Duff House
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Banff AB45 3SX
Telephone 01261 818181
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
Duff House is an early Georgian mansion designed by William Adam for William Duff, run today as a country house gallery jointly with the National Galleries of Scotland. Reviewers rate the paintings from the national collection highly and mention changing exhibitions on the upper floor. Staff come in for consistent praise, with several visitors singling out how much history the guides can offer.
Worth the trip
Rooms hung with works from Scotland's national art collection, which most reviewers treat as the reason to go inside rather than only walk the grounds.
Before you go
Reviewers advise taking the second driveway for the closest parking and note there are a lot of stairs, though a lift is available; the grounds can be walked before the house opens, and at least one visitor found the cafe closed.
The staff are what reviewers mention most, described as attentive, friendly and keen to share their knowledge, with one reviewer naming a member of staff as an encyclopaedia on Scottish history. The house is praised for the art hung there from the national collection, the room interiors and the story of its construction and its architect, and one reviewer notes a top-floor exhibition space covering its wartime Polish residents. The grounds and exterior can be walked without going inside and are described as wheelchair friendly, with one reviewer advising the second driveway for parking close to the house. There are a lot of stairs inside, though reviewers note a lift. Reports on refreshments are unfavourable: one reviewer found the on-site cafe closed and another says there is no cafe and that the house closes over lunch, with Banff within walking distance for food.
Early Georgian mansion designed by William Adam for William Duff, jointly run today as a country house gallery with the National Galleries of Scotland.
“Lovely house steeped in History. Lovely staff. There are a lot of stairs, but there is a lift. It looks like they have a wee cafe on site. But sadly it was closed.”- Erika Wilson, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Take the second driveway for parking and it’s a very short distance to the beautiful “House”” - T B
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Lovely house steeped in History.” - Erika Wilson
- Facilities
- “Closed over lunch and no cafe but sustenance is available in Banff walking distance away” - Derek Zuckert
Common questions about Duff House
Where is Duff House?
Duff House is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at Banff AB45 3SX.
Do you need a ticket to visit Duff House?
Yes - Duff House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Duff House?
Rooms hung with works from Scotland's national art collection, which most reviewers treat as the reason to go inside rather than only walk the grounds.
Is Duff House a ruin or still intact?
Duff House is largely intact - Early Georgian mansion designed by William Adam for William Duff, jointly run today as a country house gallery with the National Galleries of Scotland.
