The Best Castles Near Aberdeen To Explore

Scotland is home to so many castles. There are over 250 castles near Aberdeen in the Aberdeenshire area which are part of the North East Castle Trail.

From stately homes to historic ruins running along the landscape. Therefore, there is no surprise that Aberdeenshire is known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’. 

Exploring the castles is a perfect activity to do as a solo traveller. You can pop in your earphones and explore the acres of gardens or set up a perfect shot for your Instagram. 

Also, there are tours that you can go on and you will learn so much about history. Most particularly, the history of the northeast of Scotland. 

To get inside the castles you might have to pay for a ticket or go on a guided tour. However, for a cheaper option you can just explore the castle’s grounds or admire the turrets and towers of the castles from the outside. 

Alternatively, you can buy memberships to get access to the castles.

Historic Environment Scotland: A membership for Historic Environment Scotland allows you to access castles, abbeys, cathedrals all over Scotland. Also, a membership will allow you to access seven castles on this list for free.

National Trust for Scotland: As a member of the National Trust for Scotland you will gain unlimited entry to all the National Trust for Scotland’s magnificent places that are across Scotland.

The first day of the North East Castle Trail route which showcases four of the best castles near Stonehaven, Banchory and Inverurie. There are amazing castles located in the towns and villages of Aberdeenshire.

All of these destinations are within forty minutes drive from Aberdeen. This part of the route is thirty six miles long and takes over an hour to drive.

 

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

Starting Point: Car Park at Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is well known for being a dramatic castle ruin perched on the steep cliffs overlooking the North Sea. Also, the surroundings are stunning, you can easily spend two to three hours here. 

This rich fortress holds many wonderful secrets and displays an immense amount of Scottish history. Interestingly, the castle was home to one of the most powerful families in the land, the Earls Marischal. 

The castle is located just two miles south of Aberdeen. Also, there is a small car park which is a short walk from the castle.

However, the car park fills up pretty quickly. Also, there is a small cabin which sells delicious food including soup, burgers and locally produced ice cream. 

Nearby Accommodation: Dunnottar Woods House

Drum Castle, Banchory

Location: Drum Castle

Drum Castle is not too far from the small suburb of Aberdeen called Peterculter. The castle’s tower was built in the 13th century, with modifications added in the 17th century and 19th century.

Drum Castle is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. Interestingly, Robert the Bruce granted the castle to King Robert the Bruce in 1323. 

The inside of this castle is homey and cosy. There is something for everyone, you can explore mediaeval High Hall to modern art exhibitions. 

The grounds are beautiful. You can take a stroll through the gardens and admire the century-old oak trees and magnificent wildlife.

Some wildlife you may spot is red kites, roe deer, red squirrels and badgers. Also, you can breathe in the perfumes of the Garden of Historic Roses.

To get inside the castle you will need to buy a ticket. Tickets cost £14.50 per adult. There are memberships for the National Trust for Scotland.

Also, there is a small car parking fee. You do not have to pay extra to access the gardens. However, there are restricted opening times.

Nearby Accommodation: Courtyard Cottage

Crathes Castle, Banchory

Location: Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle is simply one of the most superb castles in Scotland. The 16th-century castle is located near Banchory. Crathes Castle is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. 

The castle is the seat of the ancient family of Burnett of Leys. Also, the castle is of special interest because of the painted ceilings and fine furniture.

Additionally, you can view the ancient Horn of Leys which was gifted to the Leys Family by Robert the Bruce. 

At Crathes Castle you can wander through the historic walled garden that looks like a place from Alice in Wonderland. Also, you can admire the iconic yew hedges that have been standing for centuries. 

The gardens are extremely well kept and display plenty of colour almost all year round.

Also, you can follow some of the woodland paths to explore the mystical and wild woodland. If you are lucky you may get the chance to view red squirrels, wren and a jay. 

To get inside the castle you will need a ticket. Tickets cost £14 per adult. There are memberships for the National Trust for Scotland.

Also, there is a small car parking fee. You do not have to pay extra to access the gardens. However, there are restricted opening times. 

Nearby Accommodation: Bridge of Bennie Cottage

Castle Fraser, Inverurie

Location: Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate

Castle Fraser is one of the largest tower houses in Scotland. The fairy tale castle was built back in the 16th century and has a romantic style to it.

Castle Fraser is located in the rolling countryside hills of Aberdeenshire. 

Inside the castle you can explore trapdoors, secret staircases and a spy hole! Also, you admire many family portraits.

There are lots of tiny rooms off a steep spiral staircase and a feeling of how the family lived. Additionally, you can climb up to the top of the round tower and take in the amazing panoramic views. 

The traditional walled garden includes specimen trees, herbaceous borders, a medicinal border and organically grown fruit and vegetables. Also, there are great dog walking routes, toilets, tearoom and a gift shop. 

Fraser Castle is maintained by the National Trust of Scotland. To access the castle you will need to buy a ticket. Tickets for adults cost £14.50. Also, there is a small car parking fee. 

Nearby Accommodation: East Wing, Castle Fraser

The route on the second showcases the most stunning castles in Ellon and near the coast in Peterhead. Also, this part of the route is thirty miles long and takes one hour to drive. 

Tolquhon Castle, Ellon

Location: Tolquhon Castle

Tolquhon Castle is located in the Grampian countryside, just north west of Aberdeen. This castle is one of the most picturesque ruined castles in the whole county.

Also, the grounds and castles are beautiful, and it is brimming with character and intrigue. 

Inside the ruin you can explore the family rooms and go below the stairs in the charming main house at the far end of the courtyard. Also, you can explore the secret compartment above the laird’s quarters where he hid his valuables. 

Sir William Forbes commissioned the building in 1584 and the intention of the build was supposed to be an impressive residence. However, he had plenty of gun loops installed to deter any hostile visitors. 

Tickets cost £3.60. For now, the site is closed. Historic Environment Scotland are working to get it open again. 

Nearby Accommodation: Beechgrove Cottage

Haddo House, Ellon

Location: Haddo House Car Park

Haddo House is located in the gorgeous Grampian countryside and is only a forty-minute drive north of Aberdeen. The 18th-century mansion has elegant Victorian interiors, painting collections and terrace gardens. 

You can stroll through the delightful terrace garden. Also, the ponds are teeming with fish and birds.

Additionally, the gardens are well tended with beautiful trees, flowers, woodland walks and fantastic historic sights. 

Haddo House is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. To get inside the castle you will need a ticket. Tickets cost £14.50 per adult.

There are memberships for the National Trust for Scotland. Also, there is a small car parking fee. You do not have to pay extra to access the gardens. However, there are restricted opening times.

Nearby Accommodation: Larchwood Lodge

Slains Castle, Peterhead

Starting Point: Slains Castle Car Park

Slains Castle is a ruined 16th century fortress which is perched upon a clifftop. Also, the castle overlooks Cruden Bay and you can get amazing views over the endless sea.

The roof was removed in 1925 to avoid paying taxes and it has been left derelict since. 

The castle is believed to have been an inspiration for the movie Count Dracula and it was used for scenes in the first season of The Crown. Also, these ruins are incredible and are still remarkably intact.

For example, there is a staircase which you can climb. The ruins are an easy fifteen minute walk from the car park. 

Nearby Accommodation: Tigh-Na-Mhor

The North East Castle Trail route for day three explores castles in the Ellon, Turriff and Fraserburgh regions. This part of the route is forty three miles long and will take one hour and fifteen minutes to drive. 

Gight Castle, Ellon

Starting Point: Gight Castle Car Park

Gight Castle, also known as Formantine Castle, was built in the 16th century. The Gordons of Gight owned the castle for two centuries before gambling debts forced its sale to the Earl of Aberdeen.

The Earl’s son tragically dies in a riding accident and the castle was abandoned and never reoccupied. Also, the area is extremely peaceful with the remains of the castle surrounded by amazing views. 

Gight Castle is located approximately one and a half kilometres from the car park.

To get there make sure you type Gight Castle car park so you do not disturb the farmer or locals while trying to drive to the castle. The walk to the castle is mainly downhill on a well maintained path. 

Nearby Accommodation: 49 Methlick Wood

Fyvie Castle, Turriff

Location: Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle is a forty five minute drive north from Aberdeen. The castle was established in the 13th century with lavish Edwardian interiors and a significant portrait collection.

Also, this magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire is a fantastic example of Scottish Baronial architecture. 

Inside the castle you can admire the artworks by Raeburn, Batoni, Romney, Gainsborough, Opie, Lawrence and Hoppner. Also, you can admire the antiques and armour.

The castle has a long history of over 700 years and apparently has a resident ghost and three curses. Outside of the castle you can visit the picturesque lake and the unusual glass-roofed racquet court. 

Fyvie Castle is maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. To get inside the castle you will need a ticket.

Tickets cost £14.50 per adult. There are memberships for the National Trust for Scotland.

Also, there is a small car parking fee of £3. You do not have to pay extra to access the gardens. However, there are restricted opening times.

Nearby Accommodation: Oldwood Fyvie

Delgatie Castle, Turriff

Location: Delgatie Castle

Delgatie Castle dates back to the 11th century. The castle is the Clan Hay centre and is home to the late Captain and Mrs Hay of Delgatie.

Delgatie Castle is located three miles from Turriff. Also, the highland city of Inverness and Aberdeen are both approximately one hour drive away. 

Delgatie is set in a peaceful estate with extensive grounds. Also, there are many gardens and many delightful walks for guests to enjoy.

Additionally, the castle has immense character and a pile of history. 

If you are coming for a couple of hours make sure to stop in the cosy Tea Room for refreshments. Or alternatively, you can stay on the estate. 

Nearby Accommodation: Hayfield

Pitsligo Castle, Fraserburgh

Starting Point: Castle Street

Pitsligo Castle is a secret hidden castle ruin which is not known to many travellers. It is free to go and explore so it is definitely worth a visit.

You can park your car right next to the ruin. Also, you can get amazing views out over Rosehearty Bay from the ruins. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Davron Hotel

The route for the fourth day of the North East Castle Trail is slightly longer and covers sixty miles of beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. The castles and mansions are located in Banff, Elgin and Keith. 

Duff House, Banff

Starting Point: Duff House Car Park

Duff House is a stunning Georgian mansion based in the outskirts of Banff. The mansion was constructed in the 18th century and was designed by Scottish architect William Adam.

Duff House has a superb collection of art including painting, furniture and sculptures. 

Duff House is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. Also, there is a restriction on numbers and opening times is limited. Tickets for adults cost £9. 

Nearby Accommodation: Harbour House

Findlater Castle, Banff

Starting Point: Findlater Castle Car Park

Findlater Castle is a crumbling ruined castle which is perched on the cliff edge.

This old castle has a sense of history, mystery and adventure with magnificent views. Also, there are parts of this castle where you can explore underground. 

From the Findlater Castle car park, it is a fifteen-minute walk to the ruins. The cliff walk here is beautiful and the Bow Fiddle Rock is a ten-minute car ride away. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Old Chemist

Balvenie Castle, Keith

Location: Balvenie Castle

Balvenie Castle is a 13th-century castle ruin with a curtain wall and a fine example of 13th-century military architecture in Scotland. The castle is near Dufftown in the north of Aberdeenshire, opposite Glenfiddich Distillery. 

Also, the castle was a seat for the powerful earls of Buchan, the heavily fortified stronghold became an elegant lodging in the 1500’s. The Atholl Lodging is a great example of Renaissance architecture.

Mary Queen of Scots was here in 1562. Other guests include King Edward I of England and the Marquess of Montrose. 

Although now the castle is uninhabited by people, bats and barn owls live here for most of the year. The site is currently closed. 

Nearby Accommodation: Conval House B&B

Auchindoun Castle, Keith

Starting Point: A941

Auchindoun is a crumbling castle ruin from a 15th-century stronghold. The castle has been left abandoned since the 18th century.

Also, you can get beautiful views from the hill that the castle is sitting on. There is an interesting story behind this ruin.

Sir Adam Gordon bought the castle in 1567. Also, Gordon is well known for murdering the people who lived in Corgarff Castle during a feud in 1571.

William Mackintosh burned down Auchindoun Castle as a way to get revenge. There is a small car park which is a ten-minute walk away from the castle. 

Nearby Accommodation: Moray Cottages

Day number five showcases the best castles located in Huntly, Alford and Banchory. This route is thirty-four miles long and takes one hour to drive. 

Huntly Castle, Huntly

Location: Huntly Castle

Huntly Castle is another castle ruin on the North East Castle Trail which dates back to the 12th century.

The castle is located just outside the small settlement of Huntly and is just over an hour drive from Aberdeen. Huntly Castle previously belonged to the Clan Gordon.

The castle is well worth the visit, there is a lot more to it than you would imagine for a castle ruin. Also, the place is atmospheric, steeped in some excitingly blood history and surrounded by stunning countryside.

Visitors can read very well-placed informative plaques which explain every portion of the grounds. 

The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Tickets for adults cost £6. 

Leith Hall, Huntly

Location: Leith Hall Garden & Estate

Leith Hall has been standing since 1650 and is a fifteen-minute drive south of Huntly. Also, until World War II it housed ten generations of the Leith-Hay family.

Outside you can explore the garden which is 186 metres above sea-level and it showcases some spectacular views of Aberdeenshire and the surrounding hills.

Also, you can wander through the beautiful gardens, with its zig-zag paths, spiral-cut lawns, a moon gate and lichened steps.

Additionally, you can take a walk on one of the three way-marked trails to see a brilliant variety of wildlife. 

Leith Hall is currently maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. To enter Leith Hall you will need a ticket.

Tickets for adults cost £13.50, and tickets for the gardens cost £3.50. If you are a National Trust for Scotland member you will get in free. 

Nearby Accommodation: Woodside Steading

Kildrummy Castle, Alford

Kildrummy Castle is known as the ‘the noblest of northern castles’. The castle was built in the mid-1200s. During medieval times, the high castle dominated Strathdon as seas of the mighty earls of Mar. 

All that is left is a mighty curtain wall, four round towers, hall and a chapel with three handsome lancets.

Also, there is one more impressive feature which is the twin-towered gatehouse which was probably commissioned by Edward I of England. 

Kildrummy Castle is open during the summer season and closed for winter.

The castle on the North East Castle Trail is currently maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. Tickets for entry into the site cost £6. 

Craigievar Castle, Alford

Location: Craigievar Castle

Craigievar Castle is also known as Scotland’s Cinderella Castle. It is one of the most well known castles near Aberdeen.

Apparently this castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.

The beautiful pink elegant castle was built in the 17th century and is tucked away in the gorgeous Scottish countryside. 

This castle was a family home until the 1960’s. Therefore, the interiors create a quirky blend of modern comforts and rare antiquities within the ancient walls.

Art Historians will love the Raeburns and Jamesones, and the rare survival of Jacobean woodwork in the Great Hall. Also, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll around the garden and estate. 

Craigievar Castle is currently maintained by the National Trust For Scotland.

Tickets for adults cost £14.50. However, if you are a member of the National Trust for Scotland entry is free. 

Corse Castle, Banchory

Location: Corse Castle

Corse Castle is an isolated castle ruin which is off the beaten track. The castle was built in the 16th century and overlooks the Corse Burn.

When the castle was first built it was in possession of the Forbes family. The castle has been reclaimed by nature and it is overgrown with weeds, nettles and long grass.

It is a symbol of what once was a fine castle. There is no car park, however, you can pull into the side of the road. 

For day six you will follow a scenic drive through the Cairngorms National Park.

The final four castles are located in Ballindalloch, Strathdon and Ballater. There are fifty miles on this route and it will take one hour and twenty minutes to drive. 

Corgarff Castle, Strathdon

Location: Corgarff Castle

Corgarff Castle is a 16th-century tower in scenic moorland. The castle was reconstructed into a barracks for government redcoat troops in 1748.

Also, the castle is located in the Cairngorms National Park. The castle is very isolated and is surrounded by rolling hills in the Scottish moorland.

Also, Corgarff Castle has a star-shaped perimeter wall, which is a distinctive feature added when it became a military base. Additionally, you can try and get an excellent view of the castle from the Watchers ViewPoint on A939.

Corgarff Castle is maintained by the Historic Environment Scotland. The site is currently closed, but the grounds are open to visitors.

Nearby Accommodation: Westertown

Braemar Castle, Ballater

Starting Point: Braemar Castle Car Park

Braemar Castle is an elegant 17th-century castle which is located near Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park. The castle was built by the Earl of Mar in 1628, it has been a hunting lodge which was set alight by the notorious Black Colonel.

Also, after the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden the castle was used as a garrison for Hanoverian soldiers. In addition, the castle was owned by the chief of Clan Farquharson and was a family home for the past 200 years.  

Now the castle is lovingly tended by the community of Braemar and is gradually being restored to its full splendour. There are guided and audio tours available in English, French and German. 

Nearby Accommodation: Braemar Lodge Cabins

Balmoral Castle, Ballater

Starting Point: Balmoral Car Park

Balmoral Castle is a Scottish Baronial-style mansion located in Balmoral in the Cairngorms National Park. The castle is the only occupied castle by the British Royal Family in Aberdeenshire.

The tours are excellent and tour guides share the stories, past and present that bring Balmoral to life.

Also, the tours will last approximately one hour and the tour guide will take you to view the Game Larder, Karim Cottage, the original Iron Ballroom and the Ice House. 

Tickets for Balmoral Castle must be booked in advance. Tickets cost £15.00 for adults.

Guided tours for Balmoral Castle are only available in October, November and December. 

After your tour, you can purchase royal or Scottish souvenirs from the gift shop. Also, you can relax and buy some refreshments from the new Coffee Pod. 

Nearby Accommodation: The Auld Kirk

Final Note

Aberdeenshire is an excellent place for nature enthusiasts and history buffs who want to explore Scotland’s Castle Country. This post lists the best castles along the North East Castle Trail plus a few extra lovely castles.

These castles have amazing stories from the past, ghostly facts and beautiful treasures. 

You can complete this list as one big road trip or do one day at a time. To make the most of the experience, you can get a membership from the Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland so you do not have to pay an entry fee for some castles.

Scotland is a beautiful country which has stunning castles on the islands, and the east coast and west coast. There are stunning castles located near Glasgow, Dundee, Stirling, Perth, Edinburgh and Dumfries and Galloway.