Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Edinburgh: Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle & Northeast Coast

Edinburgh: Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle & Northeast Coast

Departing from Edinburgh, our small group tour will travel across the iconic Forth Bridges, spanning 3 centuries of development, we continue through the Kingdom of Fife towards Dundee. Famous for its publishing industry, Dundee is home to the V&A Museum (optional extra). First opened in 2018, the V&A is Scotland’s first design museum and is also the first Victoria and Albert museum outside of London. With ever-changing exhibitions celebrating design from Scotland and around the world, it makes for a fascinating visit. After a short stop at the seaside village of St Cyrus we continue to the spectacular Dunnottar Castle, one of the most famous sights of the northeast. Sitting on a rocky headland and surrounded by water, not far from the village of Stonehaven, stands the castle. Following our stop at Dunnottar Castle, we will head towards the picturesque town that sits below it - Stonehaven. Here, there will be time to explore the seaside towns’ streets and shops. Our final stop of Day 1 is Aberdeen, also known as the "Granite City" for the abundance of granite buildings, which you may notice will appear to sparkle in the sun. Here, you will check in to your overnight accommodation and have plenty of free time in the evening to explore the city. Day 2 We will begin our second day by checking out of our accommodation and heading westwards out of Aberdeen towards Crathes Castle. Enjoy views of the Granite City and its surrounding areas as you leave. With magnificent turrets, gargoyles and a beautiful walled garden, Crathes Castle is a fantastic place to visit. Spend time here taking in the history of the 16th century castle and explore its spectacular grounds which go back to the 18th century. We continue westwards, through scenic towns like Banchory and the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, towards Ballater, where we will stop for a lunch break. Our next stop is the world-famous Balmoral Castle, the much-loved Highland home of the British Monarchy. Here, we will spend time and you will be able to see the exhibitions. As well as this, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular grounds on which the castle lies. After our tour of Balmoral Castle, we head south towards Edinburgh. On the way, we will stop at the Devil’s Elbow viewpoint. It offers spectacular Highland views and is still part of the massive Cairngorms National Park. Keep an eye out here for much of the wildlife that is known to inhabit the area. As we continue further south, our final stop before we reach Edinburgh will be the city of Perth. After a comfort break here where you will have a short time to explore the historic city, we begin our journey back to Edinburgh. There will be another chance to get a look at the magnificent Forth Bridges as we cross the Forth for a 2nd time before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Scottish Highlands 4-Day Castle Tour From Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands 4-Day Castle Tour From Edinburgh

Day 1 Embark from Edinburgh, journey north, and cross Queensferry Crossing to the historic Kingdom of Fife. Explore Falkland Palace, once a royal hunting lodge, where Mary Queen of Scots played tennis on the world's oldest court. Wander the medieval village seen in Outlander. Head to St Andrews for lunch and discovery of its cobblestone streets and ancient university. In the afternoon, venture further north to Dunnottar Castle, a majestic cliff-top ruin featured on travel magazine covers. Capture breathtaking views and sharpen your photography skills. You spend your night in Aberdeen. Day 2 Explore Royal Deeside, renowned for its castles. Begin at Castle Fraser, a grand Scottish tower house. Enjoy a stroll in the 18th-century walled garden. Head to Ballater, a royal-associated village, for lunch. Afternoon at Crathes Castle, a fairytale-like fortress with a haunted history. Wander freely through the house and gardens. Marvel at the June Borders for stunning castle views. You return to Aberdeen for another overnight. Day 3 Venture north to Fyvie Castle, dating to the 13th century, housing a remarkable collection of arms, armor, and 17th-century tapestries. Travel through scenic landscapes to Elgin for lunch. Explore the intricately carved Pictish stone at ruined Elgin Cathedral. Afternoon visit to Culloden Battlefield, the poignant end of the Jacobite Rising. Walk the tragic landscape, honoring those who fell in the last battle on British soil. You continue to Nairn for your overnight stay. Day 4 Travel south through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes. Visit Cardhu, the pioneering distillery by Helen Cumming. Pass Kingussie for a quick stop at Ruthven Barracks. Explore Blair Castle, rich in history and adorned with a ballroom featuring 175 antlers. Wander the 9-acre Georgian garden and enjoy lunch. Journey through Perthshire's lush woodlands, pausing in picturesque towns. Return to Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth in the evening.

Aberdeenshire: Private Half Day Castle & Historic Areas Tour

Aberdeenshire: Private Half Day Castle & Historic Areas Tour

Scotland has many treasures to explore and a lot of them are in Aberdeenshire. We will take you on a tour to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting and you will learn about the attractions and their history and have a great day out. You can also choose your own itinerary. Our example itinerary includes Old Aberdeen - A step back in time to see amazing ancient buildings including St Machars Cathedral and Kings College. Dunnottar Castle - One of the worlds most iconic castles impregnably built on a sheer headland. Drum Castle - A stunning 13th Century Castle dating back to Robert The Bruce. Crathes Castle - A 16th Century masterpiece on Royal Deeside.

Aberdeen, Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group Day Tour

Aberdeen, Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group Day Tour

This is a private tour for your group only. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer and we will take you on a private tour to areas that are stunning and interesting. A suggested itinerary depending on your hotel location and availability: -Old Aberdeen - Fascinating medieval history -Dunnottar Castle - one of the worlds most iconic -Crathes Castle - 16th century masterpiece with amazing gardens -Lunch at nice restaurant -Royal Lochnagar Distillery/Glen Garioch Distillery - Whisky Tasting tour (included in cost). We can also include Balmoral Castle instead of the Distillery. Please note Balmoral is usually open Apr-Aug but in 2024 it may extend these dates. Please contact us at time of booking with any requests or questions. Choose your own itinerary. Pick up/drop is included. Access to the castle interiors and Distillery Tasting Tours are subject to seasonal opening times. Most castles are free to see from the outside. Please contact us for details. You must be over 18 to taste the whisky during the Distillery Tour but younger people are welcome.

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Crathes Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

Edinburgh: Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle & Northeast Coast

Edinburgh: Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle & Northeast Coast

Departing from Edinburgh, our small group tour will travel across the iconic Forth Bridges, spanning 3 centuries of development, we continue through the Kingdom of Fife towards Dundee. Famous for its publishing industry, Dundee is home to the V&A Museum (optional extra). First opened in 2018, the V&A is Scotland’s first design museum and is also the first Victoria and Albert museum outside of London. With ever-changing exhibitions celebrating design from Scotland and around the world, it makes for a fascinating visit. After a short stop at the seaside village of St Cyrus we continue to the spectacular Dunnottar Castle, one of the most famous sights of the northeast. Sitting on a rocky headland and surrounded by water, not far from the village of Stonehaven, stands the castle. Following our stop at Dunnottar Castle, we will head towards the picturesque town that sits below it - Stonehaven. Here, there will be time to explore the seaside towns’ streets and shops. Our final stop of Day 1 is Aberdeen, also known as the "Granite City" for the abundance of granite buildings, which you may notice will appear to sparkle in the sun. Here, you will check in to your overnight accommodation and have plenty of free time in the evening to explore the city. Day 2 We will begin our second day by checking out of our accommodation and heading westwards out of Aberdeen towards Crathes Castle. Enjoy views of the Granite City and its surrounding areas as you leave. With magnificent turrets, gargoyles and a beautiful walled garden, Crathes Castle is a fantastic place to visit. Spend time here taking in the history of the 16th century castle and explore its spectacular grounds which go back to the 18th century. We continue westwards, through scenic towns like Banchory and the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, towards Ballater, where we will stop for a lunch break. Our next stop is the world-famous Balmoral Castle, the much-loved Highland home of the British Monarchy. Here, we will spend time and you will be able to see the exhibitions. As well as this, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular grounds on which the castle lies. After our tour of Balmoral Castle, we head south towards Edinburgh. On the way, we will stop at the Devil’s Elbow viewpoint. It offers spectacular Highland views and is still part of the massive Cairngorms National Park. Keep an eye out here for much of the wildlife that is known to inhabit the area. As we continue further south, our final stop before we reach Edinburgh will be the city of Perth. After a comfort break here where you will have a short time to explore the historic city, we begin our journey back to Edinburgh. There will be another chance to get a look at the magnificent Forth Bridges as we cross the Forth for a 2nd time before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Scottish Highlands 4-Day Castle Tour From Edinburgh

Scottish Highlands 4-Day Castle Tour From Edinburgh

Day 1 Embark from Edinburgh, journey north, and cross Queensferry Crossing to the historic Kingdom of Fife. Explore Falkland Palace, once a royal hunting lodge, where Mary Queen of Scots played tennis on the world's oldest court. Wander the medieval village seen in Outlander. Head to St Andrews for lunch and discovery of its cobblestone streets and ancient university. In the afternoon, venture further north to Dunnottar Castle, a majestic cliff-top ruin featured on travel magazine covers. Capture breathtaking views and sharpen your photography skills. You spend your night in Aberdeen. Day 2 Explore Royal Deeside, renowned for its castles. Begin at Castle Fraser, a grand Scottish tower house. Enjoy a stroll in the 18th-century walled garden. Head to Ballater, a royal-associated village, for lunch. Afternoon at Crathes Castle, a fairytale-like fortress with a haunted history. Wander freely through the house and gardens. Marvel at the June Borders for stunning castle views. You return to Aberdeen for another overnight. Day 3 Venture north to Fyvie Castle, dating to the 13th century, housing a remarkable collection of arms, armor, and 17th-century tapestries. Travel through scenic landscapes to Elgin for lunch. Explore the intricately carved Pictish stone at ruined Elgin Cathedral. Afternoon visit to Culloden Battlefield, the poignant end of the Jacobite Rising. Walk the tragic landscape, honoring those who fell in the last battle on British soil. You continue to Nairn for your overnight stay. Day 4 Travel south through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes. Visit Cardhu, the pioneering distillery by Helen Cumming. Pass Kingussie for a quick stop at Ruthven Barracks. Explore Blair Castle, rich in history and adorned with a ballroom featuring 175 antlers. Wander the 9-acre Georgian garden and enjoy lunch. Journey through Perthshire's lush woodlands, pausing in picturesque towns. Return to Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth in the evening.

Aberdeenshire: Private Half Day Castle & Historic Areas Tour

Aberdeenshire: Private Half Day Castle & Historic Areas Tour

Scotland has many treasures to explore and a lot of them are in Aberdeenshire. We will take you on a tour to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting and you will learn about the attractions and their history and have a great day out. You can also choose your own itinerary. Our example itinerary includes Old Aberdeen - A step back in time to see amazing ancient buildings including St Machars Cathedral and Kings College. Dunnottar Castle - One of the worlds most iconic castles impregnably built on a sheer headland. Drum Castle - A stunning 13th Century Castle dating back to Robert The Bruce. Crathes Castle - A 16th Century masterpiece on Royal Deeside.

Aberdeen, Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group Day Tour

Aberdeen, Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group Day Tour

This is a private tour for your group only. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer and we will take you on a private tour to areas that are stunning and interesting. A suggested itinerary depending on your hotel location and availability: -Old Aberdeen - Fascinating medieval history -Dunnottar Castle - one of the worlds most iconic -Crathes Castle - 16th century masterpiece with amazing gardens -Lunch at nice restaurant -Royal Lochnagar Distillery/Glen Garioch Distillery - Whisky Tasting tour (included in cost). We can also include Balmoral Castle instead of the Distillery. Please note Balmoral is usually open Apr-Aug but in 2024 it may extend these dates. Please contact us at time of booking with any requests or questions. Choose your own itinerary. Pick up/drop is included. Access to the castle interiors and Distillery Tasting Tours are subject to seasonal opening times. Most castles are free to see from the outside. Please contact us for details. You must be over 18 to taste the whisky during the Distillery Tour but younger people are welcome.

Other Sightseeing Options in Crathes Castle

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What people are saying about Crathes Castle

Overall rating

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9
(15 reviews)
5
5 out of 5 stars

The tour guide Gillian was the best. She was extremely entertaining, nice and very helpful. We are very grateful to her. I only wish there was a better way to express our gratitude towards her.

5
5 out of 5 stars

Breathtaking northeast coast and perfectly organized tour - thanks to our guide Lorna! For me the highlight of the tour was Crathes garden - do not miss it!

5
5 out of 5 stars

The tour guide Gillian was great. Funny , very knowledgeable, lots of information. It was a very enjoyable experience.

5
5 out of 5 stars

It was great - jam-packed with lots of sights and experiences.

5
5 out of 5 stars

Great Tour with our wonderful guide Adam. Highly recommend.