Huntingtower Castle — Attraction in Great Britain

My family and I had had most of a great day at Scone Palace, but on our way back to our accommodation for the Half Term Week in Almondbank (very close to Huntingtower) we offered my young son a quick half hour whizzing round the castle. We are Historic Environment Scotland members, so we weren't worried about the cost directly, as it was already covered in our membership. As we walked across the car-park and through the gate however, I noticed that we wouldn't have too much time there even if we wanted it, as we were just five minutes BEFORE the last entry time, (which itself was an hour before closure).

Foolishly I thought that a quick look around would be fine, as we would still be long gone before the venue actually closed, more than an hour away. Unfortunately we were literally met before we got in the door by an extremely rude and utterly unmovable member of staff who was apparently more interested in leaving early than letting Historic Scotland members gain entry. This member of staff was determined that we were not able to get in, suggesting that even though his clock was clearly wrong he had to abide by what time it said, or else he would have to let "everyone else in". (There was no one else waiting or arriving in the car-park, even as we were effectively 'invited to leave').

I have to say that I have never been treated in such a contemptuous way by anyone, let alone someone who I am effectively contributing to paying their salary. This was such an unnecessary incident, totally of that member of staff's making and leaving an extremely poor experience for me and my family to remember for many years to come. We have since complained to Historic Scotland, but despite an apology, we only got the offer of being shown around the castle again.

With the threat of that member of staff being there still, we have decided that the experience is well avoided. As such, my recommendation to anyone who might be contemplating arriving at this destination is to beware, as a gratuitously extremely rude and arrogant person works there, and you never know when they might unleash that rudeness at you - and...

This was only slotted into my coach tour plans within the week prior to visiting.

I am VERY glad I visited. The story behind the place is most inviting.

Check the location and see if other places nearby also interest you.

The first floor level after climbing the exterior steps shows an enlarged Snakes 🐍 and Ladders 🪜 board, on which games can be played. I saw such a game when I went back inside to take a photo. Sadly it is not possible to get a photo of the board from above. That is a good way to encourage kids to go there so they may be more likely to go there when they are adults. Lovely idea.

From deciding to go there, I thought "I had to get up onto the roof". I did and got some photos I liked, though not the one I had intended.

Until getting there, I hadn't considered having to walk up or down any spiral staircase. You do have to do both if you want to see more than the first floor level.. It was awkward for me walking with a stick and carrying a few things in a plastic bag. The staircases are tight and there is a wide opening wherever you leave the staircase to see another floor level. These wide gaps mean you may be stretching to hold onto a handrail whilst making sure you are putting your feet in the right places. The steps did seem a bit steep.

You will be asked to close all doors behind you and please be aware that the wire gate at the very top of the spiral staircase opens towards you as you are on the steps. There is a hook 🪝 visible close to the bottom of the door and a sliding bolt 🔩 about halfway up the door. I did this whilst carrying a walking stick and a few things in a plastic bag. I opened the door extremely carefully. At this point, if you are not very careful you could easily fall down the stairs.

A visitor there said he went there often and I could see "why" but it wouldn't suit everyone. It is such a lovely,...

A great example of a tower, with a bonus, there’s two of them. Entry is by a small road with a car park that tries to maximise the number of cars by having diagonal parking bays. The idea is to drive right up into the castle ground and turn around before parking. Means just reverse to get out. If you do reverse park instead you need free space to do a 5 point turn or more to get out. Alison in the ticket office is great, enthusiastic and informative as well as helpful. A little shop there (of course) and a toilet block. The whole castle is open, top to bottom. The best is great hall with painting ceiling and walls in parts. Quite a climb up both towers on circular staircases with handrails. There are panels to explain the most important features and events. There is a doocot (dovecote ) at top of one tower. Unusual to have one actually...