Top 20 Castles in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is rich in history. Dunnottar Castle, for instance, is famous for protecting the Scottish Crown Jewels and hosting figures like William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots. Drum Castle, one of Scotland's oldest intact castles, features a 13th-century tower and a rich family library. Fyvie Castle, dating back to the 13th century, showcases centuries of architectural styles and opulent interiors.

Yes, several castles offer great experiences for families. Balmoral Castle allows public access to its gardens and ballroom, which can be interesting for all ages. Crathes Castle features an adventure fort in its extensive grounds, alongside beautiful gardens and walking trails. Castle Fraser, with its large grounds and engaging stories, is also considered family-friendly.

For breathtaking scenery, Dunnottar Castle is unparalleled, perched dramatically on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea. New Slains Castle also provides great views over the water. Findlater Castle, a ruined castle on a cliff edge, offers stunning coastal vistas and a quieter experience. Many castles, like Drum Castle and Crathes Castle, are surrounded by extensive parkland, forests, or walled gardens, offering peaceful walks and natural beauty.

The best time to visit is generally during spring and summer (April to September) when the weather is milder, gardens are in bloom, and opening hours are typically longer. For example, Balmoral Castle's gardens and ballroom are open to the public between April and July. Some castles may have reduced hours or seasonal closures in autumn and winter, so it's always advisable to check specific castle websites before planning your visit.

Absolutely. Many castles are situated amidst beautiful landscapes perfect for outdoor activities. For instance, you can walk along the coast from Stonehaven to reach Dunnottar Castle, often spotting wildlife. The extensive grounds of castles like Drum and Crathes offer various walking trails. For more structured routes, you can find numerous running, MTB, and gravel biking trails in the wider Aberdeenshire region, such as those listed in the Running Trails in Aberdeenshire or MTB Trails in Aberdeenshire guides.

While popular castles attract many visitors, you can find quieter spots. Findlater Castle, though challenging to access, offers a dramatic clifftop ruin experience with fewer crowds than Dunnottar Castle. Tolquhon Castle Ruins and Eden Castle Ruins are also historical sites that offer a more tranquil exploration experience.

While some castles are accessible by public transport, having a car generally offers more flexibility to explore the wider 'Castle Country' of Aberdeenshire, especially for those off the main routes. For example, to reach New Slains Castle, you can park in Cruden Bay and take a short walk. For specific public transport options to individual castles, it's best to check local bus schedules or castle websites.

Craigievar Castle, often called the 'pink castle,' is a pristine example of a 17th-century tower house with distinctive Scottish Baronial architecture and no electricity above the first floor, offering a unique historical experience. Drum Castle is notable for its blend of a late 13th-century tower, a Jacobean mansion, and Victorian additions, showcasing different architectural periods within one structure. Fyvie Castle stands out with its five towers, each added by different families throughout its 13th-century history.

The diverse landscapes surrounding Aberdeenshire's castles are home to various wildlife. Along the coast near Dunnottar Castle, you might spot seals, dolphins, and puffins. The parklands and forests around castles like Craigievar and Crathes are home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species and possibly deer. The Old Wood of Drum, near Drum Castle, is a former royal hunting forest and offers opportunities for wildlife observation.

The time needed varies greatly depending on the castle and your interest. For a large site like Dunnottar Castle or Balmoral Castle, you could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds, interiors, and exhibitions. Smaller ruins or viewpoints like New Slains Castle might only require 30 minutes to an hour. If you plan to explore surrounding trails or gardens, allocate extra time.

Craigievar Castle is exceptionally well-preserved, offering interesting guided tours through its rooms, which house numerous artifacts. Crathes Castle also boasts remarkably well-preserved original Jacobean painted ceilings and offers a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century Scottish life. Castle Fraser, lovingly preserved by the National Trust for Scotland, also provides a comprehensive historical experience with its period furniture.