Is Crathes Castle worth visiting?

Yes — it offers an unusually complete package for one stop: a genuine, lived-in 16th-century tower house with rare painted ceilings, one of Scotland's finest walled gardens with 300-year-old yew hedges, woodland trails, and a Go Ape course for active visitors. It works for history fans, garden lovers and families alike, and it's an easy half-day from Aberdeen.

How much does it cost to visit Crathes Castle?

Admission is charged by the National Trust for Scotland and covers the castle, garden and estate, with adult, concession, child and family tickets available. NTS members get in free. Prices and opening dates are reviewed each year and the castle interior may have separate or timed tickets, so confirm the current figures on the official Crathes Castle page before you book.

When is the best time to visit Crathes Castle gardens?

For the walled garden's herbaceous borders at their fullest, visit in high summer, roughly June to August. Spring brings snowdrops and blossom and quieter paths, while autumn colours the woodland. Winter is quietest and the castle interior often closes for the season.

How far is Crathes Castle from Aberdeen?

About 25 km (15 miles) west of Aberdeen, just off the A93 near Banchory on Royal Deeside — roughly a 30–40 minute drive. Regular Deeside buses also run along the A93 from Aberdeen towards Banchory and Ballater.

What are the famous yew hedges at Crathes Castle?

They are topiary hedges of Irish yew dating from around 1702, now grown into tall rounded green walls that divide the walled garden into eight themed sections. They are one of the garden's defining features and among the oldest of their kind in Scotland.

Is there a Go Ape at Crathes Castle?

Yes — there's a Go Ape treetop adventure course on the estate with high ropes and zip lines. It's run separately from the castle, so it needs its own booking and has minimum height/age requirements; reserve through the Go Ape website in advance, especially at weekends and in school holidays.

Are National Trust for Scotland members free at Crathes?

Yes. NTS membership includes free entry to Crathes Castle, garden and estate (and to other Trust properties), and usually free or reduced parking — which makes membership worth comparing against individual tickets if you plan to visit several castles on one trip.

Crathes Castle & Gardens: Royal Deeside Guide

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Crathes Castle & Gardens: Royal Deeside Guide