Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate
The Castle
The castle is open all year round. In summer months, the sun shines through the original windows from early morning to late evening, lighting up the rooms and illuminating the magnificent painted ceilings and the breath-taking views of Royal Deeside from the long gallery on the top floor.
During the winter, the castle closes earlier, the atmosphere changes and it is easy to imagine the lives of previous generations with only the light of an oil lamp and candles to see them through the long nights. This fairytale castle looks enchanting in the surrounding snowy white landscape. Crathes Castle is seasonally set with various events, concerts and theatre productions to help visitors to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of Royal Deeside and the splendour of the medieval rooms within.
Gardens
The gardens at Crathes stay beautifully green all year round, as with the ancient yew hedges and the fountain and rose gardens.
Elsewhere, as the intense colours of autumn give way to Scotland's wintery chill, morning frosts will create a different, captivating Crathes, making it truly a garden for all seasons.
Estate
There are six exciting woodland walks, these trails allow you to enjoy the vast variety of wildlife and are beautiful throughout the year.
The different trails will take visitors past farmland, burns and the beautiful reflecting pond, and even to the overgrown family cemetery.
Information on the trails is available on information boards and from the Crathes Estate Woodland Walks leaflet which can be purchased in the Ticket & Information Office or the Horsemill Gift Shop.
Crathes is also the home to Arting Around with Anita Bell. Join us for various crafty activities for young and old. Click here to find out more.
Or have a tree top adventure with Go Ape! at Crathes. Click here to find out more and book now.
Opening Times
Castle
January, February & March - Sat & Sun only 10.30 to 3.45 (last entry 3.00)
April to October - daily 10.30 to 4.45 (last entry 4.00)
November & December - Sat & Sun only 10.30 to 3.45 (last entry 3.00)
Open daily 27-29, 30-31 December
Shop
January, February & March - daily 10.00 to 4.00
April to Oct - daily 10.00 to 5.00
November & December - daily 10.00 to 4.00
Cafe
January, February & March - daily 10.00 to 4.00
April, May & June - daily 9.00 to 5.00
July & August - daily 9.00 to 6.00
September & October - daily 9.00 to 5.00
November & December -daily 10.00 to 4.00
Property closed 24-26 Dec, 1-2 Jan
Admission Prices
Adult - £11
Family - £27
1 parent - £21
Concession - £8
Car park: pay & display - £2
Click here for Family, Schools and Group Visits
Facilities
The Horsemill Book & Gift Shop
Courtyard Catering facilities
Children's quizzes
Family trails
Baby changing facilities
Suitable for picnics
Baby back carriers not admitted to the castle
Storage for pushchairs
Pushchairs permitted in ground floor/garden only
Play areas
Adventure playground
Regular children's events
Hands-on activities
Activities for families
Costumes to try on during organised education events
Weddings and Corporate Events
For information about corporate events and weddings at Crathes Castle, please contact Julia Davison, Function Sales Manager on 0844 493 2166 or email jdavison@nts.org.uk
Accessibility
Parking - The disabled car park is adjacent to the Horsemill Gift Shop
Buildings - With the exception of the upper floors of the castle, all buildings are fully accessible
Grounds -Six of the eight gardens are fully accessible
Toilets - Accessible toilets are located in the Courtyard Cafe
Refreshments - The Courtyard Cafe is fully accessible
Click here for Family, Groups and School Visits
Click here for Holiday Accommodation
Click here for to become a Volunteer
Click here for Directions