The north east of Scotland has its fair share of castles. Whether you like the stark military fortress of Corgarff, Dunnottar’s infinite steps and precarious cliff-side perch or the Disneyesque Craigievar, there’s something to suit every taste. That said, Crathes Castle, gardens and estate appeals to visitors and locals alike. This National Trust for Scotland gem offers a perfect mix of grandeur, glorious gardens and lots of woodland walks to explore with the family. Better yet, it’s just half an hour from Aberdeen and you can go shopping at Milton of Crathes or Banchory while you’re in the neighbourhood.
The honeyed harled granite castle was built in the 16th century for the Burnett family, who held it for over 350 years. It’s a great example of a Scottish tower house, complete with elaborate painted ceilings dating back to the early 1600s. It’s filled with family portraits, tapestries, copper pans, mellow oak panelling and heavy antique furniture that must be a pain to dust. There’s even a resident ghost in the form of the Green Lady.
While the castle is undeniably captivating, it’s outside where Crathes really comes alive. The walled gardens, divided into a series of distinct rooms, are a riot of colour, texture, and scent – all meticulously designed, constantly evolving and lovingly maintained. There are ponds with carnivorous plants, a woodland garden, colour themed gardens and some beautifully kept working Victorian glasshouses.
Some of the yew hedges which provide structure in the walled garden date back over three centuries and the gardens are famous for their topiary. If you find cutting your own hedge a chore, pity the gardeners who spend around six weeks a year high up on mobile work platforms. So renowned are these gardens that they’re considered to be amongst the top 50 gardens to visit in the world.
A must-see is the recently redeveloped Rose Garden, a hazy perfumed sanctuary, gently buzzing with bees from the nearby apiary. If you’re visiting in July or August, don’t miss the June Border. Despite the name, it’s still gloriously in bloom well into high summer, with dazzling lupins, poppies and a painter’s palette of perennials putting on an exuberant show. In fact, there’s always something worth seeing no matter the season.
The estate at Crathes is great for wildlife. Red squirrels scurry in the branches, woodpeckers drum industriously, and the occasional roe deer might be glimpsed through the trees if you’re quiet—or lucky—enough. Often one of the local farmers turns his Highland Cattle out in a field off the drive too. The wider estate boasts a network of woodland walks, perfect for a reflective solo stroll or an energetic ramble with the family and the dog.
There are two playgrounds on-site, suitable for even the most sugar-high children. The café offers welcome refreshment, from decent coffee to hearty soups and freshly baked cake and there’s plenty of outdoor seating for alfresco dining. You can also use the picnic areas if you’d rather bring your own feast.
There’s always something going on over the summer, from family fun weekends, special tours and even carriage rides with magnificent Clydesdale horses.
Whether you’re a history buff, a budding horticulturalist, looking for a place to let the kids run wild, or just in search of a café and gift shop, Crathes won’t disappoint.
