Duff House
Overview
Unpick the tale of two Williams – William Duff, owner of Duff House, and William Adam, its architect. The two fell out over money during the creation of this splendid early Georgian mansion, leading to a five-year court case. As home to noted art collectors, Duff House has long been adorned with magnificent paintings. It later played an active role in the Second World War. Today, Duff House is a country house gallery displaying collections from the National Galleries of Scotland.
Highlights
- Admire architect William Adam’s tremendous vision, including elaborate masonry carved in Queensferry and shipped to Banff
- Spot the difference between superb interior features that are original and those that have been meticulously restored
- Learn the many stories of Duff House’s history, from a royal visit to its wartime use as a prisoner of war camp
- Wander through landscaped grounds set out with carriage drives and ornamental follies
- Walk about 2 miles to the Bridge of Alvah, passing Duff ice house and the striking neo-Gothic mausoleum
- Take our fun fact-finding quiz (also available in Scots)
- Find the animals and objects around the house to complete our Drawing Challenge.
Events and Activities at Duff House
Easter Eggsplorer Trails
07 - 10 April 2023
Get ready for a historic Easter trail through some of our most iconic sites including castles, abbeys and forts! Work out who has been stealing all the Easter Eggs- your suspects are Ruth the Cat, Grace the Falcon, Dougie the Dog and Wilfred the Wolf. Hunt down all of our Easter egg pictures at the site, each with a letter, and use the letters to spell out who the sneaky culprit is. If you correctly solve the challenge, a chocolate treat awaits! Drop-in throughout the day to join in the fun. Entry is in included in admission. For more information call 0131 668 8885 or email events@hes.scot
The Merry Wives of Windsor
12 July 2023, 6.15pm for a 7pm start
Discover a story of marriage, wealth, jealousy and lies in this captivating outdoor theatre production. Falstaff is down on his luck, so decides to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants. The wives discover he sent them identical letters and take revenge by playing tricks on Falstaff when he comes calling. This comic humiliation of a foolish, would-be seducer is filled with live music and colourful characters, with the beautiful Duff House as a backdrop. For more information call 0131 668 8885 or email events@hes.scot
Adult-£16, Child-£12, Concessions-£14, Family (2 adults & 2 Children)-£49, Under 7s-Free.
