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Scotland's Castle Trail
With over 260 castles, stately homes and ruins dotting its landscape, Aberdeenshire is unsurprisingly known as 'Scotland's Castle Country.' There are more castles per acre here than anywhere else in the UK, and you can discover 19 of the most famous and dramatic castles in Aberdeenshire.
Get inspiration from our suggested 6-day itinerary and simply follow the distinctive brown and white Castle Trail road signs through the heart of Aberdeenshire.
- Start / Finish
- Stonehaven / Alford
- Days6
- Distance229.2 Miles
366.72 km - TransportCar
- Main themeCastles
- Highlights
- History
- Landscapes
- Period features
- Areas covered
- North
Day 1 Stonehaven, Banchory & Drumoak
There are plenty of castles near Aberdeen, so you can easily base yourself in the city for your first day on the trail, which takes you to the impressive ruins of Dunnottar Castle, on to the fairytale Crathes Castle and finishes at Drum Castle, a fine Jacobean mansion house.
- 1
Dunnottar Castle Stonehaven
Scottish Castle on top of cliffs
The well-preserved ruins of Dunnottar Castle are perched on a dramatic cliff some 160 ft above the North Sea. This once impregnable fortress was visited by legendary historic figures including William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and in more recent times Mel Gibson in Franco Zeffirelli's 1991 film, Hamlet.
If you're lucky, you may even see puffins or dolphins from the castle ramparts.
Find out more about Dunnottar CastleDisney castleDunnottar Castle is also said to be the inspiration for the DunBroch family home in Disney Pixar's Brave.
Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, AB39 2TLKey facilities- Pets Welcome
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- 2
Crathes Castle Banchory
Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
© National Trust for Scotland
Crathes is a classic fairytale castle standing in superb grounds with a range of woodland trails on offer to help you explore. Inside, spiral staircases lead to rooms famous for their Jacobean painted ceilings and resident ghost, the Green Lady. Outside, the gardens feature large yew hedges and a colourful double herbaceous border. The wider estate offers six separate walking trails to enjoy, as well as a Go Ape! treetop adventure park and children's adventure playground.
Find out more about Crathes CastleCrathes Castle, Crathes, Banchory, AB31 5QJKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 3
Drum Castle Banchory
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate
Drum Castle combines a unique mix of a late 13th century tower, fine Jacobean mansion house and later Victorian additions. Superb furniture and paintings are on display while the estate's woodland trails and exceptional walled rose garden are well worth exploring.
Find out more about Drum CastleDrum Castle, Drumoak, Banchory, AB31 5EYKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Parking
Day 2 Sauchen, Tarves & Methlick
Day two on the trail takes you west and north of Aberdeen. Head to Castle Fraser and enjoy the splendid interiors of this grand castle before travelling north through the beautiful Grampian countryside to Tolquhon Castle and on to Haddo House, an elegant mansion house.
- 4
Castle Fraser Kemnay
Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate
About 16 miles west of Aberdeen, near Sauchen, stands Castle Fraser, 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 plus a children's adventure playground.
Find out more about Castle FraserDon't missVisit the tearoom and enjoy homebaked cakes in the ambience of the 19th century castle kitchen, before browsing the shop.
Sauchen, Kemnay, AB51 7LDKey facilities- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 5
Tolquhon Castle Pitmedden
Tolquhon Castle
Tolquhon Castle at Tarves is one of the most picturesque of the castles in the Grampian countryside. Largely built in the late 16th century by the Forbes family, it houses the Tolquhon Tomb, one of the best examples of Scotland's so-called Jacobean 'Glorious Tombs'.
Find out more about Tolquhon CastleDon't missDon't forget to look for the secret compartment in the laird's quarters where he hid his valuables.
Tarves, Pitmedden, AB41 7LP - 6
Haddo House Pitmedden
Haddo House
Haddo House near Methlick is an elegant mansion house boasting sumptuous Victorian interiors beneath a crisp Georgian exterior. Noted for fine furniture and paintings, including artworks by Sir Thomas Lawrence and James Giles, the historic home designed by William Adam also has a terraced garden. Explore the grounds and adjacent country park with its lakes, walks and monuments.
Find out more about Haddo HouseHaddo House, Methlick, Pitmedden, AB41 7EQKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
Day 3 Turriff, Delgaty & Fraserburgh
On the third day of your tour you'll travel from Aberdeen to Fraserburgh, located on the glittering Moray Firth coastline. Stops include Fyvie Castle, where you can see a treasure trove of fascinating objects, Delgatie Castle, which boasts magnificent painted ceilings, and Kinnaird Head Castle, home to the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.
- 7
Fyvie Castle Turriff
Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate
Fyvie is an outstanding example of Scottish baronial architecture. Begun as a simple castle in the 13th century, five powerful families each added significantly to it until it reached its present form. Inside, the magnificent sweeping staircase is the most dramatic feature while many treasures are on display including a superb collection of arms, armour and paintings. You can also stroll around the loch or visit the racquets court and bowling alley.
Find out more about Fyvie CastleFyvie, Turriff, AB53 8JSKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 8
Delgatie Castle Turriff
Delgatie Castles Shetland Ponies
The castle dates from the 11th century and is steeped in Scottish history yet still has a surprising lived-in atmosphere. It has some of the finest painted ceilings in Scotland and also boasts an award-winning restaurant and coffee shop.
Find out more about Delgatie CastleDelgatie Castle, Delgatie, Turriff, AB53 5TDKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 9
Kinnaird Head Castle Fraserburgh
Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
Kinnaird Head Castle is now home to the fascinating Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. Built by the Frasers of Philorth in 1570 the castle was altered in 1787 to incorporate a Stevenson Lighthouse Tower, which is built through the heart of the castle. Take a tour of the museum to discover Kinnaird Head's fascinating transformation from castle, to lighthouse, to museum.
Find out more about Kinnaird Head CastleMuseum of Scottish Lighthouses, Stevenson Road, Fraserburgh, AB43 9DUKey facilities- WiFi
- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
Day 4 Banff, Huntly, Elgin & Dufftown
On the fourth day of your trip you'll visit a gorgeous historic mansion, Duff House, before enjoying a circular tour around three splendid ruins, Huntly Castle, Spynie Palace and Balvenie Castle.
- 10
Duff House Banff
Duff House
Duff House is one of Scotland's architectural masterpieces. This Adam-designed historic house is a treasure house and cultural arts centre operated by a unique partnership between Historic Environment Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. It also boasts extensive grounds and woodland walks by the River Deveron.
Marvel at the lavish interiors, take a walk in the sprawling grounds and let the kids blow off steam in the play park.
Find out more about Duff HouseBanff, AB45 3SX - 11
Huntly Castle Huntly
Huntly Castle
Huntly Castle served as a baronial residence for the Gordons for five centuries and is remarkable for its impressive architectural features including fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes.
Find out more about Huntly CastleHuntly, AB54 4SHKey facilities- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- 12
Spynie Palace Elgin
Spynie Palace
Spynie Palace was the residence of the bishops of Moray for 500 years and its mighty tower house, David's Tower, was one of the largest in Scotland. It also had a bowling green and reputedly, according to one account, a tennis court. The beautiful surroundings and wildlife make the palace a wonderful place to visit.
Find out more about Spynie PalaceElgin, IV30 5QG - 13
Balvenie Castle Huntly
Balvenie Castle
Balvenie Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. 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.
Find out more about Balvenie CastleHuntly, AB55 4DH
Day 5 Huntly, Alford & Corgarff
Day five features three very different castles. Leith Hall is packed with treasures for you to uncover, Kildrummy Castle offers great views of the wild lands of Strathdon and Corgarff Castle gives an insight into barrack life in the 1700s.
- 14
Leith Hall Rhynie
Leith Hall, Garden & Estate
Leith Hall is a typical Scottish laird's residence brimming with family treasures amassed throughout the lifetimes of 10 generations of the Leith-Hay family. The house was used as an auxilary hospital during the First World War and an exhibition tells the story of military men and the part they played in battles through the decades. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful gardens with features including a Rock Garden which is being restored to its original 1900s design.
Find out more about Leith HallKennethmont, Rhynie, AB54 4NQ - 15
Kildrummy Castle Mossat
Kildrummy Castle
This stronghold of the Earls of Mar dominates the landscape around Strathdon and, although ruined, it retains many fine features including its hall and chapel.
Find out more about Kildrummy CastleKildrummy, Mossat, AB33 8RAKey facilities- Level Access
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- 16
Corgarff Castle Strathdon
Corgarff Castle
Set in a striking moorland setting, Corgarff Castle's tower house is surrounded by a distinctive star-shaped perimeter wall. View the reconstructed barrack rooms and feel the atmosphere of barrack life at the castle in 1750, when Government redcoats were stationed here.
Find out more about Corgarff CastleThe White House, Corgarff, Strathdon, AB36 8YP
Day 6 Braemar, Ballater & Craigievar
The final day of your tour takes you through the heart of Royal Deeside. Begin at Braemar Castle and see the interesting curios of this 17th century stronghold. Travel on to Balmoral Castle, the splendid Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, and finish your day at fairytale Craigievar Castle, which is decorated with turrets and gargoyles.
- 17
Braemar Castle Ballater
Braemar Castle
Braemar Castle is the seat of Clan Farquharson. This 17th century stronghold was most recently furnished with many interesting curios in the 1950s by the flamboyant first wife of the Laird. Take a guided tour of the castle with a local volunteer or with an audio guide.
Find out more about Braemar CastleDid you know?It is best known for its unusual star-shaped outer wall.
Braemar Castle, Ballater, AB35 5XRKey facilities- WiFi
- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- 18
Balmoral Castle Balmoral
Balmoral Castle
Royal Deeside is home to the famous Balmoral Castle, a firm favourite with the Royal Family. The estate has been in the family since 1848, after it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Enjoy a stroll around castle gardens, visit the ballroom and special exhibitions or relax with a drink in the coffee and gift shop.
Find out more about Balmoral CastleFilm fansYou'll recognise this iconic castle which featured in the Oscar-winning film The Queen, a 2006 portrayal of HM The Queen, Elizabeth II.
Balmoral Estates, Balmoral, AB35 5TBKey facilities- WiFi
- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 19
Craigievar Castle Alford
Craigievar Castle
© National Trust for Scotland
Craigievar is one of Scotland's most iconic and best-loved castles. The riot of turrets, gargoyles and high corbelling work create the fairytale appearance which is said to have inspired Walt Disney. Visitors can also enjoy the fine grounds and waymarked trails surrounding it.
Find out more about Craigievar CastleCraigievar Castle, Alford, AB33 8JFKey facilities- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Parking
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