Glamis Castle

Historic Sites & Monuments

A royal residence since 1372

GLAMIS CASTLE is the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and has been a royal residence since 1372. It is the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the birthplace of Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret and the legendary setting of Shakespeare's play Macbeth. Although the castle is open to visitors it remains a family home lived in and loved by the Strathmore family. The castle, a five-storey `L' shaped tower block, was originally a royal hunting lodge. It was remodelled in the 17th century and is built of pink sandstone. It contains the Great Hall, with its magnificent plasterwork ceiling dated 1621, a beautiful family Chapel constructed inside the Castle in 1688, an 18th century billiard room housing what is left of the extensive library once at Glamis, a 19th century dining room containing family portraits and the Royal Apartments which have been used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The castle stands in an extensive park, landscaped towards the end of the 18th century, and contains the beautiful Italian Garden which reflects the peace and serenity of the castle and grounds. Historic Houses Association Member. OPENING TIMES 27 March - 31 October Daily, 10.30am - 5.30pm. (July - August opens 10am.) Last admission 4.45pm. Groups welcome by appointment at other times. Winter By arrangement.