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Scotland's Castle Trail
Scotland’s only dedicated Castle Trail lets you discover the dramatic stories of 16 of Aberdeenshire’s most famous castles.
Less than 30 minutes’ drive from Aberdeen’s modern big-city atmosphere, you can step back in time to experience Scotland’s exciting history at first hand.
Each of the castles has its own unique story to tell and makes an ideal day out or for a longer break, navigate your way along the complete Trail.
Balvenie CastleLocation: Dufftown
Balvenie Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland and has a striking curtain wall. Originally the seat of the powerful Comyn Earls of Buchan it later became the home of John Stewart, Earl of Atholl. The Stewarts changed the formidable medieval stronghold into a pleasing Renaissance residence.
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Braemar CastleLocation: Braemar
Fairytale castle built by the Earl of Mar in 1628, garrison for Hanoverian troops after Culloden, home to the Chiefs of Clan Farquharson. Scotland’s only community run castle. 12 furnished rooms. Guided tours with tales of Jacobites, Farquharsons and ghosts.
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Castle Fraser, Garden & EstateLocation: Inverurie
One of the grandest castles of Mar, this magnificent building contains an evocative Great Hall, fine furniture and paintings. Enjoy the beautiful secluded walled garden, extensive woodland walks with fine views of the castle and children’s adventure playground.
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Corgarff CastleLocation: Corgarff, Strathdon
In a striking moorland setting, Corgarff’s medieval tower house, built in the mid-16th century, is surrounded by a distinctive 18th-century star shaped perimeter wall. See the reconstructed barrack rooms and feel the atmosphere of barrack life at the castle in 1750, when redcoats from Pulteney’s 13th Foot were stationed here.
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Craigievar CastleLocation: Alford
This fairytale castle, a fine example of Scottish baronial architecture, seems to have grown naturally out of the rolling hills. The great tower stands just as it did when completed in 1626. Visitors can also enjoy the grounds and waymarked trails.
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Crathes Castle, Garden & EstateLocation: Banchory
This 16th-century castle will provide a memorable experience with its intriguing round towers and overhanging turrets. The gardens feature great yew hedges and a colourful double herbaceous border. The wider estate offers six separate trails to enjoy.
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Delgatie CastleLocation: Turriff
Best Visitor Experience award winner. Dating from 1030, the castle is steeped in Scottish history yet still has the atmosphere of a lived in home. It has some of the finest painted ceilings in Scotland. Award-winning restaurant/coffee shop.
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Drum Castle, Garden & EstateLocation: Drumoak
The late 13th-century tower, fine adjoining Jacobean mansion house and the additions of Victorian lairds make Drum unique. Superb furniture and paintings, Garden of Historic Roses and woodland trails.
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Duff HouseLocation: Banff
One of Scotland’s finest architectural masterpieces designed by William Adam and built in the 18th century as a seat for the Earls Fife. The house now contains works on loan from The National Galleries of Scotland.
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Dunnottar CastleLocation: Stonehaven
One of the most magnificent and most haunting ruins in Scotland. Follow in the steps of Mary Queen of Scots, The Marquis of Montrose and William Wallace.
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Fyvie CastleLocation: Fyvie
Celebrating 800 years of history, Fyvie’s charm ranges from its 13th-century origins to its opulent Edwardian interiors. View the superb collection of arms, armour and paintings, stroll around the loch or visit the racquets court and bowling alley.
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Haddo HouseLocation: Methlick
This elegant mansion house boasts sumptuous Victorian interiors beneath a crisp Georgian exterior. Noted for fine furniture and paintings, Haddo also has a terraced garden and country park with lakes, walks and monuments.
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Huntly CastleLocation: Huntly
Huntly Castle is majestically sited where the rivers Bogie and Deveron join. Remarkable for its splendid architecture that includes fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes, Huntly Castle served as a baronial residence for five centuries. The earliest stronghold on the site sheltered Robert the Bruce in the 14th century.
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Kildrummy CastleLocation: Kildrummy, by Alford
The great castle of Kildrummy was the stronghold of the earls of Mar and it dominated the landscape around Strathdon. Although ruined, it remains a good example of a 13th-century castle with many fine features including its hall and chapel.
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Spynie PalaceLocation: Elgin
Spynie Palace was the residence of the bishops of Moray for five centuries and its mighty tower house, David’s Tower, was one of the largest in Scotland. The beautiful surroundings and wildlife make the palace a wonderful place to visit.
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Tolquhon CastleLocation: Tarves, by Ellon
Noted for its highly ornamented gatehouse, Tolquhon is one of the most picturesque of the castles in the Grampian countryside.
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