12 Best Castles in Aberdeenshire You Need to Visit

Scotland is home to over 2000 castles, and 260 of them are in the Aberdeenshire area. So, it might come as no surprise the region is known as ‘castle country’. And no trip to Scotland would be complete without seeing a castle. Whether you’re looking for beautiful walled gardens, walking trails, well-preserved cliff-top locations, the home of the royals, ghost tales, or to marvel at their beauty, there is a castle to suit. Growing up in this area certainly had its perks, and while I can’t list all of my favourites, I’m sharing the top 12 castles you need to visit during a trip to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.   

Castles in Aberdeenshire Map

Updated September 2024

1. Dunnottar Castle

First on the list is one of my all-time favourites, Dunnottar Castle. A jaw-dropping ruined castle perched high on an outcrop surrounded by the North Sea. It’s steeped in history with striking landscapes all around. As a result, Dunnottar Castle attracts a lot of photographers. However, please note that you cannot operate a drone during castle opening hours. 

It’s free to wander outside the castle. But if you want to explore inside the ruins, you’ll have to purchase a ticket. The picturesque seaside town of Stonehaven is also close by, and worth checking out for a bite to eat or wander around too. There are tours available from Aberdeen that include transport to Dunnottar Castle and the surrounding areas, a great option if you need transport.

• Where: Stonehaven 
• Built: 14^th century 
• Style: Medieval 
• Visitors: Yes, year-round. Find further information on their website. 

2. New Slains Castle

Perched high on the clifftops are the remains of a once grandeur castle believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s horror novel, Dracula. From the parking area, take a short stroll, less than a mile, up to the ruined remains of Slains Castle (aka. New Slains Castle). Not only are the views breathtaking, but the former home is still a sight to behold. It’s free to visit and safe to wander around inside the ruins and imagine how the castle once looked. 

The location also offers scenic views and walking trails along the coast. A popular route is the Slains Castle to the Bullers of Buchan trail, a collapsed sea cave that has formed some impressive landscapes. There are tours from Aberdeen that include both the castle and the coastal routes. The quaint coastal town of Cruden Bay is also nearby for grabbing a bite to eat or drink.   

• Where: Cruden Bay
• Built: 16^th century 
• Style: Tower House & Scots Baronial  
• Visitors: Yes, year-round. 

3. Drum Castle, Garden & Estate

Drum Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses. Through the centuries, it has undergone several additions and renovations. These are visible as you walk around the castle. Tickets are available if you wish to explore inside. At the time of writing, access to the tower is unavailable as the area is undergoing some structural repairs. However, guided tours throughout the castle, its galleries and fascinating history are running, alongside tours including other castles in the Aberdeenshire area.    

An ancient oak forest also surrounds the grounds, with rose gardens and a chapel that dates back to the 1500s. There are several walking trails to enjoy during a visit, which are popular with locals too.   

Drum Castle sits near the town of Banchory and Crathes Castle in Aberdeenshire. 

• Where: Drumoak 
• Built: 13^th century 
• Style: Medieval Tower House, Jacobean mansion & Victorian era extension 
• Visitors: Yes, year-round. Find further information on their website. 

4. Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Tucked away in woodlands near Banchory lies Crathes Castles, a classic tower house style typical in the Aberdeenshire area. This pink-hued castle is a perfect option for a fun family day out.  

From cultural castle tours, extensive grounds and gardens to explore and many picturesque walking trails, there is no shortage of things to do. Crathes also has a café and Wild Wood Adventure Play area.  

Look out for the array of wildlife on the walking trails in the grounds too. 

• Where: Banchory, Royal Deeside
• Built:  16^th century 
• Style: Tower House 
• Visitors: Yes, find further information on their website.  

5. Balmoral Castle

As one of Scotland’s most famous castles, Balmoral tops many must-see lists in the Aberdeenshire area. Home to the British Royal Family during the summer months, visitors can tour the grounds, gardens, exhibitions and select rooms within the castle itself. However, it’s worth checking if the royal family are in residence. The castle is closed to the public during this time.   

The closest town to Balmoral Castle is Ballater, located in the Cairngorms National Park. The area is a haven for hikers and those wishing to enjoy the outdoors. But tours are available from Aberdeen if transportation is required.

• Where: Ballater, Royal Deeside
• Built: 19^th century 
• Style: Scots Baronial  
• Visitors: Yes, Balmoral opens to the public at certain times of the year. Find further information on their website.  

6. Braemar Castle

Up in the Cairngorms National Park lies Braemar Castle, a tower house with a colourful past, and rich in Scottish history. Explore 12 rooms in the castle on a guided or self-guided audio tour. Listen to tales of the Jacobite uprising, famous faces that have visited and the turbulent ownership and fire all contributing to what stands today. There is also a coffee shop on the grounds so visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the Scottish Highlands. 

• Where: Braemar, Royal Deeside
• Built: 17^th century 
• Style: Tower House 
• Visitors: Braemar Castle recently underwent extensive renovation work and is now open to visitors. To book tickets and for further information visit their website. 

7. Craigievar Castle

One of the most impressive castles in Aberdeenshire is Craigievar Castle. The famous pink castle, said to have been one of the inspirations behind Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, draws many visitors to its grounds. Perched high on the hillside overlooking miles of rolling hills, the well-preserved castle offers tours, gardens and woodland trail walks to explore. It has the fairytale vibes nailed.   

The castle grounds are open year-round, but tours inside the castle, the shop and the kiosk are seasonal. 

• Where: Alford 
• Built:  16^th century 
• Style: Scots Baronial, Tower House 
• Visitors: Yes, find further information on their website. 

8. Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate

Castle Fraser is one of the largest tower houses in Scotland. Built on a 300-acre estate, the grounds contain woodlands, farmland, two walking trails with beautiful views of the countryside, a flight pond and traditional walled gardens. Castle tours offer sweeping views from the tower alongside tales of secret trapdoors, spy holes and hidden staircases. There is also a dedicated woodland play area for children. 

The castle grounds are open year-round, but tours inside the castle and the shop are seasonal. Tours are available from Aberdeen, but these also run on a seasonal basis.

• Where: Kemnay, Aberdeenshire 
• Built: 16^th century 
• Style: Scots Baronial, Tower House 
• Visitors: Yes, Information can be found on the website. 

9. Findlater Castle

Findlater Castle is a ruined castle balancing dramatically on a 50-foot cliff top overlooking the Moray Firth in Banff and Buchan. It’s been standing guard over the North Sea since the 14th century and offers visitors stunning views. From the parking area, follow the trail out towards the castle. It is not suitable for those unsteady on their feet and requires some physical effort. Visitors can walk inside the ruins of Findlater Castle, climb on top of it and enjoy a sandy beach at the bottom. The rugged trails and beautiful sea views make this one of the most unique castles in Aberdeenshire.

Only 6 miles along the coast is Bow Fiddle Rock, one of Scotland’s most iconic natural wonders. It’s a stunning sea stack, with a unique bow-shaped arch that resembles a fiddle, hence the name. It’s another unique gem along the Moray Coast in the northeast that is worth visiting while in the area.

• Where:  Between Cullen and Sandend
• Built: 14^th century 
• Style: Medieval
• Visitors: Yes, year-round. Find further information about the surrounding trails.

10. Knock Castle

Knock Castle is a ruined tower house near Ballater in Royal Deeside. It’s a popular stop on the 7 Bridges of Ballater walk and one of the quieter ways to enjoy a castle. Knock Castle sits on the slopes of Craig of the Knock, steeped in history and a gruesome past. There are visitor information points surrounding the castle.

11. Fyvie Castle, Garden & Estate

Fyvie Castle is an 800-year-old fortress with a lot of history and storytelling in its past. From ghosts, legends and murderers, this castle has a tale. Inside, the rooms are full of antiquities, armour and lavish oil paintings. Outside on the grounds, visitors can wander to the lake and enjoy some beautiful walks. There is also a unique glass-roofed racquets court to see. 

• Where: Fyvie, Aberdeenshire
• Built: 13^th century 
• Style: Scottish Baronial 
• Visitors: Yes, find further information on their website

12. Haddo House & Country Park

A stately home rather than a castle, but Haddo House deserves a spot on this top 12 list. With palatial gardens and landscaping, an extensive art collection and opulent furnishings, Haddo is a must-visit. Owned by the Gordon family for over 400 years, this estate often hosts festivals during the fair-weather months.  

The gardens and grounds are open year-round, but the house, courtyard cafe and shop are seasonal. 

• Where: Near Tarves and Methlick 
• Built: 18^th century 
• Style: Georgian Palladian  
• Visitors: Yes, find further information on their website.  

Thanks for reading, I hope this has been a useful guide to the top 12 Scottish Castles in Aberdeenshire. Do you have a favourite? Let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram. However, if you’re looking for some more unique architecture, check out these fairytale villages in the south of France.

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