Crathes Castle Castle

Address: Crathes Castle, Banchory AB31 5QJ, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle

Hours: Seasonal (typically Apr-Oct) 10am-5pm; closed in winter (check National Trust for Scotland listings)

Admission: Adult admission £8-£12 (approx.), National Trust members free or reduced

Crathes Castle is a late 16th-century tower house near Banchory in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, built and occupied by the Burnett family. The castle is noted for its well-preserved painted ceilings and historic walled garden.

The castle was constructed by the Burnetts during the late 1500s and altered in subsequent centuries; the family retained association with the estate for many generations. Conservation work over the 20th century has stabilized the fabric and restored garden layouts for public access.

Crathes sits on the north bank of the River Dee within rural Aberdeenshire, a short drive inland from the north-east Scottish coast and reachable from the town of Banchory and the city of Aberdeen.

• Painted ceilings and interior access: Many of the castle’s timber ceilings are decorated with painted emblems and heraldry; interior rooms are accessible on guided or self-guided tours when the castle is open to the public.
• Best time to visit the garden: The walled garden is particularly notable in spring and early summer when ornamental plantings and bulbs are at their best.

What to See#

• Tower house and interiors: The main 16th-century tower house built by the Burnett family contains original painted timber ceilings and period interiors that have been conserved for public display.
• Walled garden: A restored walled garden dating to the estate’s historic layout, managed for seasonal displays and vegetable beds and open to visitors in spring and summer.
• Estate and riverside grounds: Surrounding parkland with riverside walks links the castle to the River Dee and estate woodland, providing short walking routes from the car park to the castle.

Crathes is a short drive from Banchory and about 25 minutes from Aberdeen by car. Regional buses serve Banchory; from there a taxi or local connections can reach the castle. On-site parking is available.

• Walk the castle's walled garden - it's often restored with seasonal plantings and is quieter than the main rooms.
• Look for the painted beam ceilings inside the tower - they're a highlight often missed by rapid tours.
• Arrive early in summer to avoid coach parties and to enjoy the estate walks in peace.