Elcho Castle
Perth and Kinross, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Perth, 3.5 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Elcho, Perth PH2 8QQ
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
A remarkably complete 1560s tower house on the Tay, still roofed and with every room open to visitors, including a climb to a small rooftop walkway. Historic Environment Scotland staffs it seasonally, and reviewers note it feels closer to a fortified family home than a defensive castle proper - accessible and full of detail rather than imposing.
Worth the trip
The rooftop walkway - reviewers are pleasantly surprised that a tower house this old still lets you climb all the way to the top.
Before you go
Parking is limited, so arrive with that in mind; the surrounding orchard and grounds have made it a popular spot for small group events like hen parties, so it can be busier than the modest review count suggests on certain days.
Visitors consistently rate Elcho Castle as well preserved and interesting to explore, with several mentioning the ability to access all the rooms and climb to a rooftop walkway via spiral stairs. Staff are described as friendly and informative. Parking is noted as limited, and the site works well for larger groups and outdoor activities, as one reviewer's fun hen-party visit combining a castle tour with apple picking in the estate's orchard shows.
Remarkably complete roofed 1560s tower house; seasonal
“Excellently preserved medieval castle - even has access to the roof if you can manage spiral stone stairs”- Duncan Strathie, visitor review
Common questions about Elcho Castle
Where is Elcho Castle?
Elcho Castle is in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, at Elcho, Perth PH2 8QQ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Elcho Castle?
Yes - Elcho Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Elcho Castle?
The rooftop walkway - reviewers are pleasantly surprised that a tower house this old still lets you climb all the way to the top.
Is Elcho Castle a ruin or still intact?
Elcho Castle is a partial ruin - Remarkably complete roofed 1560s tower house; seasonal.
