About

Gordon Castle is one of Scotland’s most treasured Highland estates, rooted in centuries of history and tradition. Located in the village of Fochabers on the banks of the River Spey, the castle and its grounds have stood as a symbol of heritage, resilience, and stewardship for generations. Today, the estate balances its historic role with a vibrant offering for visitors — from breathtaking gardens to unforgettable events.

At the heart of Gordon Castle lies its celebrated Walled Garden, one of the oldest and largest kitchen gardens in Britain. Lovingly restored, it now produces seasonal fruit, vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers that inspire everything from artisan gin to homemade dishes served in the estate café. Visitors can stroll through this living landscape, explore children’s play areas, and enjoy a unique connection to the land.

In recent years, the Gordon family has undertaken a remarkable restoration project, bringing the castle and its surrounding grounds back to life. Central to this vision is the eight-acre Walled Garden — one of the oldest and largest kitchen gardens in Britain. Once nearly forgotten, the garden is now fully revived, producing an abundance of herbs, fruit, vegetables, and flowers that supply the estate café, shop, and artisan products such as the award-winning Gordon Castle Gin.

Gordon Castle Estate, Walled Garden and the Gordon Castle Scotland brand are the results of eight years of hard work by Angus and Zara Gordon Lennox since they took over the running of Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers in 2008.

Completed as one of Scotland’s largest houses in the 1770s by the Duke of Gordon, Gordon Castle is the historical home of the Gordons, one of Scotland’s oldest families. The estate nestles in the Spey valley, in the heart of whisky country, with a stretch of the Spey River running through the estate, which boasts some of the best salmon fishing in the world.

The castle was used during the Great War as an auxiliary hospital for soldiers returning from the front and was then sold back to the Crown in 1938 following two successive deaths leaving the family with unmanageable death duties to pay. It fell into disrepair before being ‘rescued’ by war hero and much loved soldier Lieutenant General Sir George Gordon Lennox (grandson of the 7th Duke of Richmond and Gordon) after World War Two. He was forced to knock down much of the original house due to dry and wet rot, but he and his wife began the loving restoration, which Angus Gordon Lennox (Grandson of Sir George) and his wife Zara, continue today.

Upon arrival, they decided that an estate of such historical importance and significance had to be brought into the 21st century and was in dying need of renovation. The traditional activities of farming, accommodation and fishing are not enough to sustain it in the long term. A major diversification programme was needed. It was decided that the once traditional sporting Estate was to be transformed into a multi-faceted attraction for the community and visitors alike.

Today, the Estate offers exclusive use accommodation in the Castle, self-catering holiday cottages, world-class salmon fishing, a Walled Garden visitor attraction, natural children’s play area and a café serving delicious fresh food from the garden and local suppliers.

• Wander through the blooming Walled Garden

• Taste seasonal dishes in the café made with estate-grown produce

• Discover handcrafted products in the shop, from botanical gins to luxury bath items

• Celebrate weddings, events, and private gatherings in a unique Highland setting

Step inside one of Scotland’s hidden treasures. Gordon Castle has been at the heart of the Highlands for centuries, with a rich story that stretches back through royal visits, clan history, and remarkable restoration. While the castle itself remains a private family home, the wider estate welcomes visitors year-round.

Gordon Castle is not open to the public and is available for exclusive use only. Learn more below.

Stroll through beautifully tended borders, enjoy wildlife and pollinator-friendly planting, and see firsthand how the garden supplies fresh produce for the whole estate, local cut flowers, and ingredients for the Gordon Castle Gin collection. A children’s play area makes it a family-friendly day out, while plant and produce sales let you take a piece of the garden home.

The Walled Garden, Children’s play-area & Produce Shed – Open 10am to 3pm 7 days a week

Enjoy coffee with friends, a family meal, or private dining at the café, where warm hospitality meets a garden-to-plate experience. The gift shop offers artisan products, including Gordon Castle Gin, craft gins, small-batch ciders, gourmet treats, and home & garden essentials.

Open 10am to 3pm Wednesday – Sunday