Crathes Castle, 16th century castle in Banchory, Scotland.
Crathes Castle is a 16th century castle in Aberdeenshire featuring multiple turrets and Scottish architecture. The estate includes eight walled garden sections arranged in geometric patterns with herbs and flowers that change with the seasons.
The castle was built in 1553 by the Burnett family and served as their residence for four centuries. In 1951 it passed to the National Trust for Scotland.
Each room displays original painted wooden ceilings from the 16th century featuring detailed scenes with Scottish heraldry and literary characters. These ceiling paintings tell stories of Scotland's past and offer insight into the life of the family who lived here.
Access to the interior involves climbing stairs across multiple levels, so visitors with limited mobility should take this into account. The gardens are best explored during warmer months when plants are in full bloom.
The Green Lady's Room features carved figures and painted ceiling details from 1599, all preserved in their original colors. This ceiling is among the best-preserved examples of painted ceilings from that period in Scotland.
Location: Aberdeenshire
Location: Banchory-Ternan
Inception: 1553
Operator: National Trust for Scotland
Address: Crathes Castle, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QJ
Website: https://nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle
GPS coordinates: 57.06148,-2.43992
Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:07
Warren Field
554 m
Royal Deeside Railway
861 m
Balbridie
890 m
Banchory Ternan East Church
2.9 km
Tilquhillie Castle
2.9 kmMilton of Crathes Old Bridge
1.1 km
Crathes Castle, Doocot
167 mBanchory, 68-70 Station Road, St Nicholas
2.9 kmKnappach Toll
1.3 kmBanchory, Burnett Park, Market Cross
2.9 kmKnappach Farmhouse
1.5 kmBirkwood House
2.3 kmMills Of Drum, Corn Mill
2.7 kmBanchory, Parish Kirkyard, Watch House
2.9 kmBarn Multi Arts Centre
1.5 kmMiller's House, Mills Of Drum
2.7 kmMill Of Hirn
2.9 kmBalbridie Farmhouse
1.1 kmMaryfield
1.8 kmMill Of Tilquhillie
2.4 kmEast Lodge Bridge, Crathes Castle
959 mMilton of Crathes Railway Bridge
1 kmMilton of Cathes Bridge over Turnpike Road
1 kmCairnshee,field system & farmstead 700m WSW of
2.7 kmCairnshee,enclosure 440m SW of
2.7 kmBarns,enclosure 300m W of
2.2 kmBalbridie,enclosure 300m S of
1.4 kmCrathes Castle,timber hall 550m ESE of
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