Haddo House
An elegant 18th-century mansion with opulent Victorian interiors, art collections, and sprawling country parkland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see the house first
Haddo House
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see the house first
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant 18th-century mansion with opulent Victorian interiors, art collections, and sprawling country parkland.
"Stunning stately home with elegant interiors and beautiful grounds, a must-visit in Aberdeenshire."
🎯 Follow Tourist Signs
Ignore GPS if it suggests back roads; official tourist signs lead to the best entrance.
⏰ Check Tour Times
House tours are guided and run at set times. Plan your visit around these to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elegant Victorian Interiors
Main House
Step back in time with opulent Victorian remodelling, showcasing fine furniture and an extensive art collection.
Stunning Terrace Gardens
South Lawn
Explore beautifully maintained gardens offering scenic views and a peaceful escape, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Haddo Country Park
Estate Grounds
Wander through expansive parkland with lakes, woodland walks, and charming monuments. Great for wildlife spotting!
Fairy Wood
Estate Grounds
Discover an enchanting woodland walk within the grounds, a magical spot for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating to Haddo House
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Follow Tourist Signs
Ignore GPS if it suggests back roads; official tourist signs lead to the best entrance.
⏰ Check Tour Times
House tours are guided and run at set times. Plan your visit around these to avoid disappointment.
👟 Explore the Estate
Don't just see the house! The country park offers beautiful walks and wildlife spotting.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The cafe offers lovely scones and homemade goodies, a perfect treat after exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Follow Tourist Signs
Ignore GPS if it suggests back roads; official tourist signs lead to the best entrance.
⏰ Check Tour Times
House tours are guided and run at set times. Plan your visit around these to avoid disappointment.
👟 Explore the Estate
Don't just see the house! The country park offers beautiful walks and wildlife spotting.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The cafe offers lovely scones and homemade goodies, a perfect treat after exploring.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Estate
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the country park and on the estate grounds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Haddo House is widely praised for its stunning architecture, elegant interiors, and the beautiful, expansive country park. Visitors highlight the knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides who bring the history to life. The well-maintained gardens and woodland walks are also a significant draw, offering a complete day out for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
"We had a lovely time at this beautiful house. The cafe was excellent and the homemade caramalised onion and pork sausage roll was one of the best sausage rolls I have ever eaten. The we went on the Victorian Christmas house tour. Our guide was Andrew and I would just like to say what an amazing guide, so engaging, knowledgable with a passion for history he made every minute of the tour a delight. A fantastic festive afternoon. I highly recommend,"
E Hutchinson
"Need lots of time to see the fabulous property.
TAKE CARE - use postcode from NTS to get to the correct entrance - your GPS may mislead!
Guided tour are occasional - we nearly missed the 11am. Tour covers the key rooms and shows how the building evolved with Victorian fashion and hosted the monarch for a single night.
Originally William Adam with changed and additions, the chapel added in 1881.
Cafe excellent"
Derek Zuckert
"Firstly Google maps gets you near but tries to direct you down some back lane, once you see the tourist signs for Haddo follow them and ignore Google.
The website says that tours of the house start at 11am/1pm/3pm so plan accordingly. I arrived for the first one at 11am and had tour guide Charlotte who was very knowledgeable and full of information.
I only had time to do the house and a walk around the chapel and gardens but the estate looks massive and some nice walks. Will have to come back another time for them."
Joanne Buxton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haddo House is located in Aberdeenshire. While GPS can guide you nearby, it's best to follow the official tourist signs for Haddo House once you're in the area to ensure you reach the correct entrance.
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at Haddo House, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Public transport options to Haddo House might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service if you are not traveling by car.
The most reliable way to reach Haddo House is by following the clearly marked tourist signs once you are in the vicinity of Tarves, Aberdeenshire.
The estate grounds offer accessible paths, and some areas of the house may have limited accessibility. It's recommended to contact Haddo House directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Haddo House opening hours vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official National Trust for Scotland website for the most current opening times and tour schedules.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check the website, especially during peak season, to secure your spot for house tours.
Admission fees apply for entry to Haddo House and its tours. Check the National Trust for Scotland website for current pricing details. Membership benefits may apply.
Yes, Haddo House offers guided tours that provide in-depth information about its history and the family who lived there. These tours run at specific times throughout the day.
Yes, you can explore the beautiful Haddo Country Park and gardens. Admission fees may apply for the entire estate, so check the latest information on their website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the elegant Victorian interiors of the house, admire the art collection, wander through the terrace gardens, and enjoy walks in the expansive Haddo Country Park, including Fairy Wood.
Absolutely! Haddo House and its grounds offer stunning photographic opportunities, from the grand architecture to the picturesque landscapes and gardens.
Haddo House often hosts various events, including concerts and exhibitions. Check their events calendar on the National Trust for Scotland website for upcoming happenings.
Fairy Wood is an enchanting woodland walk located within the Haddo House estate, offering a magical experience for visitors of all ages.
Dogs are welcome in the Haddo Country Park and on the estate grounds, but they must be kept on a lead. Dogs are generally not permitted inside the house itself.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Haddo House, often referred to as Mrs. Smith's at Haddo, which serves refreshments, including lovely scones and homemade treats.
The cafe typically offers light meals, cakes, pastries, and hot and cold beverages. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the house and grounds.
The expansive grounds of Haddo Country Park provide numerous scenic spots perfect for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy it amidst the beautiful surroundings.
You are welcome to bring your own food for a picnic in the designated areas of the Haddo Country Park. However, food and drink are generally not permitted inside the house itself.
The nearby village of Tarves and the surrounding Aberdeenshire area offer various dining options, from local pubs to cafes, if you're looking for more substantial meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand facade of Haddo House, the formal terrace gardens, the serene lakes in the country park, and the charming Fairy Wood all offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Photography inside Haddo House may be restricted, especially flash photography, to protect the delicate interiors and artworks. Always check for signage or ask a guide.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. Midday can be good for capturing the grandeur of the house and gardens.
While dedicated photography tours might not be regularly scheduled, the knowledgeable guides can often point out interesting features and historical details that make for great photos.
A versatile lens (e.g., a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful for both interior shots and wider estate views. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the architecture and landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park often features ducks and geese, adding to the wildlife interest. While the house tours are informative, younger children might enjoy the outdoor activities more. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the scenic parkland. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
The variety of scenery, from open parkland to dense woods, ensures an engaging walk. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and the various monuments dotted around the grounds. 📸 Photographers
Capture the stately facade, the intricate details of the interiors (where permitted), and the serene landscapes of the estate. The Fairy Wood also provides unique, atmospheric shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Haddo's History
+1The estate has been the ancestral home of the Gordon family for over 400 years, and the house is filled with their legacy, including an extensive art collection featuring works by prominent artists. Exploring Haddo House offers a fascinating journey through Scottish aristocratic life, architectural evolution, and the stories of the family who shaped this remarkable place.
+1Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, Haddo House is preserved to offer visitors an authentic experience of its past. The guided tours are highly praised for their informative and enthusiastic guides who bring the history to life, making it a truly engaging visit for history buffs and casual explorers alike.
Exploring the Haddo Estate and Country Park
Visitors can discover various monuments and follies scattered throughout the grounds, adding an element of discovery to their walks. A particular highlight is the enchanting Fairy Wood, a magical woodland area that sparks the imagination. The estate is also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see a variety of birds and other local fauna.
This expansive parkland is ideal for a leisurely stroll, a family day out, or even a dog walk, as the estate is dog-friendly. The combination of the historic house and the natural beauty of the country park makes Haddo House a comprehensive destination for a day trip.
+1The Volunteer Spirit at Haddo House
Volunteer roles are diverse, ranging from guiding visitors through the house and caring for its collections to assisting in the gardens, supporting events, and working in the shop or cafe. This offers a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to a historic site, learn new skills, and become part of a passionate community.
If you're looking for a rewarding way to engage with Scotland's heritage, volunteering at Haddo House provides a chance to be directly involved in maintaining this stunning property for future generations. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Haddo House directly to inquire about available roles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit