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Occupied by the Burnetts of Leys for over 350 years the castle, garden and estate are a must see for any visitor to the north-east of Scotland.

The Horsemill book & gift shop is an exciting new addition to Crathes offering a wide selection of books for sale from Scottish interest to cookery, gardening and humour. Both the Horsemill Shop and Courtyard Catering facilities are open daily throughout the year.

Castle

The castle is open throughout the year. In summer, sunshine beams through the original windows from early morning to late evening, lighting up the rooms to their best advantage and illuminating the superb painted ceilings.

In the winter months, although dark evenings mean 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. From the oak-panelled long gallery on the top floor of the castle there are spectacular views of both the world renowned gardens and Royal Deeside, with the budding spring greens or the characteristic burnished red and gold of autumn, these views are always breath-taking.

Even in the midst of December, 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 green irrespective of the time of year, as with the ancient yew hedges that frame the upper parts of the gardens, particularly the fountain and rose gardens.

Wandering through the outstanding, world-renowned June Borders, beautiful vistas of the castle can be seen through the fusion of colourful flowers.

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 woodland walks which range in length. These trails allow you to enjoy the rich 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.

For more information on opening times and entrance fees etc please see the website