Visitor Attractions near Leslie Castle

Castles and Gardens

1. Leith Hall (NTS): This historic property is located about 6 miles from Leslie Castle. The original house was built in the 1650s for the Leith-Hay family, who were a prominent landowning family in the area and who subsequently purchased and incorporated Leslie Castle into the estate. Over the centuries, the house was expanded and renovated several times. The house also has a tearoom where visitors can enjoy refreshments.
   • https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/leith-hall
2. Craigievar Castle (NTS):  A striking pink-hued castle located about 15 miles from Leslie Castle, built in the 17th century it is considered one of the finest examples of Scottish Baronial architecture and its unique pink colour makes it one of the most distinctive and recognizable castles in Scotland. It was constructed between for William Forbes, a wealthy businessman with connections to Leslie Castle (closed for renovations in 2023).
   • https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/craigievar
3. Castle Fraser (NTS): This grand castle is located about 17 miles from Leslie Castle and is known for its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can also explore the castle’s historic interiors with original painted ceilings and learn about its fascinating history. Fyvie Castle (NTS): This 13th-century castle is located about 18 miles from Leslie Castle and features stunning architecture and a collection of fine art and antiques.
   • https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/fyvie-castle
4. Pitmedden Garden (NTS): This beautiful formal garden is located about 20 miles from Leslie Castle and features colourful flower displays, herbaceous borders, and a maze.Haddo House (NTS): This Georgian mansion is located about 22 miles from Leslie Castle and is known for its beautiful gardens and parkland, as well as its collection of art and furniture.
   • https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/pitmedden-garden
5. Balmoral: The castle is located about 42 miles from Leslie Castle.  It has been the Scottish holiday home of the British Royal Family since the reign of Queen Victoria, and visitors can tour the castle’s state rooms, gardens, and grounds from April to July.
   • https://www.balmoralcastle.com/

Museums

1. Insch Connections Museum (open Sundays 2-4pm only free entry) Located about 3 miles from Leslie Castle in the former ticket office of Insch’s attractive working railway station with exhibits covering various aspects of local history.
   • http://www.inschmuseum.org.uk/
2. Grampian Transport Museum: Located in the town of Alford, about 10 miles from Leslie Castle, this museum showcases the history of transport in the Northeast of Scotland with a variety of vehicles and exhibits.
   • https://www.gtm.org.uk/
3. Garioch Heritage Centre: (free entry) The museum is located about 13 miles from Leslie Castle and is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of the Garioch area, which includes Inverurie and the surrounding towns and villages.
   • https://gariochheritage.co.uk/
4. Gordon Highlanders Museum: Located in the city of Aberdeen, about 30 miles from Leslie Castle, this museum tells the story of the famous Scottish regiment, the Gordon Highlanders, with displays of uniforms, weapons, medals, and personal stories.
   • https://www.gordonhighlanders.com/

Whisky

1. Glen Garioch Distillery: This distillery is located about 15 miles from Leslie Castle in the town of Oldmeldrum and offers tours where visitors can learn about the whisky-making process and taste some of the whiskies produced there.
   • https://www.glengarioch.com/
2. Strathisla Distillery: This distillery is in the town of Keith, about 23 miles from Leslie Castle, and is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. Visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of the distillery and its production process.
   • https://www.chivas.com/en/about-us/#strathisla-the-home-of-chivas
3. Speyside Cooperage: This cooperage is in the town of Craigellachie, about 30 miles from Leslie Castle, and offers tours where visitors can see how barrels are made for whisky production.
   • https://www.speysidecooperage.co.uk/
4. Royal Lochnagar Distillery: This distillery is located near the village of Crathie close to Balmoral, about 43 miles from Leslie Castle, and is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. Visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of the distillery and its production process.
   • https://www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/royal-lochnagar

Local attractions

1. Dunnideer: Located about 5 miles from Leslie Castle this is a popular, short but steep walk to the ruins of a Roman age fort that forms a striking arch in the landscape and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside overlooking Insch. It is believed to have been built on older Pictish site.
   • https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/archaeology/sites-to-visit/hill-forts-and-other-settlements/
2. Bennachie: This hill range is located about 10 miles from Leslie Castle and offers scenic walking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
   • https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/bennachie-visitor-centre
3. Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle – This stone circle is located about 12 miles east of Leslie Castle. It is one of the best-preserved examples of a recumbent stone circle in Scotland, with a large, flat stone lying on its side between two upright stones.  There are several of these stone circles in the area and are believed to date back 4-5000 years ago and are thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. They are popular attractions for visitors interested in Scottish history and archaeology.
   • https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/east-aquhorthies-stone-circle/
4. Aberdeenshire Highland Beef: is a local farm known for raising Highland cattle located about 26 miles from Leslie Castle offers tours of the farm, allowing visitors to learn about the farming practices and see the animals up close (Sundays)
   • https://aberdeenshirehighlandbeef.com/

Leslie Clan specific places of interest

1. Leslie’s Cross: This monument is located about 8 miles from Leslie Castle at the Leslie Clan Chapel in Chapel of Garioch where you can learn about the bloody battle of Harlaw. Sir Andrew Leslie, third Baron of Balquhain, and several of his sons rode out with Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar to meet the advance of the Highlanders at the fields of Harlaw. Six of Sir Andrew’s sons died that day as well as Leslies from nearby castles and farms.
2. Balquhain Castle Ruins: Located about 9 miles from Leslie Castle where Mary Queen of Scots was hosted by the Leslie family who were known to have had a friendly relationship with the Leslies, and they remained loyal to her throughout her reign.
3. Fetternear Palace Ruins: Located about 13 miles from Leslie Castle Stroll along the riverside and visit the ruins a former Bishops Palace gifted to the Leslie’s, which remained in the family for several generations. The Leslies were a powerful and influential family in Scotland, with close ties to the royal court and the Church.