Accessibility Accessible to Wheelchair Users – Accessible to Wheelchair Users only ground floor – As a very old building we have many stairs, but the ground floor is accessible with wheelchair. At the ground floor you can see the sculped family crest in the hall, the cloakroom, visit the old kitchen with the dumb waiter, the corridor with the traditional old bells, and the view on the charming and grand colonial room. According with the size of the wheelchair access to some of the rooms can’t be possible as doors are all different. Autism Friendly Children & Infants Accept children all ages Establishment Features Accommodation on site – Craigston Castle is still the Urquhart family home, we let it to a maximum of 12 guests, only 12 weeks per year, usually from May to October, on a self catering basis. Check our website for more info. Booking essential Dogs Accepted – A maximum of 2 dogs accepted previous agreement. Event venue – We are happy to host small wedding for the ceremony and photo shooting. We are ideal for Team building activities, small business meeting and fun activities like: archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry sessions … Garden/patio for guests use Meeting rooms Wedding Venue Wireless internet (WiFi) connection available Key Features Film or TV location In countryside No Smoking Attraction Outdoor Attraction Languages spoken Italian spoken Spanish spoken Parking & Transport Car parking Coach Drop Off / Pick Up Point Coach Parking Payment Methods Cash Accepted – Unfortunately, at the moment we accept only cash Concessionary Admission Charges Groups: Booking Essential Open by appointment outside normal opening times Prior Booking Recommended Room / Unit Features Barbecue Satellite TV Television available Target Markets Cyclists Welcome Family Fun Marketed Towards Families Tours and Demonstrations Educational Visits Accepted Guided tours

Castles and Palaces

Craigston Castle

From its remarkable architecture and centuries of history to its serene grounds and artistic interiors, Craigston Castle is more than a historic landmark- it’s a journey into Scotland’s past.

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Background information:

Discover Craigston Castle, a striking 17th-century tower house set amidst 250 acres of lush woodlands and parkland in Aberdeenshire. Built between 1604 and 1607 by John Urquhart of Craigfintry, this U-plan castle is renowned for its distinctive white harling, red sandstone detailing, and Gothic-inspired corbelled parapets. Craigston Castle is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful Scottish retreat.

A Tower House Steeped in History

Craigston Castle was constructed during Scotland’s turbulent early 17th century, blending defensive features with elegant domestic design. The Urquhart family crest, featuring wild boars, hunting dogs, mermaids, and knights, greets visitors at the entrance and tells the story of a lineage that has shaped the castle for centuries. Its storied past is woven into the fabric of Scottish history, from its construction to the carefully preserved interiors seen today.

Exquisite Interiors and Artistic Heritage

Inside, Craigston Castle showcases a remarkable collection of furnishings and artistry spanning the 17th to 19th centuries. Highlights include gilted mirrors originally from the Palais de Versailles, intricate 17th-century woodcarvings depicting biblical and royal scenes, and two libraries filled with volumes covering centuries of literature. Every room offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Scottish nobility while preserving the castle’s historic character.

Gardens, Grounds, and Scenic Retreats

The castle is surrounded by 250 acres of mature woodlands, parkland, and tranquil gardens. Visitors can enjoy quiet walks through scenic landscapes, explore the estate’s historic features, or simply soak in the natural beauty of Aberdeenshire. The setting is perfect for photography, nature enthusiasts, and those looking for a serene escape steeped in history.

Opening Times

Opening dates and timing see website (www.craigston-castle.co.uk). Guided tours last around 45-60 min. Prior booking through email recommended as we accept only 6 people per tour. Groups by appointment throughout the year.

Guide Prices

Adult £8.00, Child £3.00, Conc. £5.00, Groups: Adult £5.00, Child/School £2.00.

Facilities

Accessibility

Accessible to Wheelchair Users – Accessible to Wheelchair Users only ground floor – As a very old building we have many stairs, but the ground floor is accessible with wheelchair. At the ground floor you can see the sculped family crest in the hall, the cloakroom, visit the old kitchen with the dumb waiter, the corridor with the traditional old bells, and the view on the charming and grand colonial room. According with the size of the wheelchair access to some of the rooms can’t be possible as doors are all different.
Autism Friendly

Children & Infants

Accept children all ages

Establishment Features

Accommodation on site – Craigston Castle is still the Urquhart family home, we let it to a maximum of 12 guests, only 12 weeks per year, usually from May to October, on a self catering basis. Check our website for more info.
Booking essential
Dogs Accepted – A maximum of 2 dogs accepted previous agreement.
Event venue – We are happy to host small wedding for the ceremony and photo shooting. We are ideal for Team building activities, small business meeting and fun activities like: archery, clay pigeon shooting, falconry sessions …
Garden/patio for guests use
Meeting rooms
Wedding Venue
Wireless internet (WiFi) connection available

Key Features

Film or TV location
In countryside
No Smoking Attraction
Outdoor Attraction

Languages spoken

Italian spoken
Spanish spoken

Parking & Transport

Car parking
Coach Drop Off / Pick Up Point
Coach Parking

Payment Methods

Cash Accepted – Unfortunately, at the moment we accept only cash
Concessionary Admission Charges
Groups: Booking Essential
Open by appointment outside normal opening times
Prior Booking Recommended

Room / Unit Features

Barbecue
Satellite TV
Television available

Target Markets

Cyclists Welcome
Family Fun
Marketed Towards Families

Tours and Demonstrations

Educational Visits Accepted
Guided tours

Location

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