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Banchory
Things to Do in Banchory
Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle, Banchory: Hours, Address, Crathes Castle Reviews: 4.5/5

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Crathes Castle

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Crathes Castle
4.5
779
#2 of 21 things to do in Banchory
Castles
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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
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About
This beautiful castle dates back to 1563 and is rumored to be haunted.
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Tours & experiences
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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
See all
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
See all
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
Fascinating castle, both inside and in the gardens
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
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
Fantastic castle and gardens.
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
Fascinating visit.
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.
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
Lovely castle with a stunning garden and woodland walks!
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
Burnett Towers
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
OK if a NTS member
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.
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
lovely day out
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
Disappointed
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
Smelly Dogs in Tea Room spoilt visit
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.
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
Amazing ceilings and documents
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Crathes Castle
Crathes Castle is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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