Castle Fraser
Is a beautiful baronial castle dating back to the 15th century and was home to the Fraser family. The main castle was completed around 1636, there have been several 18th- and 19th-century alterations. As you explore through the castle and up to the round tower, with its panoramic views of the gardens and estate beyond, you get a sense of life from the medieval to the Victorian period. It still carries the atmosphere of the family home with portraits, furniture and mementos. Highlights include the Great Hall dating back to the 1400s, the grand Worked Room featuring 18th-century embroideries and a library filled with family books.
The estate has two easily followed trails that give magnificent views of the local hills - Miss Bristow's Trail (1.25 miles) and The Alton Brae Trail (1.5 miles) which take you through a mixture of parkland, farmland and woodland, opening out to give views of Bennachie.
There are plenty of quirky features to discover in the castle - such as hidden trapdoors revealing secret stairs, spy hole, the Laird's Lug and a room full of stuffed animals and a wooden leg!
The children's Woodland Secrets play area is an enchanting wooded area with a tepee, bamboo snake walk, giant xylophone and lots of other areas for children to hide and climb. The whole children's area is built from natural materials and is therefore very environmentally friendly.
Opening Times
Garden and Grounds - daily all year round
Castle, Shop and Tearoom
1 April to 30 June, Wed - Sun 12 noon - 5pm
1 July to 31 August, daily 11am - 5pm
1 September to 31 October, Wed - Sun 12 noon - 5pm
Restaurant - all year, evenings only
Bookings only, please call 01330 833879 or 01330 700332
Last admission 45 mins before closing
Last orders in tearoom 4.15pm
Property also open on Bank Holiday Mondays
Click here for Groups and School Visits
Admission Prices
Adult - £9
Family - £22
1 parent - £16.50
Concession - £6.50
Car park pay and display - £2
Facilities
There is a shope and a traditional Victorian kitchen, enjoy a wide range of refreshments from home baking, tasty soups to sandwiches.
Dogs are welcome in the grounds, but not in the children's area or in the castle courtyards.
Rangers
The Trust's North East Ranger Service provides stewardship for the wildlife and flora of the estate, as well as offering environmental education, waymarked trails and running a guided walks programme. For more details please phone 0844 493 2167.
Weddings and Corporate Events
For further information please contact Mari Clingan who would be delighted to discuss your requirements in more detail and hopefully start the planning process with you for your forthcoming event.
Telephone: 0844 493 2164 (+44 1330 833 463 from outside the UK)
Email: castlefraser@nts.org.uk
Accessibility
The scented walled garden is accessible by wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Printed room guides are available.
The ground floor of the castle is accessible by wheelchairs and pushchairs, and although the rest of the castle is not accessible there is a detailed photo album in the reception area where visitors can look at the upper-floor rooms in more detail.
There are disabled toilets in the courtyard near the shop and tearoom, which are accessible for both pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Disabled parking is available near the front of the castle.
Click here for Holiday Accommodation
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