Aberdeenshire is a historic Scottish county featuring dramatic landscapes, medieval castles, and a vibrant cultural heritage centered around Aberdeen, with excellent transport links and diverse outdoor activities.
Craigievar Castle is a 17th-century Scottish Baronial style castle located in Aberdeenshire, notable for its original plasterwork ceilings, historic interior furnishings, and beautifully maintained grounds. Visitors can explore both the castle's indoor historic rooms and outdoor gardens. It is operated by the National Trust for Scotland and is considered a fairy-tale castle that inspired Walt Disney's castle motif.
Castle Fraser is a grand 16th-century Z-plan castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, set within over 300 acres of landscaped grounds, woodland, and farmland. Visitors can explore the elaborate interiors with original family contents and extensive outdoor grounds including a walled kitchen garden. The castle offers a historical and immersive Scottish heritage experience.
Brodie Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century Z-plan tower house with fine antique interiors and extensive grounds featuring a national daffodil collection and a Pictish monument, open to the public and managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
Pitmedden Garden is a 17th-century formal walled garden in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, featuring geometric parterres, herbaceous borders, and a historic orchard, open for public visits.
Fyvie Castle is a historic 13th century castle in Aberdeenshire featuring multiple towers, rich history, collections of arms and portraits, landscaped gardens, and folklore. It offers a mix of indoor tours and outdoor exploration along with events and children's activities.
Crathes Castle is a 16th-century tower house near Banchory, Aberdeenshire, featuring original Renaissance interiors, historic furnishings, expansive themed gardens, and a visitor centre with a tea shop. It's managed by the National Trust for Scotland and open to the public year-round.
Drum Castle is a historic 13th-century tower house near Drumoak, Aberdeenshire, with extensive grounds including walled gardens and a rose garden. Visitors can explore the castle interiors, chapel, and exhibitions, plus enjoy the gardens and facilities such as a playground, shop, and tearoom. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, it offers a rich cultural and natural experience year-round.
Mar Lodge is a historic sporting lodge located west of Braemar, featuring Tudor Revival architecture, a notable ballroom with thousands of stags' heads, and an adjacent private chapel. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, it offers a combined indoor and outdoor visitor experience.