Scotland’s majestic Glamis Castle launches virtual and guide-free castle tours in a significant digital upgrade. The Royal castle, which is best known as the childhood home of HM The Queen Mother and the birthplace of HRH Princess Margaret, has installed Wi-Fi to facilitate the enhancements – a first in its 648-year history.
The historic Angus castle is located just 20 minutes from Dundee and will once again welcome all on new guide-free tours around the castle from 15th July. Visitors will be accompanied by an interactive visual guide as they make their way through the footsteps of Royals past; where walls have born witness to some of Scotland and Britain’s most important history.
For those unable to make it in person, the all-new online virtual tours provide an immersive and accessible way to explore the array of ornate rooms and ancient passageways from the comfort of their own homes. The interactive, 360-degree experience takes virtual visitors on a fascinating journey through history, from the Victorian splendor of the Dining Room to the infamous Secret Room in the crypt. Get up close and gaze in wonderment at the Italian stucco ceiling of the Drawing Room – formally the Great Hall – before taking a moment to appreciate the private Chapel, praised as one of the finest in Northern Europe.
Legendary tales of historic figures - such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Pretender to the throne James VIII – are traced through the many prominent rooms in both the virtual tours and onsite guide-free tours.
The reopening of the castle to visitors, both physically and virtually, follows the reopening of the extensive and diverse grounds and gardens on Monday 29th June, initially to locals within a five-mile radius.
For coffee and cake or a leisurely lunch, take away food and drink celebrating Glamis’ rich farming heritage will be available, or visitors can shake out a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the gardens. Picnic hampers are also available to make the post-lockdown day out even more enjoyable with someone else preparing the food - all in a spectacular setting where for hundreds of years people have enjoyed the splendid majesty of Glamis.
To ensure a warm welcome with enhanced safety some new measures have been introduced across the castle and garden including a one-way system and hand sanitizing facilities throughout. All tickets must be booked in advance with a date and time slot. Tickets for the castle tours are available to book online from 13th July while the Castle will be open to visitors onsite from Wednesday 15th July.
For those wishing to savor the experience and stay awhile:
Glamis House is a heritage-rich self-catering retreat for up to 13, set among the beautiful Angus countryside on the Glamis Castle Estate that has played host to H.M. The Queen in former years.
Price: start from £1,390 for two nights
No 8 Main Street is an 18th Century cottage that offers a rural hideaway for up to 6 people (and well-behaved pets) within walking distance of the castle and grounds.
Price: start from £360 for two nights.
To book visit glamis-castle.co.uk.
