
