Brodie Castle, Inverness

Castle near Inverness

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mihael Grmek

Brodie Castle, near Inverness in Scotland, is a historic castle and estate built around a 16th-century Z-plan tower house. The castle sits west of Forres in Moray, on the edge of the wider Highland landscape, and remains closely tied to Clan Brodie and the family's long use of the land.

Visitors notice the mix of fortified stonework and later residential additions, along with furnished rooms, portraits, and decorative interiors. The grounds add woodland walks, lawns, and spring daffodils, making it a good stop for travellers interested in Scottish castles, gardens, and family estates. It is best suited to people who enjoy house tours and outdoor walking more than fast sightseeing.

History and Significance of Brodie Castle
Things to See and Do in Brodie Castle
How to Get to Brodie Castle
Practical Tips on Visiting Brodie Castle
Where to Stay close to Brodie Castle
Is Brodie Castle Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Brodie Castle

History and Significance of Brodie Castle

The Brodie family's connection to the estate dates back to around 1160, when King Malcolm IV is believed to have granted the land to the family. The Z-plan tower house that still forms the core of Brodie Castle was built in 1567, designed for both prestige and defence. Much of this early structure remains intact, including its thick walls and distinctive corner towers.

In 1645, during a turbulent period of civil conflict, the castle was attacked and burned by Lewis Gordon, 3rd Marquis of Huntly. Though badly damaged, it was rebuilt and continued to serve as the Brodie family seat. In 1824, architect William Burn was hired to expand the castle into an impressive Scots Baronial mansion. His plans were only partly completed and later reworked around 1845 by James Wylson, resulting in the mix of medieval and Victorian elements seen today.

The last laird, Ninian Brodie of Brodie, lived in the castle until his death in 2003. Afterwards, Brodie Castle and its estate came under the care of the National Trust for Scotland, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Things to See and Do in Brodie Castle

A visit to Brodie Castle begins with the striking exterior-tall towers, stepped gables, and honey-coloured stone set amid peaceful grounds. Inside, the rooms are richly decorated with antiques collected over centuries. The library, drawing room, dining room, and bedrooms display original furnishings, ornate fireplaces, and fine art, including an important collection of Dutch paintings.

Visitors can tour the old family apartments, admire intricate plaster ceilings, and learn about the Brodie lineage through portraits and heirlooms. The stories of the family’s long stewardship add depth to the castle’s already fascinating character.

Outside, the estate includes beautiful gardens and woodland paths. Brodie is famous for its spring daffodils, many of which were planted by the Brodies themselves and now include over 400 varieties. The grounds also feature a tranquil lake, wildlife-rich woodland, a children’s adventure play area, and open lawns ideal for relaxing strolls.

How to Get to Brodie Castle

Inverness Airport is the nearest airport, located about 20 miles away and offering domestic UK and limited European connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Inverness on Booking.com.

The nearest railway station is Forres, served by trains from Inverness, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. From Forres, local taxis or buses can take you to the castle in a short journey. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Travelling by car is straightforward, with Brodie Castle situated just off the A96 between Nairn and Forres. Onsite parking is available and well signposted.

Practical Tips on Visiting Brodie Castle

Suggested tips: Explore both the castle interiors and the woodland trails to fully appreciate the estate.
Best time to visit: Spring for the daffodil bloom; summer for garden colours.
Entrance fee: Admission applies; National Trust for Scotland members enter free.
Opening hours: Seasonal opening-confirm times before visiting.
Official website: https://www.nts.org.uk
How long to spend: 1.5-2 hours including house and grounds.
Accessibility: Some steps inside; gardens mostly accessible with some uneven surfaces.
Facilities: Café, shop, restrooms, children’s play area, and picnic spots.
Photography tip: Capture the castle’s reflection in the estate pond on calm days.
Guided tours: Timed guided tours often available inside the house.
Nearby food options: Café onsite; additional cafés and restaurants in Forres and Nairn.

Where to Stay close to Brodie Castle

The nearby town of Forres offers charming accommodation choices such as The Ramnee Hotel, set beside lovely Grant Park. In Nairn, The Bandstand Hotel provides sea views and character. For a high-end countryside escape, Boath House offers elegant rooms and serene grounds.

Is Brodie Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes-Brodie Castle is an exceptional Highland attraction, rich in history, architecture, and natural beauty. Whether admiring its lavish rooms, exploring its gardens, or learning about the Brodie clan's centuries-long legacy, it offers a fascinating and atmospheric experience. This spot is one of the best places to see in Forres and a rewarding stop for anyone exploring Moray and the northeast Highlands.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (2,804)

Brodie Castle and Estate (National Trust for Scotland) in Brodie, Forres, is a restored 16th-century castle opened as a former family home that displays a Clan Brodie collection of antiques, art and ceramics, surrounded by extensive, well-kept gardens, meadows, a large vegetable garden and orchard. Visitors praise informative on-site tours and friendly staff, note two small cafés with affordable options and cakes, and highlight family-friendly facilities including play gardens, musical play areas, a soft-play aimed at very young children, a children's trail feature, and dog-friendly grounds; parking for the castle grounds is typically charged separately (free access for members).

Paul Banerjee

2 months ago

"A lovely historic building that was brought to life as a former family home by the knowledge and enthusiasm of our charismatic tour guide. Goodfacilities including two small and reasonably priced cafés (lunch of soup, oatcakes, cake and pot of tea cost about £10.40). Lovely grounds to explore and a children's play garden that was clearly being enjoyed. I visited on an October week day and it was not busy, a pleasantly comfortable and unhurried 3-4 hour visit...."

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Kazadiva

a month ago

"Lovely Spring Sunday so a friend and l decided to head out to Brodie and use her NTS membership...so glad we did ! We were directed from the car parkby a lovely lady to the Welcome centre where we booked on the 2.30pm tour , this gave us time to pop to the quieter Cafe at the back of the Castle to enjoy a cuppa and cakes all served with a smile by a helpful young waitress. Arriving on our tour we were greeted by our wonderfully passionate tour guide ...who came from Brittany (sorry didn't get your name ) she was great ! l know the facts have to be conveyed which can be quite boring but she kept our interest peaked at all times with a fantastic sense of humour all well executed within the facts. Lots of great questions were asked within the group and all were answered within her means. It was a really fun tour that we thoroughly enjoyed , maybe a few embellishments but it just made everything more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend a visit you can spend several hours here , stepping back in time and enjoying some peace and quiet in the grounds. I think groups of 10 is a nice amount for the Tour to feel a little more personalised ...."

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Maria Drozd

3 months ago

"We visited Brodie Castle this Sunday and had an amazing time! It’s dog-friendly, which is a huge bonus — we were able to enjoy the day with our10-year-old Lab. The gardens were truly inspirational. I especially loved the extended meadow areas and the large vegetable garden with an orchard. All of the play areas were well-kept, clean, and safe. There’s something for all ages — from 8 to 45! The staff were very friendly and welcoming. Access to the gardens and play areas is free, and we only paid £5 for parking, which is a small price considering the number of attractions on offer. Highly recommended, especially in good weather! We’ll definitely be back!..."

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KAW687

3 months ago

"Visited Brodie castle at lunchtime but couldn't get a tour until 3.30. Drove into Nairn but was unable to get any lunch as one restaurant we went tohad run out of half the menu, others closed or had no space. Returned to the castle and mentioned to lady at reception that we would like some food she said both cafes would be serving hot food and salads for another 30 minutes and advised us not to go to the cafe near the reception but to the one near the castle where our tour started. So we did. It was almost empty inside. At the counter we tried to order and was told they stopped serving at 2.30. I politely pointed out it was 2.10. The young woman behind the counter wouldn't make eye contact and said rudely all we could have was what was on display and hadn't been sold. So we had cold sausage rolls. It was so different from all the other visitor attractions we had visited in Scotland where people were welcoming and friendly. The 2 members of staff talked loudly to each other but apart from their initial refusal to sell us anything from the menu never said a word to us and when we said goodbye ignored us. It soured our last day in Scotland. I understand that they couldn't be bothered to make a sandwich or salad at the end of their shift, although it was pretty early to be packing up and they could have been polite about it. As we had time to kill we walked down to the river, there was a small sign saying for environmental reasons you couldn't walk there. Several people hadn't seen the sign and walked there anyway and we felt the sign should have been more prominent and placed before you made the walk down to it . The tour was interesting although we found out later that the story about the last owner giving the estate to NTS on condition that they kept the contents complete was not the whole truth. In fact he sold them the estate, which ignited a family feud and if you look it up it's a rather sad story...."

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ly kay

4 months ago

"Visited the gardens and cafe . Staff all helpful and friendly. Two nice cafes with lovely cakes. spent a whole afternoon in the gardens and playparks. Children and adults enjoyed the play garden especially the musical areas. The big bu y was great to see. Children did the sheet to find the white rabbits and fill in the names, great idea to involve children. We didn't walk round all the areas so would certainly return...."

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DunksPara

4 months ago

"Castle grounds are a great short walk. Cafe is dissapointing. We often visit the grounds for a walk, you can go around the Loch and gardens for freeand parking is either a few pounds or Scottish National Trust members free. Lovely grounds and accessible walks. Really nicely kept, have been multiple times throughout the year. The cafe is average at best. Coffee ok, and cakes normal national trust standard. Better options at Brodie Countryfayre up the road. Worth the visit for the grounds but not the cafe...."

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FAQs for Visiting Brodie Castle

The original Z-plan tower house dates to 1567.

Yes, guided and self-guided tours are available seasonally.

No, the last Brodie resident died in 2003.

Yes, including woodlands, lawns, and famous daffodil displays.

Around 1.5-2 hours including house and grounds.

The Brodie Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Inverness!

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