Crathes Castle
A 16th-century tower house with stunning gardens, rich history, and intricate painted ceilings, set amidst Aberdeenshire's rolling hills.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crathes Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century tower house with stunning gardens, rich history, and intricate painted ceilings, set amidst Aberdeenshire's rolling hills.
"The gardens are a wonderful jungle of history, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable."
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the extensive gardens and estate trails. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
Dedicate at least half a day to explore the castle and gardens thoroughly. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
16th-Century Painted Ceilings
Castle Interior
Marvel at the intricate and vibrant painted ceilings, including the Room of the Nine Nobles and the Muses' Room.
Enchanting Walled Gardens
Castle Gardens
Explore eight distinct sections of the walled garden, featuring yew hedges, vibrant blooms, and themed borders.
The Horn of Leys
Great Hall
See the ancient Horn of Leys, a symbol of the Burnett family's heritage granted by Robert the Bruce.
Estate Walking Trails
Crathes Castle Estate
Discover wildlife and scenic views on waymarked trails through the former Royal Forest of Drum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Navigating the Castle and Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the extensive gardens and estate trails. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
Dedicate at least half a day to explore the castle and gardens thoroughly. :clock1:
Check for events
Special markets and family fun days can enhance your visit. :sparkles:
Photography is allowed
Capture memories inside the castle, with only one small area restricted. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the extensive gardens and estate trails. :athletic_shoe:
Allow ample time
Dedicate at least half a day to explore the castle and gardens thoroughly. :clock1:
Check for events
Special markets and family fun days can enhance your visit. :sparkles:
Photography is allowed
Capture memories inside the castle, with only one small area restricted. :camerawithflash:
Dog policy awareness
Dogs are welcome on the estate but not inside the castle or gardens. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Crathes Castle for its stunning gardens and the fascinating history within its walls, particularly the painted ceilings. The estate offers beautiful walking trails and a chance to connect with nature. While the castle's interior is engaging, some find the staircases challenging. A common point of feedback is the restriction on dogs in the gardens, though they are welcome on the wider estate.
"The sun was splitting the sky today so we decided to visit Crathes Castle & Estate. The location was very busy as there were extra activities on in the grounds, bouncy things of several shapes and sizes, face painting, arts and crafts etc.
It Is a self guided tour through the castle going up one set of very tight circular stairs and returning back down to ground level on a second set of stairs. You do need good mobility to manage these stairs.
All the rooms were temperature and humidity controlled to try and preserve the fabrics and furnishings within each room.
All the items were most interesting to see but not as old as those in Glamis castle.
One advantage of this castle Is that you may take photographs except for one small area.
After we completed the tour the heat from the sun guided us to the nearby ice cream vendor followed by a walk around the gardens. The gardens are large and are the home to many exotic plants, trees and shrubs. It Is a full time job for five volunteer gardeners to keep the gardens and grounds in such a wondrous condition.
We finished off the day with a quick snack in the cafe. Soft drinks, cakes and cappuccino were enjoyed at a leisurely pace. A great day out, highly recommended."
John Rankin
"i absolutely loved this castle ...the painted ceilings are just amazing ...Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle provides a memorable experience with its towers, turrets and stories of its resident ghosts. King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323: the ancient Horn of Leys, which can be seen today in the Great Hall, marks his gift.
Inside you’ll find a labyrinth of cultural history, from family portraits to fine antique furniture. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable a sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702.
Crathes Castle Estate was once part of the Royal Forest of Drum. Today there are a range of waymarked and clearly signposted trails. Look out for wildlife along the way – you may see red squirrels, woodpeckers and herons."
Warren Baird
"What a great castle, so well kept and the staff are so full of knowledge
The gardens are fabulous and I would suggest a while day, half day at least in the castle if you want to read all the details and do it justice, then a good couple of hours minimum in the gardens. Also great walks around the area also and. A lovely cafe."
Aman Toor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crathes Castle is located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, along the 'Castle Trail'. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might involve buses to Banchory, followed by a walk or taxi to the castle.
Yes, there is parking available at Crathes Castle for visitors. It can get busy during peak times and special events.
You can walk to Crathes Castle, particularly if you are following trails like the Deeside Way. However, some routes can be longer than expected, so plan your route carefully.
The 'Castle Trail' is a scenic route in Aberdeenshire that links several historic castles, including Crathes Castle, offering a journey through Scotland's rich history.
While direct public transport to the castle entrance might be limited, you can take a bus to the nearby town of Banchory and then arrange local transport or enjoy a walk to the castle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary for castle and garden access. It's advisable to check the official National Trust for Scotland website for the most current admission fees and opening times.
Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season or for special events, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Always check the National Trust for Scotland website for the most up-to-date information on castle and garden opening times.
Yes, it's often possible to purchase tickets for garden-only access, which can be a great option if you're primarily interested in the beautiful grounds.
Discounts may be available for members of the National Trust for Scotland, families, or groups. Check their website for details on potential concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautifully preserved rooms with 16th-century painted ceilings, family portraits, antique furniture, and historical artifacts. The Horn of Leys is a notable exhibit.
Yes, the castle tour is self-guided, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You'll ascend one spiral staircase and descend another.
Absolutely! The walled gardens are a major highlight, featuring intricate yew hedges, diverse plant collections, and themed sections. They are considered some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK.
Yes, the estate offers several waymarked walking trails through woodland and open countryside, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Photography is generally permitted inside the castle, with only one small area having restrictions. This is a great advantage for capturing your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Crathes Castle has a cafe that offers refreshments, including soft drinks, cakes, and coffee. It's a nice spot to relax after exploring.
The cafe typically serves light snacks, cakes, and beverages. You might also find some local treats available.
While not explicitly mentioned, the extensive grounds often provide opportunities for picnicking, especially in designated areas or on the wider estate.
Bringing your own food for a picnic is usually acceptable on the estate grounds, but check specific rules regarding consumption within the formal garden areas.
The nearby town of Banchory offers various pubs and restaurants if you're looking for more substantial meal options outside the castle grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer stunning backdrops with the castle, especially during bloom. The exterior architecture and the surrounding landscape also make for great shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites like Crathes Castle to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. Always check with the site management before flying a drone.
Yes, photography is allowed inside Crathes Castle, except for one small designated area, allowing you to capture the historic interiors.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the castle and gardens.
The iconic yew hedges, the walled garden's vibrant displays, and the castle's turrets offer unique and memorable photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
The meticulously kept gardens, with their vibrant blooms and ancient yew hedges, provide endless photographic opportunities. +1 Inside, the 16th-century painted ceilings are a major highlight, offering a unique chance to capture historical art. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Crathes Castle
+2 The castle was built for defense, incorporating ingenious features like a slightly higher 11th step on its spiral staircase, a common tactic to hinder attackers. Its architecture reflects its medieval origins, with imposing towers and turrets. The castle's interiors offer a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants, featuring family portraits, antique furniture, and the remarkable painted ceilings. The painted ceilings are a standout feature, particularly the Room of the Nine Nobles, which depicts legendary heroes, and the Muses' Room, adorned with paintings of the Muses and Virtues.
Exploring the Crathes Castle Gardens
A defining feature of the gardens is the presence of massive yew hedges, some of which are believed to have been planted as early as 1702.
+1 The Burnetts' love for their gardens is evident in every corner, making it a truly enchanting place to explore. The gardens are so impressive that they are considered one of the most beautiful garden destinations in the UK. Walking and Wildlife at Crathes Castle Estate
The estate is a haven for local wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels, which are often seen darting through the trees, and listen for the calls of woodpeckers. Herons can also be spotted in and around the waterways.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit