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Huntingtower Castle

Huntingtower, Perth
Historic Environment Scotland logo

Explore the castle where Mary Queen of Scots and her new husband Lord Darnley stayed during the Chaseabout Raid. Uncover some dramatic episodes in Scotland’s story.

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Huntingtower Castle has hosted some notable visitors, and been party to some dramatic events. Most famously, Mary Queen of Scots stayed here in 1565, while on honeymoon with Lord Darnley.

During your visit, you can get to grips with the castle’s odd layout, Unusually, it consists of two closely placed tower houses. This arrangement gave rise to one of our favourite castle stories, the tale of the Maiden's Leap.

Once inside, look for the delicately painted ceiling dating from about 1540 and even seek out the secret hiding place used for Ruthven treasures – a cupboard within a cupboard, hidden behind a stone.

A vintage looking wood door, with two black strips of metal across it. The wood is stained green, suggesting moss. The wall it is connected to are stone, with an arch framing.
A stone castle sits on a grassy landscape, with a short stone wall in front of it. There are large trees either side and behind the castle. There is a wood fence
Interior of a stone building, with a large window with light coming though, reflecting onto the floor. There is an exit in the wall, due to there being a corner behind it, you can only see stone.
The inside of a historic building, likely once a castle. There are many windows, some with light shining to the outside, others now have stone filled in. There is a wooden door, and an exit that leads up stairs. The building is stone with a wood floor.
A stone castle sits on a snow-covered landscape. There is snow on the roof and on a nearby picnic bench., There is a wooden door and several small windows on the castle. The sky is blue.

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Book the castle a wedding venue

Huntingtower has long been associated with tales of romance and is still a perfect historic location for a wedding ceremony.
Historic Scotland weddings
a bride and groom stand face to face under the archway of a stone gatehouse

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

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  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man
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Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

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  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online
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