Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century tower house on Royal Deeside, built by the Burnett family who held the land for nearly 400 years before handing the estate to the National Trust for Scotland in 1951. Inside, the standout feature is a set of painted ceilings from the late 1500s — vividly coloured allegorical and heraldic scenes that survived largely intact and are considered among the best examples of their kind in Scotland.
The real draw for most visitors, though, is the walled garden — eight distinct themed gardens laid out around yew hedges that are themselves centuries old, giving the grounds a mature, layered feel that few Scottish castle gardens match. Combined with woodland trails through the wider estate, Crathes works well as a half-day that mixes historic interiors with genuinely good grounds, rather than being a castle visit with an afterthought garden.
Crathes Castle FAQs
The grounds and gardens are generally open year-round, but the castle interior usually has a more limited season — check current hours.
The late 16th-century painted ceilings, which survive in remarkable condition and are considered some of the finest in Scotland.
Yes, the walled garden's eight themed sections and ancient yew hedges are often the highlight even without touring the castle.
Yes, it's been managed by the National Trust for Scotland since 1951.
Yes, Drum Castle is nearby and Balmoral is a further drive west, making a good castle-focused day out.
More in Aberdeen
Reviews/Comments
No comments yet — be the first.