Did you know there are more than 260 castles dotted around Scotland?!
And when it comes to castles, Aberdeenshire is the place you want to visit as there are more castles per acre here than anywhere else in the UK!
Here we show you our favourite 7 castles in Aberdeenshire, from the most famous to the most dramatic, and from stunning ruins to Royal residences, all of them will make you feel like a princess!
CASTLE FRASER, GARDEN & ESTATE
A picture-perfect castle awaits you at Castle Fraser, walking through the gated entrance you will be guided tour through this 15th century castle’s medieval Great Hall, library and Victorian bedrooms, soaking up the atmosphere of the place the Fraser family called home for more than 400 years, the castle is filled with family portraits, ornaments and mementos – all of which have their own colourful stories to tell about the lairds. You will end up on top of the round tower for incredible views over the estate and walled garden, you will also get a great perspective of how Castle Fraser has been added to over the years turning the building into a huge fortified structure, one of the largest tower houses in the country.
Address Sauchen, Inverurie AB51 7LD
Price Adult £12.00 NTS guided tours only
CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE
Craigievar Castle is the one castle you need to visit. Not only is it totally Instagrammable but this beautiful pink castle is said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Nestled on a picturesque hillside with gardens and woodland trails this castle is enchanting for both kids and adults! This castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style in the 16th century, and was a family home until the 1960s!
Address Craigievar, Alford AB33 8JF
Price Adult £13.00 NTS guided tours only
CRATHES CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE
Crathes Castle is a magnificent castle complete with towers and turrets, stunning intricate painted ceilings and the most glorious gardens followed by rolling hills. With Robert the Bruce granting the surrounding land to the Burnett family in the 14th century, the current castle has stood since the 16th century with the family living in the castle for over 350 years!
Address Crathes, Banchory AB31 5QJ
Price Adult £13.00 NTS guided tours only
DRUM CASTLE, GARDEN& ESTATE
Drum Castle is another of Scotland’s oldest tower houses with over 700 years of history, Robert the Bruce gifted the castle to the Irvine family in 14th century and the castle has a lot of history including becoming a Jacobean mansion house. The estate has wildlife including red squirrels, badgers and deer roaming around.
Address Drumoak, Banchory AB31 5EY
Price Adult £13.00 NTS
FYVIE CASTLE, GARDEN & ESTATE
Fyvie Castle originates from the 13th century and has been home to 5 powerful families who have all put their stamp on this castle. Take a look in the rooms filled with antiques, armour and lavish paintings. There is a grand sweeping staircase which we were told one laird used to race real horses on!! For Game of Thrones fans, there is a statue of a dwarf who was a servant at the castle, and was the inspiration behind Tyrion Lannister.
Address Fyvie, Turriff AB53 8JS
Price Adult £13.00 NTS guided tours only
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
Perched on a dramatic cliff above the North Sea is the stunning and iconic ruin of Dunnottar Castle. The area is believed to have been fortified since the Early Middle Age, with the current buildings being from the 15th and 16th centuries, with Dunnottar playing a prominent role in the history of Scotland, from the crown jewels being hidden from Oliver Cromwell’s invading army in the 17th century to the Jacobite’s in the 18th century. Dunnottar is visually stunning!
Address Stonehaven AB39 2TL
Price Adult £7
BALMORAL CASTLE
Balmoral Castle is the Scottish residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought the estate in 1852, the castle has been added to over the years and the Queen and Royal family visit each year from August onwards, therefore the castle is open from the public from April to end of July/ start of August each year only. Wander around the estate to the gardens and woodland and take a peek inside the castle’s ballroom.
Address Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB
Price £12
National Trust for Scotland (NTS)
Gain access to castles, stately homes, nature walks, wildlife and wilderness with a National Trust for Scotland pass.
An annual membership pass will cost £60 per adult or a joint adult membership is £102.
If you do not reside in the UK, then purchasing ‘the bigger ticket’ for overseas visitors is a pass for a short time, with access to all National trust for Scotland sites
3 day pass - £10
7 day pass - £20
Check opening times online as these differ throughout the year