Kellie Castle & Garden
Kellie Castle & Garden
4.5
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Kellie castle has a history spanning nearly seven centuries. From the original tower house built in the 1360s, it was extended and added to through the following 300 years, home to not only the daughter of Robert the Bruce but the Earls of Kellie and later the talented Lorimer family; artists, architects, sculptors and academics. Enjoy the many different rooms showing different ages of the castle, or while away a few hours in the beautiful walled gardens. In season, why not try some of the produce grown in the gardens? The Castle is open from 1 April until 31 October. Please check the NTS website for full details.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
20 within 3 miles
Attractions
47 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- RuthyGlasgow732 contributionsJust lovely! Inside and Outside.Quaint castle with all its wonderful history. We had a private tour which was very informative. Not the type of castle that is very refined, but it's charm and tiredness made it all so quaint. My friend was not enamoured with it as said seen and been in much better castles, but for me it was smallish, charming and more real than other castles that I had been in. I just loved it. The gardens were full of beautiful flowers and enjoyed the whole experience. Food served in cafe was lovely too, with an unusual Indonesian soup with scone, and the sandwiches with coleslaw, potato salad and crisps were vey filling (lovely chunky seeded bread) and worth the money. I would recommend it to everyone when in the area or even out with the area to come along and view.Visited July 2023Written August 4, 2023
- Albie B1 contributionA day at Castle Kellie .There are times when you just get a perfect day , Friday 29 April was one . Arrived at the Castle after leaving a dreary overcast W/Lothian As if by order the sun broke though to light the building as if by magic . We walked the beautiful walled garden ,how peaceful and relaxing we found that experience At 1 pm we toured the interior we missed the guided tour purposely because of our age, We wandered the rooms and found all staff really polite helpful and informative. The exhibits were tastefully displayed and of great interest . If there are any ghost's as suggested then they are the friendly welcoming kind. The building gave me a sense of peace and well being . I shall return .Good afternoon, we are all delighted o read your 5 star review of the Castle and we're all so glad you enjoyed your visit here. We too love the sense of peace and well being that the place gives. With best wishes, and hope to welcome you again soon,Written May 25, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2022Written May 1, 2022
- Robin NBarton, United Kingdom90 contributionsA revelation inside!The visit more than met with expectation .. and compared with exterior of the building the inside was a total revelation .. plastered ceilings, paintings and personal family possessions even of the children, how many homes have a spiral staircase designed to ‘repel boarders’ ?! The two guides were very personable and communicated the story in an easy to understand way .. not easy when so many historical facts are being explained, many thanks to them both in the afternoon of Thursday September 8th 2022. From the outside one would expect small rooms inside .. but in reality they seemed larger and indeed more opulently furnished than we had anticipated! Well kept and attractive gardensVisited September 2022Written September 16, 2022
- Jim PLivingston, United Kingdom6 contributionsVery poor. An absolute joke. Poor show National Trust.This place is not worth a visit. The tiny garden is very poorly maintained. Difficult to spend any more than 10 minutes here. The cafe was closed, covid being the excuse. The kids park is disgraceful, looks like it is being worked on. The woodland walk is a joke, a mucky path with overgrown nettles. The worst part? We were actually charged £9 for entry including £2 for a car park outside the gates. Don't waste your time nor money.Hi, and many thanks for your review. We're all sorry to hear you felt a visit to the castle and gardens was not what you were expecting. The walled gardens is full of both ornamental planting and produce. much of which is for sale once in season, and its all grown on organic principles. We are guessing that you paid for entry into the gardens which at only £3 for adults and £2 for concessions represents good value. As a member, you can of course receive free parking and free entry at all our sites as well as those of the National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Please note that we are still in catch up after the covid pandemic, a time when the National Trust for Scotland, which is charity, nearly didn't survive at all. It will take us some time yet to get all of the gardens and estate back into shape again, as we don't use pesticides or other chemicals to manage the gardens. The café is closed as we are unable to find people who are able to operate it. What we do now have is a mobile kiosk offering artisan coffee, drinks and cakes. We hope you might visit us again where we'd be delighted to show you the work that goes into running the gardens and the castle for all to enjoy. With best wishes,Written July 5, 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2021Traveled with familyWritten June 14, 2021
- Pete HBristol, United Kingdom8 contributionsFirst rate visit.Book for the hourly guided tour - our guide was Martin. In 50 years of membership of National Trust, and countless guided tours, this was among the very best. The castle was fascinating and we learned a great deal during the tour. Martin was articulate, fluent, intelligent, knowledgable, and friendly. He brought the castle's history to life in an easily digested format. Many thanks.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 17, 2023
- craigluscarDunfermline, United Kingdom13,603 contributionsAutumn ColoursVisited the garden on a slightly wet day .There are marvellous autumn colour from the car park to the Castle . I had thought the gardens might be devoid of colour but there was still a fair bit showing . A lot of fruit still on the trees . The small gardners building in the corner has an honesty box and Apples and other veg for sale . The toilets are open which is handy for visitors . An enjoyable visit regardless of the weatherVisited October 2020Written October 29, 2020
- itchyfeet2014Glasgow, United Kingdom2,291 contributionsPerfect gardenWe have visited here many times over the years. Now we just enjoy touring the gardens and enjoying the lovely plants. The sun was splitting the skies when we arrived so we asked a lady in the cafe where we could eat our picnic lunch. She gave us a few options but recommended the meadow with picnic tables and a wonderful view over the Firth of Forth. Thank you for the picnic recommendation! It was a perfect location. The views were great and the gardens were stunning. A lovely National Trust afternoon.Visited July 2022Written July 11, 2022
- VinzClorthoKeyMasterManchester, United Kingdom143 contributionsNice afternoon visitStopped off here for an afternoon visit of the castle and gardens. We missed the designated tour times but tour guides were stationed in each room for very informative explanations. It's a nice place but I wouldn't say overly big, you could get round the castle itself in about half an hour. The grounds are immaculate and with the lavender in full bloom it was a sight to behold. There is also a very large meadow with picnic benches. The tea room is quite pricey, at nearly 7£ a sausage roll/pastry. 2£ to park the car was a bit ridiculous considering it was barely used that day with it being off season, I could understand the charge at the height of summer but not when there are plenty of spaces.Hi there, many thanks for your visit and your review. I'm glad you had a great time. Regards the car park charge, I'm sorry you felt it was unnecessary. As a charity we rely on visitor income, donations etc. to help maintain our places, which includes car parking, such as grass cutting, tree safety, etc. We hope you might agree that £2 for as long as you like each day is a small price to pay. Alternatively, as a member, should you wish to join you would receive free car parking at all our places, and by reciprocal arrangement with places in the English National Trust, covering Wales & Northern Ireland too. Full details are on our website. In the Tea room, our large sausage rolls (always served hot) come with potato salad, pasta salad and a side of beetroot. With best wishes,Written June 29, 2022This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten June 23, 2022
- itchyfeet2014Glasgow, United Kingdom2,291 contributionsStill gloriousWe have visited Kellie Castle many times and it is a favourite place with beautiful gardens. Today it was as splendid as ever, but just open after the covid19 lockdown. Hygiene controls were in place, gates left open and carefully placed signs reminding us about social distancing were evident. Only the outdoor areas could be visited. The big difference today was the garden was so quiet. Only us. Free to wander around. The garden was a bit more relaxed- not as immaculately manicured as it was in normal times. No tearoom. But open toilets! Thank you NT staff and volunteers for giving us a long awaited morning out in a beautiful and peaceful place. We will be back again soon. Highly recommend.Visited July 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten July 7, 2020
- Gordon BPerth and Kinross, United Kingdom12 contributionsGreat day out in FifeVisited on a glorious summer's day so the gardens were at their finest. Plenty of families out and about in the grounds. The historic castle, which once lay in ruins, was impressively restored by the Lorimer family. Highlights include some of the oldest - 1617 - and most ornate ceiling plasterwork in Scotland, with the enthusiastic tour guides enhancing the experience. Oh, and the soup and scones were delicious! Well worth a visit.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
324 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
115
Average
21
Poor
9
Terrible
3
Jim P
Livingston, UK6 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
This place is not worth a visit. The tiny garden is very poorly maintained. Difficult to spend any more than 10 minutes here. The cafe was closed, covid being the excuse. The kids park is disgraceful, looks like it is being worked on. The woodland walk is a joke, a mucky path with overgrown nettles. The worst part? We were actually charged £9 for entry including £2 for a car park outside the gates. Don't waste your time nor money.
Written June 14, 2021
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, and many thanks for your review. We're all sorry to hear you felt a visit to the castle and gardens was not what you were expecting. The walled gardens is full of both ornamental planting and produce. much of which is for sale once in season, and its all grown on organic principles.
We are guessing that you paid for entry into the gardens which at only £3 for adults and £2 for concessions represents good value. As a member, you can of course receive free parking and free entry at all our sites as well as those of the National Trust in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Please note that we are still in catch up after the covid pandemic, a time when the National Trust for Scotland, which is charity, nearly didn't survive at all. It will take us some time yet to get all of the gardens and estate back into shape again, as we don't use pesticides or other chemicals to manage the gardens. The café is closed as we are unable to find people who are able to operate it. What we do now have is a mobile kiosk offering artisan coffee, drinks and cakes.
We hope you might visit us again where we'd be delighted to show you the work that goes into running the gardens and the castle for all to enjoy.
With best wishes,
Written July 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pete H
Bristol, UK8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Book for the hourly guided tour - our guide was Martin.
In 50 years of membership of National Trust, and countless guided tours, this was among the very best. The castle was fascinating and we learned a great deal during the tour.
Martin was articulate, fluent, intelligent, knowledgable, and friendly.
He brought the castle's history to life in an easily digested format.
Many thanks.
In 50 years of membership of National Trust, and countless guided tours, this was among the very best. The castle was fascinating and we learned a great deal during the tour.
Martin was articulate, fluent, intelligent, knowledgable, and friendly.
He brought the castle's history to life in an easily digested format.
Many thanks.
Written September 17, 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.
craigluscar
Dunfermline, UK13,603 contributions
Oct 2020
Visited the garden on a slightly wet day .There are marvellous autumn colour from the car park to the Castle . I had thought the gardens might be devoid of colour but there was still a fair bit showing . A lot of fruit still on the trees . The small gardners building in the corner has an honesty box and Apples and other veg for sale . The toilets are open which is handy for visitors . An enjoyable visit regardless of the weather
Written October 29, 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.
itchyfeet2014
Glasgow, UK2,291 contributions
Jul 2022
We have visited here many times over the years. Now we just enjoy touring the gardens and enjoying the lovely plants.
The sun was splitting the skies when we arrived so we asked a lady in the cafe where we could eat our picnic lunch. She gave us a few options but recommended the meadow with picnic tables and a wonderful view over the Firth of Forth.
Thank you for the picnic recommendation! It was a perfect location.
The views were great and the gardens were stunning. A lovely National Trust afternoon.
The sun was splitting the skies when we arrived so we asked a lady in the cafe where we could eat our picnic lunch. She gave us a few options but recommended the meadow with picnic tables and a wonderful view over the Firth of Forth.
Thank you for the picnic recommendation! It was a perfect location.
The views were great and the gardens were stunning. A lovely National Trust afternoon.
Written July 11, 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.
VinzClorthoKeyMaster
Manchester, UK143 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Stopped off here for an afternoon visit of the castle and gardens.
We missed the designated tour times but tour guides were stationed in each room for very informative explanations.
It's a nice place but I wouldn't say overly big, you could get round the castle itself in about half an hour.
The grounds are immaculate and with the lavender in full bloom it was a sight to behold.
There is also a very large meadow with picnic benches.
The tea room is quite pricey, at nearly 7£ a sausage roll/pastry.
2£ to park the car was a bit ridiculous considering it was barely used that day with it being off season, I could understand the charge at the height of summer but not when there are plenty of spaces.
We missed the designated tour times but tour guides were stationed in each room for very informative explanations.
It's a nice place but I wouldn't say overly big, you could get round the castle itself in about half an hour.
The grounds are immaculate and with the lavender in full bloom it was a sight to behold.
There is also a very large meadow with picnic benches.
The tea room is quite pricey, at nearly 7£ a sausage roll/pastry.
2£ to park the car was a bit ridiculous considering it was barely used that day with it being off season, I could understand the charge at the height of summer but not when there are plenty of spaces.
Written June 23, 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.
Hi there, many thanks for your visit and your review. I'm glad you had a great time.
Regards the car park charge, I'm sorry you felt it was unnecessary. As a charity we rely on visitor income, donations etc. to help maintain our places, which includes car parking, such as grass cutting, tree safety, etc. We hope you might agree that £2 for as long as you like each day is a small price to pay. Alternatively, as a member, should you wish to join you would receive free car parking at all our places, and by reciprocal arrangement with places in the English National Trust, covering Wales & Northern Ireland too. Full details are on our website.
In the Tea room, our large sausage rolls (always served hot) come with potato salad, pasta salad and a side of beetroot.
With best wishes,
Written June 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
itchyfeet2014
Glasgow, UK2,291 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We have visited Kellie Castle many times and it is a favourite place with beautiful gardens. Today it was as splendid as ever, but just open after the covid19 lockdown. Hygiene controls were in place, gates left open and carefully placed signs reminding us about social distancing were evident. Only the outdoor areas could be visited.
The big difference today was the garden was so quiet. Only us. Free to wander around. The garden was a bit more relaxed- not as immaculately manicured as it was in normal times. No tearoom. But open toilets!
Thank you NT staff and volunteers for giving us a long awaited morning out in a beautiful and peaceful place. We will be back again soon.
Highly recommend.
The big difference today was the garden was so quiet. Only us. Free to wander around. The garden was a bit more relaxed- not as immaculately manicured as it was in normal times. No tearoom. But open toilets!
Thank you NT staff and volunteers for giving us a long awaited morning out in a beautiful and peaceful place. We will be back again soon.
Highly recommend.
Written July 7, 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.
Gordon B
Perth and Kinross, UK12 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Visited on a glorious summer's day so the gardens were at their finest. Plenty of families out and about in the grounds. The historic castle, which once lay in ruins, was impressively restored by the Lorimer family. Highlights include some of the oldest - 1617 - and most ornate ceiling plasterwork in Scotland, with the enthusiastic tour guides enhancing the experience. Oh, and the soup and scones were delicious! Well worth a visit.
Written July 16, 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.
Samantha
Bournemouth, UK128 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Such a breathtakingly beautiful place! The gardens are so stunning….I felt like we had literally walked into the book: A Secret Garden! The smell was outstanding and the immaculate flowers and plants were so beautiful. We were all blown away and loved looking at everything, smelling everything and running around laughing. We stumbled on this delight totally by accident and I’m so glad we did!
Written July 21, 2021
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.
David M
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We like a wee visit to Kellie castle and today we stopped for one of the award winning scones. As ever, we were welcomed by friendly staff. An excellent initiative was going on in the shop area, the making of an historic wall hanging to commerate the King’s first year on the throne. Visitors were invited to insert a stitch or two in the hope they will return to view the finished article. The lady was very trusting! The walled garden is a delight to wander through seeing the fruits of the gardeners hard work. All that without even mentioning a stunning castle to be guided around. Something for everyone to enjoy at Kellie Castle in the Kingdom of Fife!
Written September 10, 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.
dianemL3666ZN
Wormit, UK4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We had a lovely time. The gardens are beautiful 💕. The castle can only be accessed by the hourly tour which was very informative but ours was nearer an hour and a half. Unfortunately the cafe was closed so we headed to pittenweem to the clock tower cafe ❤️
Written September 2, 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.
Linda Syme
2 contributions
Opening times and dates
Wendy P
Falkland, UK2 contributions
Due to the Coronavirus emergency, we have taken the difficult decision to keep gated properties closed and cancel events from 20 March to protect our visitors, supporters and staff. We’re sorry for the disappointment caused.
Further details are available on our website
Are dogs welcome in the gardens (on leads of course)?
Wendy P
Falkland, UK2 contributions
Hi Stephanie, yes dogs on leads are most welcome in the gardens. Please be aware that we have a chicken who lives in the fruit cage area. We look forward to seeing you and your dog soon.
Journey2there2
Scotland, UK18 contributions
Is it free to enter the garden?
stewarts62
Edinburgh, UK43 contributions
I don't think so and the website will clarify. You approach the front entrance on LHS of castle and go past it to the gate in the wall. There is a suggested donation box. Enjoy!
John Southby
Invergordon, UK4 contributions
What ever happened to the male waiter who had the combed up black hair? Who is doing Drama at collage, determined to thank him.
Janet T
Shrewsbury, UK482 contributions
Hi - Sorry but I don't. He wasn't there when we went.
Ccould you tell me the best bus to Kellie castle from Edinburgh, and where it departs? Is there service on Sunday?
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingKellie Castle & Garden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kellie Castle & Garden
- Kellie Castle & Garden is open:
- Thu - Mon 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Kellie Castle & Garden:
- (3.22 mi) Brackness House Luxury B&B
- (2.89 mi) Spindrift Guesthouse
- (4.31 mi) Tarskavaig Bed & Breakfast
- (3.55 mi) Silverdyke Park
- (4.75 mi) St Andrews Coach Houses
- Restaurants near Kellie Castle & Garden:
- (2.44 mi) West End Bar
- (2.53 mi) Clock Tower Café
- (2.42 mi) Craig Millar @ 16 West End
- (3.32 mi) Cellar
- (2.62 mi) The Dory Bistro & Gallery
Kellie Castle & Garden Information
Excellent Reviews | 176 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 115 |
Kellie Castle & Garden Photos | 212 |