Only later, in 1553, did they begin to build the castle. It wasn't completed until at least 1596
and the east-wing was added in the 18th century.
The castle stayed in the hands of the same family until 1951 when Sir James Burnett presented Crathes to the National Trust for Scotland.
The current visitor centre stands in place of the Queen Anne wing which was destroyed by fire in 1966.
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, it is open daily 1 April - 30 September 10am - 5.30pm, also daily in October 10am - 4.30pm. Then from 1 November to 31 March, there are reduced openings: Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 3.45pm.
The gardens and grounds are open daily all year round 9am til sunset.
The restaurant is open daily. Tel: 01330 844 525 / fax: 01330 844 797. Limited car parking.
More details & photos....
For wedding enquiries - please click here
Self catering accommodation is available - visit the National Trust of Scotland holiday accommodation web site for details.
For more on the ghost stories here, read the online extract from Ghosts, Massacres and Horror Stories of Scotland's Castles, book by Margaret Campbell featured on the Invisible Ink web site
- click here.
A visit to Crathes Castle can be included on your customised itinerary with
ClansandCastles.com who offer personal guided trips from Aberdeen and Inverness. You can also visit places on the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail on the same day.
Celia Ffitch-Stewart
is a fully insured driver-guide with Mercedes limousine for private tailor-made guided tours.
Half day, full day or extended tours. Themes to suit your interests can be arranged including The Castle Trail. Meet your clan chief, trace your roots, stay in a castle. Airport collection (Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Inverness). Services can include itinerary planning and accommodation reservations. Also available for weddings. Member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association).
Highland Journeys
- run by Nicola Fraser with a luxury 7-seater vehicle taking small groups on personally guided tours.
Departures from Aberdeen. Itineraries can include distilleries, stone circles, Balmoral, Crathes Castle.
