Name: Crathes Castle
Rating: 5.0

Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle, Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QJ, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Crathes Castle Estate is a natural area of great scenic beauty. It’s extremely biodiverse, with many protected and uncommon species making their home here. Below are our top five wildlife picks to look out for when you’re out and about on our trails. Each entry has a ‘how easy to see?’ rating, a fun fact and a top tip for when and where to look.

Once a threatened species due to being hunted for their fur, pine martens are now recovering well across the north-east of Scotland and are frequently caught on trail cameras at Crathes.

Price starts from £17.00 for Adults and £38.50 for Family. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Castle: The castle was built by Alexander Burnett in the 16th century, and Burnetts lived in it for over 350 years. But the family’s roots in Aberdeenshire date back to 1323 when Robert the Bruce granted them nearby land. He is also said to have gifted them the Horn of Leys, which takes pride of place over the fireplace in the castle’s Great Hall. Along with its intricate maze of turrets and fairytale-like towers, the castle is famous for its oak panels and painted ceilings, many of which survive beautifully to this day.
Walled garden: Take time to wander round our internationally renowned walled garden. Largely designed by Sir James Burnett and his wife Sybil in the early 20th century, it’s divided into eight individual sections. With pools, fountains, themed borders, roses and many unusual plants, it’s inspirational at any time of year. For a kaleidoscope of colour, it’s worth coming in summer to see the herbaceous borders at their blooming best. Don’t miss the ancient yew topiary and hedges – some of them were planted as early as 1702. We have also recently completed our new Evolution Garden, which showcases the development of plants through time.
Nature trails: Six waymarked trails around Crathes estate, with a wide range of habitats including woodland, marsh, ponds and streams. You’ll have the chance to spot a rich variety of wildlife along the way, including buzzards, herons and kingfishers around the Coy Burn – and don’t forget to visit our wildlife hide.
Wild Wood Adventure Play: Wild Wood Adventure Play has plenty for our younger explorers to discover and let their imagination run wild! Inspired by the stories and setting of Crathes Castle, it’s surrounded by towering trees on this wildlife-rich estate. They’ll enjoy conquering the heights of the Green Lady’s Tower, scrambling up the rock face challenge and zooming between the trees on the zip wire. There are also slides, sandpits, high-level walkways and a see-through walkway to keep them entertained.
Fantastic five at Crathes: Pine marten, Roe deer, Red squirrel, Woodcock, Wool carder bee.

Facilities

Parking: They have ample car parking spaces in a car park close to the castle. Parking is free for members.
Toilets: They have several toilets on site, located at Café 1702.
Wi-Fi: Offer free Wi-Fi in the café.

What to see

Events:

Horse-drawn carriage ride around Crathes Estate: 27 Sept 2025, 10:30. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage tour around Crathes Estate, led by majestic Clydesdale horses.
The ghosts of Crathes Castle: 3 Oct 2025, 18:00. Enjoy a spooky tour of Crathes Castle, where you’ll delve into its haunted history.
Squirrel safari at Crathes Castle: 16 Oct 2025, 10:30. Spot red squirrels at Crathes Castle with our ranger team.

For more upcoming events please visit: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle/events

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £17.00
Family: £38.50
One Adult Family: £33.00
Concession: £13.50
Young Scot: £1.00
Garden Token(Adult): £7.50
Wild Wood Adventure Play(Child, under 4s free): £4.50
Car Park(free for members): £5.00

Membership: £6.20 for Adult, £3.60 for Young & £7.50 for Family.

For membership details please visit: https://www.nts.org.uk/join

Pricing URL: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle/planning-your-visit#entry-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Castle, shop, Café 1702 and garden:

5 May–28 Sep, daily, 10.00–17.00
29 Sep–2 Nov, daily, 10.00–16.00
3 Nov–21 Dec, daily, 10.00–15.30

Wild Wood Adventure Play:

20 Aug–30 Sep, Sat–Sun, 10.00–16.00
1 Oct–28 Feb 2026, closed

Grounds: 1 Jan–31 Dec, daily, dawn–dusk

Address: Crathes Castle, Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QJ, UK

Post Code: AB31 5QJ

Council: Banchory

County: Scotland

Location: Crathes Castle, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QJ.
Parking: They have ample car parking spaces in a car park close to the castle. Parking is free for members.