Crathes Castle

King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323: the ancient Horn of Leys, which can be seen today in the Great Hall, marks his gift. The castle, built in the second half of the 16th century, is a superb example of a tower house of the period.
Some of the rooms retain their original painted ceilings and collections of family portraits and furniture.
A visit is enhanced by the 1.5 ha (3.75 a) of walled garden, which incorporates herbaceous borders and many unusual plants, providing
a wonderful display at all times of the year. The great yew hedges, fascinating examples of the art of topiary, date from as early as 1702.
Explore the estate on the seven waymarked trails (including one suitable for wheelchairs) that lead through the mixed woodlands,
along the Coy Burn and past the millpond. In the Visitor Centre a new exhibition, A Walk on the Wild Side, explores the wildlife on
the Crathes Estate.

Opening Hours

Castle: 31 March to 30 Sep, daily 10.305.30, 1 to 31 Oct, daily 10.304.30; 1 Nov to 31 March, WedSun (closed Mon and Tue) 10.303.45. Last admission 45 mins before closing.
Plant sales: same dates, but weekends only in Oct and closed Nov to March inclusive.
Gardens: all year, daily 9sunset.
Grounds: all year, daily.
Skytrek Aerial Trekking Course: contact property for details.
Shop and catering: 31 March to 31 Oct, daily 105.30; 1 Nov to 31 March, daily 104.30.
Castle, restaurant and shop closed for Christmas and New Year holidays

Contact

The Administrator

Crathes Castle
Crathes
Banchory
Aberdeenshire
AB31 5QJ
Scotland

Tel: +44 (1330) 844525
Fax: +44 (1330) 844797
E-Mail: crathes@nts.org.uk