Our View
This impressive 16th-century castle with magnificent interiors has royal associations dating from 1323. There is a large walled garden and a notable collection of unusual plants, including yew hedges dating from 1702. The grounds contain six nature trails, one suitable for disabled visitors, and an adventure playground.
Facilities – at a glance
Refreshments
Features
- Suitable for children of all ages
- Parking onsite
- Cafe
- Facilities: Disabled car park, parking at castle by arrangement
- Accessible toilets
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Grounds & Estate open all year daily. Castle open 2 Jan-Mar & Nov-23 Dec, Sat-Sun 11-4; Apr-Oct, daily 10.30-5. Café, shop & garden 2-31 Jan, Sat-Sun 11-4; Feb-Mar & Nov-23 Dec, Thu-Mon 11-4; Apr-Oct, daily 10.30-5. Castle, shop & café al
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Aberdeenshire
Visitors to Aberdeenshire with any kind of interest in history are in for a treat. There are more castles to the acre in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in Britain. They range from evocative ruins to lonely tower houses, from well-kept baronial strongholds to royal palaces. Four notable castles worth factoring into your itinerary are Dunnottar, Fyvie, Huntly and Tolquhon.
At Buchan Ness you’ll find yourself at the easternmost point of Scotland. From here you can follow the coast further down this stunning north-east shoulder of Scotland south to Peterhead, once an important whaling community. Beyond it is Aberdeen, where the eastern spur of the Grampians gives way to the North Sea, and two famous salmon rivers, the Don and the Dee, reach the end of their spectacular journey.
Heading west out of Scotland’s granite city, you are soon in a magical world of heather moorland, rolling hills and densely wooded valleys, cut by meandering rivers and picturesque lochs. It is here that you can discover the staggering number of castles and ancient strongholds. However, it’s not all palaces and ruins. Bottlenose dolphins are an everyday sight in the Moray Firth and off the Aberdeenshire coast so grab your binoculars and head to the shores.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Dining nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
Why choose Rated Trips?
Your trusted guide to rated places across the UK
The best coverage
Discover more than 15,000 professionally rated places to stay, eat and visit from across the UK and Ireland.
Quality assured
Choose a place to stay safe in the knowledge that it has been expertly assessed by trained assessors.
Plan your next trip
Search by location or the type of place you're visiting to find your next ideal holiday experience.
Travel inspiration
Read our articles, city guides and recommended things to do for inspiration. We're here to help you explore the UK.