Edzell Castle


The Lindsay earls of Crawford, Lord Panmure’s predecessors as owners of Edzell Castle, built the L-plan tower house in the 16th century. Sir David Lindsay, a cultured and well-travelled man, laid out this castle’s beautiful pleasance in 1604 as a place of contemplation and learning. Unique in all of Scotland, this Renaissance walled garden is lined with niches for nesting birds, and sculptured plaques illustrating the cardinal virtues, the arts and the planetary deities.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Brechin­ Town House Museum

5.62 MILES

Housed in the 18th-century former town hall, courtroom and prison, Brechin Town House Museum records the history of the round tower, cathedral and town.

2. Glenesk Retreat & Folk Museum

7.71 MILES

Ten miles up Glenesk from Edzell is a former shooting lodge that houses a fascinating collection of antiques and artefacts documenting everyday life in…

3. House of Dun

7.84 MILES

From Bridge of Dun, it’s a 15-minute signposted walk to the House of Dun, a beautiful Georgian country house built in 1730.

4. Aberlemno Stones

9.07 MILES

The mysterious Aberlemno stones are among Scotland's finest Pictish carved stones. By the roadside there are three 7th- to 9th-century slabs with various…

5. Camera Obscura

15.18 MILES

This 1930s cricket pavilion on the hilltop northeast of the town centre was gifted to the town by famous son JM Barrie, and is now managed by local…

6. JM Barrie's Birthplace

15.44 MILES

This is Kirriemuir’s big attraction, a place of pilgrimage for Peter Pan fans from all over the world. The two-storey house where Barrie was born has been…

7. Gateway to the Glens Museum

15.57 MILES

The old Town House opposite the Peter Pan statue dates from 1604 and houses the Gateway to the Glens Museum, a useful introduction to local history,…

8. Bon Scott Statue

15.64 MILES

Bon Scott (1946–80), the former lead singer of rock band AC/DC, grew up in Kirriemuir. His local origins are celebrated in the annual Bonfest rock…