Drum Castle
The keep is one of the three oldest tower houses surviving in Scotland.
It was the work of Richard Cementarius, first Provost of Aberdeen and Kings Master Mason, in the late 13th century. The High Hall of the tower is still in its medieval state. It is accessed by a narrow newel stair, and offers fine views from the battlements. The original house was enlarged with the creation of a very fine Jacobean mansion house in 1619 and a later addition during the reign of Queen Victoria.
William de Irwyn was given the charter of the Royal Forest of Drum by King Robert the Bruce in 1323. The same family remained owners of Drum for the following 653 years. Irvine memorabilia is shown in the Family Room and the house contains an excellent collection of portraits and good Georgian furniture. It is a welcoming house with the feeling of a family home, enhanced by the recent creation of the Day and Night Nurseries.
The grounds contain the Old Wood of Drum an ancient oak woodland with Site of Special Scientific Interest designation mixed
woodlands, three waymarked walks and an arboretum. Within the old walled garden is a fine collection of historic roses.
Opening Hours
Castle: 31 March to 30 Jun, daily (but closed Tue and Fri), 12.305; 1 Jul to 31 Aug, daily 115; 1 Sep to 31 Oct, daily (but closed Tue and Fri), 12.30-5. Last admission 45 mins before closing.
Garden of Historic Roses: 31 March to 31 Oct, daily 106.
Grounds: all year, daily.
Property will open on Bank Holiday weekends from Friday to Monday inclusive.
Contact
Property
Drum Castle
Drumoak
Banchory
Aberdeenshire
AB31 5EY
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1330) 811204
Fax: +44 (1330) 811962
E-Mail: drum@nts.org.uk
Grading & Awards
