Crathes Castle
Details of Crathes Castle near Aberdeen
Crathes Castle & Gardens
Fifteen miles west of Aberdeen, where the A93 meets the A957 from Stonehaven, is Crathes Castle, a perfect 'fairytale' castle built over 40 years in the mid-16th century. The turreted tower-house is still furnished with many period pieces and wall hangings, and is notable for its superb painted ceilings. There are narrow spiral staircases leading to tiny rooms, one of which is said to be inhabited by the obligatory ghost. The castle is well worth exploring but is almost overshadowed by the exceptional gardens, which shouldn't be missed. There are no fewer than eight of them, so take your time. There's also a visitor centre, restaurant and shop.
It is also worth taking one of several waymarked trails into surrounding countryside inhabited by roe deer and red squirrels.
King Robert the Bruce gifted 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. Some of the rooms still have their original painted ceilings and collections of family portraits and furniture. A walled garden, which incorporates herbaceous borders and many unusual plants is another attraction. The great yew hedges, that are perfect examples of the art of topiary, date from as early as 1702. Explore the estate on the seven waymarked trails (including one suitable for wheelchairs) that lead through the mixed woodlands,and the millpond.
A stroll along the Wild Side, explores the wildlife on the Crathes Estate.
contact:
The Administrator Crathes Castle Crathes Banchory Aberdeenshire AB31 5QJ Scotland
Opening Times
Opening Hours Castle: 31 March to 30 Sep, daily 10.305.30, 1 to 31 Oct, daily 10.304.30; 1 Nov to 31 March, Wed,Sun (closed Mon and Tue) 10.303.45. Last admission 45 mins before closing. Plant sales: same dates, but weekends only in Oct and closed Nov to March inclusive. Gardens: all year, daily 9sunset.
Grounds: all year, daily.
Skytrek Aerial Trekking Course: contact property for details. Shop and catering: 31 March to 31 Oct, daily 105.30; 1 Nov to 31 March, daily 104.30. Castle, restaurant and shop closed for Christmas and New Year holidays
Related Clans
Burnett-
100 Paintballs Day near Aberdeen
Paintball day near Aberdeen that includes up to 6 games. Includes 100 paints, overalls, referees, guns etc. Dirty, exciting day out. -
4X4 Blindfold Off Road Driving, Aberdeen
4x4 Off Road Driving is tough enough now add a blindfold! We can help book this activity and also transfers to and from the activity center. -
Aberdeen Dance Party Masterclasses
The ideal activity for hen groups. Lots of styles to choose from and available in different locations. Deals for larger groups available. -
Aberdeen Ghost Walks
Ghost walks can be incredibly fun, scary and exhilarating all at once. Ghost Walks in Aberdeen gives you the chance to know the history and related stories with the help of a guide.
-
Clay Pigeon Shooting Aberdeen
Start shooting and splinter those flying clays in the air who knows you may end up being a pro. -
Laser Tag at Battle Grounds - Aberdeenshire
For the very best of laser tag in our specially designed gaming arenas at the Battle Ground Paintball site. It's as much fun as paintball without any bruises! -
Mini Highland Games Aberdeen
Enjoy a great time trying some of the top activities during your highland games experience with mates in Aberdeen. -
Aberdeen Casino with Meal
Risk a few dollars and ride on your luck with casino in Aberdeen. Includes a drink on arrival, a meal, £5 gaming chip, £5 slots voucher, gaming tution. -
Aberdeen Casino with 3 Course Meal
Gamble to your heart's content in Aberdeen casino. Includes drink on arrival, 3 course meal, gaming tuition, £5 gaming chip and £5 slots voucher. -
The Lecht Ski Resort Full Day
Full day of skiing in a full slope area with magic carpet lift for starters to a black run for experienced. Higest standard of ski instruction. Includes all the facilities in one building.
Nearby Castles
-
Haddo House
The well known Scottish architect William Adam designed Haddo House in 1732, it is located near Aberdeen and is a phenomenal example of an Scottish highland stately home.
-
Dunnottar Castle
Striking position overlooking the sea near Stonehaven makes this one of the most inspiring and exciting castles to visit whatever the weather or season!
-
Drum Castle Gardens & Estate
14th Century castle of the Irvine family and now National Trust. Wonderful gardens and you can visit inside the castle as well. One of Scotland's oldest tower house castles.
-
Slains Castle
Striking ruined castle in atmospheric locaion beside the North Sea near Cruden Bay. Brilliant for family picnic and hide and seek
-
Balbegno Castle
16th Century tower house that has recently become a very smart rental home owned by descendant of Prime Minister Glasdstone.
-
Corsindae House
Privately owned 16th century L Plan house with later additions. Harled & whitewashed
Crathes Castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Cottages Nearby
-
Lairds Cast, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, sleeps 6
In an area renowned for superb fishing and golf, this wonderful property, one of a pair, could not be in a better location! Just 50 yards from the rushing waters of the lovely River Dee and very close to ... -
Thornton Cottage, nr Aberdeen - Sleeps 4
This attractive, traditionally built, stone holiday cottage is ½ mile from Drumoak village in Royal Deeside. Within easy walking distance are the River Dee, Drum Castle with its 13th-century tower a... -
The Barn, nr Tolquhon Castle - Sleeps 10
One of four fabulous houses which have been sympathetically converted from old farm buildings and stables to provide excellent accommodation for a family holiday in peaceful surroundings. -
The Byre, by Tolquhon Castle - Sleeps 8
These four fabulous houses have been sympathetically converted from old farm buildings and stables to provide excellent accommodation for a family holiday in peaceful surroundings. Each house has its own p... -
The Coach House, by Tolquhon Castle - Sleeps 6
These four fabulous houses have been sympathetically converted from old farm buildings and stables to provide excellent accommodation for a family holiday in peaceful surroundings. Each house has its own p... -
The Stables, by Tolquhon Castle - Sleeps 2-4
These four fabulous houses have been sympathetically converted from old farm buildings and stables to provide excellent accommodation for a family holiday in peaceful surroundings. Each house has its own p... -
Skene Castle Annexe near Aberdeen - Sleeps 4-6
Castle annexe with 2 bedrooms nearish to Aberdeen. Lovely historic home and one of the bedrooms has a four poster bed! Sleeps 4. No Pets or Wifi. -
Park Lodge, Strachan, sleeps 6
This detached holiday lodge is in an elevated position with marvellous views towards Cairn O’Mount and is situated in 8 acres of natural woodland. Visit Balmoral Castle or Royal Deeside begs to be ex... -
Kelpie, Banchory, Sleeps 4
Banchory is a large village set on the River Dee amidst spectacular hill and mountain scenery much loved by tourists. Royal Deeside with its Crathes and Balmoral Castles and gardens never cease to intrigue... -
The Byre, Deeside - Sleeps 6
The Byre is set on a working beef farm and offers a relaxing holiday base in a beautiful area of Deeside, only a half hour drive from Aberdeen. With panoramic views of the countryside it has been refurbis... -
Pine Lodge East, nr Banchory - Sleeps 4
Situated on the Green Park Leisure Complex and enjoying open views over rich Aberdeenshire farm lands, the bright and spacious detached pine holiday lodge is situated in a delightful rural location, approx... -
Greenacre Lodge, nr Banchory - Sleeps 6
Situated on the Green Park Leisure Complex, this is an exquisitely designed detached property, finished to a very good standard with state of the art underfloor heating, iPod docking in all rooms and all m... -
Boghead Cottage, Royal Deeside - Sleeps 2
Nestling in the heart of Royal Deeside, this detached holiday cottage has been converted from an old steading (built with the original stone) and enjoys magnificent views of Deeside and Mount Keen. Views o... -
Pine Lodge West, nr Banchory - Sleeps 6
Just off a quiet lane in the Aberdeenshire countryside 3 miles from the attractive town of Banchory and 20 miles from Aberdeen, this spacious Scandinavian timber lodge offers exceptionally bright, .... -
Lodge for 8 near Banchory
Detached lodge situated near the town of Banchory close to Aberdeen. Sleeps eight people in four bedrooms.