We visited on a 2-for-1 Gardners World offer. There was lots of deliberation as to whether the castle itself was included in the offer, but eventually staff found the info that it is, saving one £16.50 entrance fee. The castle is more spacious than it looks from outside. Tours are self guided, and the remaining interior of the castle is well preserved. Spiral staircases up and down and a one-way system is in operation. Two wings were destroyed by fire in the mid 1960s. We had to settle for coffee and cake at the cafe, as the kitchen was closed. We skipped the gardens as the rain came on too heavy for it to be pleasant to walk round.

We visited here as part of a tour group. The castle, set in extensive grounds, is broadly hidden from the main road and is approached by a long drive to the vehicle park. In spite of being a little compact compared with some castles, it has a very impressive exterior appearance. There is a main "one way" self guided route through the four floors, with some narrow/steep spiral staircases on the higher levels. The higher levels are probably unsuitable for persons with mobility issues, and staff can assist with some limited "avoidance" alternatives, if necessary. Many of the rooms are also quite small with the interesting well preserved very old exhibits, including some of the ceilings, being well explained with information boards, supplemented with staff at some points. The extensive walled gardens are as impressive, in there own way, as the castle. They are landscaped on a number of levels with a wide range of colourful plants/trees being present. Separate buildings house a small well stocked shop, and a cafe/restaurant with toilets. These are a short distance uphill from the main castle. We enjoyed our visit.

There are no guided tours here, which initially was a disappointment but there is so much information available, especially in the family room, that it wasn't a problem. It is a lovely castle, lots of rooms to view , guides in a couple of rooms who were welcoming ,chatty & obviously proud of the castle. We had lunch in the spacious cafe building, the young men being trained were enthusiastic, helpful & nothing was too much trouble. We didn't have a long wait for our toasties which were delicious & served with crisps , coleslaw & a tasty salad. Very well presented. Top marks! The walled garden took my breath away. So much colour, the planting had been well thought out, lots of height & paths leading you through to lots of surprises.My husband has no interest in gardens but even he was impressed.!I highly recommend visiting the castle & Gardens.

Self guided tour. Interesting building and god history. Some fab pieces to be seen. People dotted around to ask questions if you desire. Did get an unexpected event when we left one of the rooms, the door slammed behind us - they do say some odd goings on occur. Didn't visit the gardens as a sign outside the house and outside the gardens stating you required a token to enter, we weren't given one, there was no info on how to get one either. Rather than going back to ticket office and asking we just left as we were on a tight time schedule.

I loved the castle but you do have to be prepared for some steep climbs and descents in the 17thC tower. Too much for my wife but she did see some of the Victorian addition. May I thank the really helpful volunteers for telling us what was what from the outset. The gardens are stunning. Even in Autumn there was a lot in bloom, and they were understandably quiet which was to our advantage. Brilliant design and maintenance. I accept the car park is rather far from the castle and gardens but there are some simply wonderful trees to illuminate a ten minute mostly uphill walk back to the car.

The castle is a wonder. The painted ceilings are impressive. Not too many tourists and nice to visit with splendid gardens. We took the bus from Aberdeen a trip of about 40 minutes. Ps Crathes pronounced Carthes

Had a walk around the area I went for a spot of lunch at the café. Friendly service great food all made fresh that day. Got served fairly quickly, even though it was Good Friday which meant that it was really busy. Top marks!

The walled garden is the star of this site; wonderfully laid out and some beautiful topiary and flowers! The grounds also offer a really nice walk. The castle is good but there’s better in the area and it’s self guided. The cafe is large and good for families.

Absolutely fantastic gardens. The guides at the castle are worth mentioning. Both Eric and John were knowledgeable, interesting and engaging. This was our second visit, well worth a revisit. Would absolutely recommend the castle and gardens.