Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
This beautiful castle dates back to 1563 and is rumored to be haunted.
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  • Bexyates
    Brechin, United Kingdom36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a soft spot for this castle
    Beautiful castle and grounds, lovely little gift shop and the cafe was fantastic! Always had a soft spot for this wee castle since a child and love visiting it. Staff were helpful and polite and we had a lovely afternoon!
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 November 2023
  • Bobby Drake
    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom358 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful walled garden
    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.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 March 2024
  • Graeme A
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Gran day out
    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!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 29 March 2024
  • Janette59
    Haddington, United Kingdom769 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well preserved
    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 ÂŁ16.50 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.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 April 2024
  • tomalli68
    Falkirk, United Kingdom953 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting
    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.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 June 2024
  • Karen D
    53 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Castle great, walled garden a joy
    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.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 June 2024
  • Ann H
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom131 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous
    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.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 June 2024
  • Chris M
    Wetherby, United Kingdom1,676 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An individually impressive looking castle, walled gardens and grounds worth visiting
    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.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles821 reviews
Excellent
497
Very good
230
Average
49
Poor
26
Terrible
19

peternI6763DX
Aberdeen, United Kingdom75 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
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 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suzie B Gluten-Free!
Clayton, CA304 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
The castle itself is set up more as a representation of a country estate (so don’t expect a gothic style interior) and the entry was rather expensive for what it was. The grounds however are beautiful even in early spring when most of the flower beds were still dormant. Great place for kids to run around with an outdoor climbing area and playground. There are many walks around the grounds and the castle cafe is excellent and a great place to end an enjoyable day
Written 21 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suzanne M
Aberdeen, UK70 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022
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 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hazie2014
Aberdeen, UK25 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021 • 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 11 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Global795489
Horley, UK10 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
Even in early September the gardens are beautiful. One of the nicest of any NT property.and so far north, too. The topiary is superb.

The Castle is amazing and very interesting with knowledgable staff. But the twisty narrow stone stair to all the upper floors needs a certain amount of fitness. We are in out seventies and managed okay but anyone with mobily problems should be advised by the staff.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

workingdogs
Vancouver, Canada78 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022
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 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bdon257
Morpeth, UK5,447 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • 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 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SuziGlasgow
Glasgow106 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • 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 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Janette59
Haddington, UK769 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
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 ÂŁ16.50 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.
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Perry G
Blairgowrie, UK397 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2021
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 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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