Crathes Castle, Banchory: Hours, Address, Crathes Castle Reviews: 4.5/5
Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle
4.5
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
This beautiful castle dates back to 1563 and is rumored to be haunted.
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Top ways to experience Crathes Castle and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
29 within 3 miles

Crathes Courtyard Café
7
0.1 mi

Milton Brasserie
373
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • European • British • Scottish

Buchanan Bistro
244
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • European • British • Scottish

The Deesidedly Tasty Company
3
1.2 miEuropean • British • Street Food • Scottish
Park Shop
3
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe

Scott Skinner's
143
1.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub

Ride Coffee House
190
2.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Scottish
Morrisons Banchory Cafe
2
1.6 mi

The Garden Restaurant & Raemoir Cafe
331
2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Contemporary

The Cow Shed Restaurant
554
2.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • British • Scottish
Attractions
21 within 6 miles

Royal Deeside Railway
69
0.6 miScenic Railroads

Milton of Crathes Station
27
0.5 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Falls of Feugh
241
2.3 miWaterfalls

Drum Castle, Garden & Estate
426
Castles • Gardens

The Barn
18
0.9 miTheaters • Exhibitions

Scolty Hill
72
Mountains • Forests

Aberdeenshire Highland Beef
21
2 miFarms

Raemoir Trout Fishery
12
2 miNature & Wildlife Areas

Banchory Library
3
2.5 miLibraries

Bridge Of Dee
1
2.4 miBridges
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
780 reviews
Excellent
472
Very good
220
Average
48
Poor
23
Terrible
18
Suzanne M
Aberdeen, UK69 contributions
We have visited here many times over the years but decided to do the full tour again as we haven't been inside for a while. The tour is now self guided but with loads of information in each room, and the guides are still there should you have any questions.
We were able to walk around slowly and take in all the information and look at all the items at our own pace. There are some definite highlights around the castle to look out for and things remembered from previous visits.
The gardens are worth walking around, as they are maintained immaculately and the variety of plants and wildlife around them is fascinating.
Just be careful regarding access as the inside of the castle is old stone winding steps and would not be suitable for very small children or those with any access issues, due to being very narrow and unstable, plus the possibility of passing others on the stairs!
Of course if you don't want to pay to visit inside the castle the grounds are still worth visiting for a walk, there are several signposted walks around the grounds and we chose to walk in from the front gate through the woodlands, we encountered several squirrels and birds on the way.
The small cafe/restaurant serves snacks and small meals and the gift shop has a good variety of items for browsing
We were able to walk around slowly and take in all the information and look at all the items at our own pace. There are some definite highlights around the castle to look out for and things remembered from previous visits.
The gardens are worth walking around, as they are maintained immaculately and the variety of plants and wildlife around them is fascinating.
Just be careful regarding access as the inside of the castle is old stone winding steps and would not be suitable for very small children or those with any access issues, due to being very narrow and unstable, plus the possibility of passing others on the stairs!
Of course if you don't want to pay to visit inside the castle the grounds are still worth visiting for a walk, there are several signposted walks around the grounds and we chose to walk in from the front gate through the woodlands, we encountered several squirrels and birds on the way.
The small cafe/restaurant serves snacks and small meals and the gift shop has a good variety of items for browsing
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bdon257
Morpeth, UK4,958 contributions
Couples
We travelled specifically to visit this and other castles in the area. Crathes is a classic Scottish tower castle with a continuous history and the building and its contents tell this story. Additionally the gardens are superb too, this is a great place to visit and enjoy.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
workingdogs
Vancouver, Canada84 contributions
This castle is well worth a detour to visit its fully furnished and decorated rooms. It brings the place alive since one is not looking at bare stone walls and empty rooms. Detailed descriptions on tablets are located in each room. The many painted ceilings are a very unusual feature. The kitchen is fully equipped with pots and pans etc.
The self-guided tour followed a one way system due to Covid protocol. This simplified the flow of visitors.
We did not tour the gardens as it started to rain.
I highly recommend a visit.
The self-guided tour followed a one way system due to Covid protocol. This simplified the flow of visitors.
We did not tour the gardens as it started to rain.
I highly recommend a visit.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adrienne Toumayan
Washington DC, DC412 contributions
I visited Drum Castle and Crathes Castle on the same day as they're not too far from each other and there's a bus route that goes to both (or an easy drive connecting them). In terms of outdoor walks and gardens, I think Crathes has Drum beat but they're both worth visiting. I enjoyed my self-guided tour through Crathes and found the informational signs very helpful. Don't forget to look up ;) the painted ceilings are stunning (if a little tricky to photograph!) I also thought it was a nice touch that they were playing relevant music in a few of the rooms. Beyond the castle, the grounds are well worth a visit. There's so many different trails through the woods on the estate and the walled garden makes for a lovely visit too. Definitely recommend making time for this one! And leave time for a walk.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Abeonas
Kent, UK4,310 contributions
Friends
Oodles of history at this delightful attraction . A one way system takes you up a spiral stairway to visit the various rooms in the household. The gardens outside are well kept and a delight to walk around. Bird watchers can walk through the woods at leisure. There is an ample car park , cafe and gift shop.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SuziGlasgow
Glasgow84 contributions
Family
We only visited because we are NTS members and therefore free admission. EXTREMELY expensive if you're not. Kids adventure playground geared towards very young kids and a lot smaller than expected. Cafe was run down with only outdoor eating available, overpriced too with a massive que.
Gardens were lovely, Estate large.
Nothing special.
Gardens were lovely, Estate large.
Nothing special.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Perry G
Blairgowrie, UK297 contributions
you have to pay for parking however if you continue up to the visitor centre there are free parking spaces for disabled people. The castle is lovely and well worth a visit. There is a large garden which was full of plants and flowers and was a delight to walk through. There are ample walks and the notice board is very informative as it gives you an idea of the type of walk it is and how long it takes to walk round it. Would highly recommend a visit.
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hazie2014
Aberdeen, UK23 contributions
Family
Really disappointed. Went here today to find that everything is closed on a Tuesday & Wednesday. As fully paid up members I was disgusted to see that the play park is fenced off and you have to pay admission for that. ( of course it’s closed on a Tuesday & Wednesday) I’m all for money being raised for NT, but to pay to push your grandchild on a swing or let them use the slide is ridiculous.
Written May 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
peternI6763DX
Aberdeen, United Kingdom72 contributions
Great to walk round the grounds, but selfish owners of two very large and smelly dogs, one not on leash, in the tea room spoilt the visit. This is unfortunate, as there are tables and dog bowls outside which more considerate owners were using.
In a tea room where food is served and there are lots of young children, it is unreasonable from a hygene point of view, to admit large dogs, particularly when they are not on leads.
In a tea room where food is served and there are lots of young children, it is unreasonable from a hygene point of view, to admit large dogs, particularly when they are not on leads.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason D
Muncie, IN29 contributions
We stopped at Crathes castle the 2nd day of our Scotland trip. Despite being near to Drum Castle, it was a completely different experience. Crathes has some of the most beautiful wood and painted ceilings I've ever seen. In addition they have some amazing items such as a Bible from 1583. Plus the grounds are incredibly beautiful. They also have a kids area and cafe. They also have walking trails for your pets. Highly recommend.
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kira3333
Bialystok, Poland1 contribution
Hi, Could you tell me, please, about the attractions given to the children? My sister is coming (8/8/19) and I'd like to take her and her children for a nice trip. How long the guided tour last? Is it expensive? I would be very appreciated.
charles h
Barnsley, UK22 contributions
It’s National trust for Scotland.property and as such all tours are free to members .cant speak for non members because I am a member of English national trust and we are affiliated together,best advice I can offer would be get a family membership.and then wherever you are in the uk on a rainy day or sunny day you will always have somewhere to take the kids , Crathes castle has. A zip wire a overhead forest walk way all perfectly safe with a foolproof clip on system.miles on walk ways chances to see all the flora and fauna an animals .rivers to cross ,
bernarddenis4
Nancy, France56 contributions
Existe-t-il des visites guidées en français ?
Kira3333
Bialystok, Poland1 contribution
I am sorry, but I don't speak French. However, you will get French translation sheets at the castle. Some of the castle guides speak French as well:))))
MonikaTraveller90
Czestochowa, Poland1 contribution
Can you still get into the castle gardens for free before 4 pm?
Susan P
Aberdeen, UK19 contributions
No. The gardens are £6.50 to enter and are locked when the castle is closed. Carparking is £3.00.
Susan P
Aberdeen, UK19 contributions
Hi,
This castle was built centuries ago, sadly they had no access to lifts or disabled access! I am not sure what some people really expect.
Elizabeth-P-Scotland
19 contributions
Folks.
It can be problematic for less able-bodied people to visit ancient monuments and historic buildings. Obviously, given the nature and age of the building, adding modern conveniences like lifts, is not always possible. The best advice I can give is to contact each property that you intend to visit to discuss your concerns and hopefully, you will discover a way to enjoy at least a part of the place.
bicoques
Crabtree, Canada56 contributions
Bonjour
Est-ce obligatoire de prendre une tour guidé ?
Peut-on le visiter librement sans réservation ?
Merci
Richard Rainviille
Giuseppe R
Gallarate, Italia10 contributions
Esiste un servizio bas turistico e/o privato
per visitare la zona nei dintorni di Bancory ?
Stephanie H
Aberdeen, UK128 contributions
Ciao Giuseppe, Grazie per la vostra richiesta. Si può prendere il Stagecoach bus numero 201 o 202 modulo di Aberdeen Union Square a prendere a Royal Deeside, che comprende Banchory. Un biglietto giornaliero pilota deve consentire di visitare le città della zona sotto un unico biglietto a buon mercato. Spero che questo ti aiuti!
Giuseppe R
Gallarate, Italia10 contributions
Ciao, Giuseppe . Cosa desideri sapere su questa attrazione?
Per visitare Bancory esite un bus per giri turistici giornalieri e/o altri mezzi nella zona ?
emmeelledi
Reggio Emilia, Italy128 contributions
La soluzione migliore in questi casi è rivolgersi a un centro VisitScotland. Li trovi in qualunque città , facili da trovare e il personale sa sempre di cosa sta parlando.
Purtroppo temo che per quella zona non siano previsti bus turistici, e per arrivare alle attrazioni c'è molto da scarpinare.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crathes Castle
- Crathes Castle is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Crathes Castle tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Crathes Castle tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Crathes Castle:
- Aberdeenshire Private Half Day Castle & Historic Building Tour (From $183.28)
- Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside Private Half-day Castle Tour (From $170.98)
- Dunnottar & Deeside Castle & Distillery Private one Day Tour & Photo Workshop (From $276.76)
- Aberdeen & Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group one Day Tour (From $276.76)
- Aberdeenshire Castles Cows and Whisky Private Day Trip (From $404.69)
- Hotels near Crathes Castle:
- (0.02 mi) East Lodge, BANCHORY
- (0.02 mi) East Lodge, Banchory
- (2.88 mi) Tor-na-Coille
- (2.13 mi) Banchory Lodge
- (7.08 mi) Maryculter House
- Restaurants near Crathes Castle:
- (0.10 mi) Crathes Courtyard Café
- (0.60 mi) Milton Brasserie
- (2.05 mi) Ride Coffee House
- (2.47 mi) Birdhouse Cafe
- (0.90 mi) Buchanan Bistro
- Attractions near Crathes Castle:
- (0.55 mi) Go Ape Aberdeen
- (0.59 mi) Royal Deeside Railway
- (0.51 mi) Milton of Crathes Station
- (2.62 mi) Battle Grounds Adventure Activities
- (0.61 mi) The Wee Boorachie