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28 Jul 2025

10 reasons to visit Brodie Castle this summer

Written by Rachael MacRae
Two cold drinks sit on a bench outside with a giant white bunny lying on the grass behind.
Enjoy a trip to Brodie Castle this summer
A visit to Brodie Castle & Estate offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery, providing a memorable experience for all ages. Here are our top ten reasons to explore Brodie Castle this summer.

1. Guided tours

Join expert guides for an immersive tour to see how changing times have altered the castle’s shape and purpose. The castle houses a magnificent collection of furniture, ceramics, and artwork, including works by 17th-century Dutch masters. It also boasts an impressive library containing over 6,000 volumes. 
 

2. Self-guided Saturdays

Although the castle is open throughout the week, Saturdays offer something special! Every Saturday from 10.30am–2pm, you can explore the castle at your leisure. Guides will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Enjoy wandering through the rooms filled with the rich history of the Brodie family.

The exterior of Brodie Castle at the end of a driveway with grass and trees on either side.
Brodie Castle

3. The Playful Garden

The Playful Garden is packed with excitement for all ages. Inspired by the estate’s rich and eccentric past, the garden features friendly characters and imaginative sculptures. It’s perfect for a relaxed stroll, sensory play, and time outdoors. Don’t miss the famous Brodie Bunny! Scotland’s largest rabbit sculpture is a fantastic photo opportunity for families.

A playground

4. Pond Walk and Brodie Picture Trail

The Pond Walk takes you around the pond, where you can look out for ducks. Along the way, there are wildlife hides and wooden carvings. There are several photo points along the walk, which are part of the Brodie Castle Photo Trail. These posts have a groove cut in the top where you can rest your camera or pop your phone in to get the perfect snap. Pick up a map from the Welcome Centre or use a QR code to access it on your phone.

5. The Pictish Trail

Venture beyond the castle walls with the unique Pictish Trail, which showcases carvings inspired by Scotland’s early Pictish inhabitants. Created by the Grounds team, these artworks line the trail and guide you to the Rodney Stone, an original Pictish carved stone standing proudly on the estate. Trail maps are available from the Welcome Centre. 

6. Orienteering trail

Brodie Castle & Estate offers two free orienteering trails, developed with the Moravian Orienteering Club: 
• A beginner-friendly loop around the castle suitable for all ages and abilities. 
• An advanced trail exploring the wider estate and pond area, perfect for experienced adventurers. 

No compass skills are required, but for added fun, download a free compass app. Digital and printed maps are available from the Welcome Centre.

A girl holds a phone up to scan a QR code on a wooden post in some grass.
Brodie Castle offers two free orienteering trails

7. The Castle Café

Open daily, 10am–4pm 

Set in the Castle’s Victorian Kitchen, the Castle Café offers hot and cold lunches, snacks, teas, coffees, and cakes. 

New for summer: Brunch menu (available from 11.30am–2.30pm) which includes: 
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese toasted bagel with rocket and capers.
• Grilled cheddar and Arran chutney sourdough with roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Avocado, cheddar and tomato toast with chilli flakes.
• A vegan and gluten-free burger with mixed salad and crisps.

You’ll also find pasties, soups, sandwiches, and kids’ lunch boxes available all day. 

8. Adventure Playpark

Perfect for blowing off steam, the playpark is located beside the Castle Café. The Adventure Playpark is filled with exciting equipment for children to enjoy.

Children play in a wooden playground in front of a castle.
The Adventure Playpark is filled with exciting equipment for children to enjoy

9. Playful Garden café and soft play 

Open daily, 10am–4pm 

The Playful Garden café offers speciality coffees, bubble teas, cakes, healthy snacks, light lunches, and cold drinks. The soft play is located inside the Playful Garden café and is perfect for little ones to enjoy while you relax with a hot drink.

10. Family-friendly events

Brodie Castle & Estate hosts a range of family-friendly events throughout the year. Celebrate National Playday on Wednesday 6 August from 11am–3pm with free crafts, games, and activities for children of all ages. 

Join the Nature Nippers session on Thursday 14 August, where children can learn about the wonders of nature through engaging games, crafts, and outdoor activities!

Find out more about events at Brodie Castle & Estate

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