Exploring Castles in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is a brilliant place to visit if you’re interested in history, heritage and archaeology. There are some incredible castles to see around Aberdeen – each with a unique story to tell.

Fyvie Castle is a lavish Edwardian castle with an amazing collection of armour, arms, Raeburn and Gainsborough paintings, fine furniture and tapestries

Here are 7 of our favourite Aberdeenshire castles!

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is found in Stonehaven, just a 30 minute drive from NorthLink’s ferry terminal in Aberdeen. Dunnottar Castle is unique as it sits on a peninsula and is surrounded on nearly every side by cliffs and the sea. There’s a short climb to the castle and it has a brilliant view of the coastline. It once withstood a siege by Oliver Cromwell and protected the Scottish crown jewels. It’s a must-visit on any castle trail but be aware that it does close if the wind is too strong.

Find out more at https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/

Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle is a late 16th century castle surrounded by the woodlands of Banchory. It has a large garden filled with flowers and many unusual plants. It’s a great castle to take all the family as there is a café, a Wild Wood Adventure Playground, and 7 waymarked trails to explore. Crathes Castle is a 30 to 40 min drive from the Aberdeen ferry terminal.

Find out more at https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle

Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle is halfway between Old Meldrum and Turriff in the village of Fyvie, 28 miles from Aberdeen ferry terminal. It’s a lavish Edwardian castle with an amazing collection of armour, arms, Raeburn and Gainsborough paintings, fine furniture and tapestries. The castle has welcomed Royal guests over its 800-year history including Robert the Bruce, Edward I and Charles I. There’s a walled garden, picturesque loch, racquet court, bowling alley and tearooms to visit. Fyvie Castle is a popular destination for weddings and other functions.

Find out more at https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/fyvie-castle

Balmoral Castle

Perhaps Aberdeenshire’s most famous castle, Balmoral Castle is the Scottish summer/autumn residence of the Royal Family. The Balmoral estate was purchased in the mid 1800’s by Queen Victoria (she described it as her paradise in the Highlands) and has remained in the Royal Family ever since. The castle and grounds are a 1½ hour drive from NorthLink in Aberdeen. Though it is closed to the public when the Royal Family are in residence the castle is open the rest of the year. There are many different experiences at Balmoral Castle to enjoy, such as exhibitions and winter 4×4 safari tours around the grounds.

Find out more at https://www.balmoralcastle.com/

Craigievar Castle

Craigievar Castle is a 16th century castle situated in Alford that looks like something out of a fairy tale! Located 60 mins away from the NorthLink Ferry terminal, Craigievar Castle has a uniquely pink harled exterior and offers extensive views of the surrounding areas such as Bennachie. Visitors will enjoy viewing the amazing collection of furniture, paintings and ornate ceilings. The Castle is surrounded by parkland grounds (including two waymarked walks) that you’ll love exploring!

Find out more at https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/craigievar/

Castle Fraser

Castle Fraser is 16 miles west of Aberdeen and was built in the 15th century. This grand building has a beautiful walled garden, an amazing great hall, a fine collection of furniture and paintings, and a ghost or two! Castle Fraser has extensive woodland walking trails around the castle that are extremely popular with visitors.

Find out more at https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/castle-fraser

Fraserburgh Lighthouse – Kinnaird Head Castle

Fraserburgh Lighthouse may be an odd site to put on a castle trail but this lighthouse was originally a castle! Kinnaird Head is the only lighthouse in the world to be built from a castle. Standing above Fraserburgh harbour, Kinnaird Head was built in the 16th century and then altered in 1787 to become a lighthouse. It now forms part of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, and with its unique history is very well worth a visit. Kinnaird Head is a 1¼ hour drive from the NorthLink Aberdeen terminal.

Find out more at http://www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk/

By Shona Lawrance
A young quine with an energetic sense of adventure but dire sense of direction! Born and bred in the North East of Scotland with a long loving appreciation of the Scottish islands.

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