Castles around Aberdeen, Scotland

Tolquhon Castle

• Tolquhon Castle is a classic Scottish castle, partly ruined but with enough standing structures to make exploration an adventure. According to the castle's website, the structure may have been founded in 1420 but the oldest remaining part dates to the 16th century. You can explore the keep, old gatehouse and other internal structures. There's a fee to get in, with Historic Scotland members gaining admission for free. The castle is about 30 minutes from Aberdeen.

  Tolquhon Castle
  Off B999
  Near Tarves
  AB41 7LP
  +44 1651-851-286
  historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_289

Castle Fraser

• The well-preserved Castle Fraser stands in landscaped grounds near Kemnay, Scotland, about a 30-minute drive from Aberdeen. This 16th-century castle is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is maintained as a stately home and house museum. You can tour the grounds or the house and grounds, and you can take advantage of the National Trust store and tea room. You can even arrange functions like weddings at this Aberdeenshire castle. There is a fee for admission, but National Trust for Scotland members get in free.

  Castle Fraser
  Inverurie
  Aberdeen & Grampian
  AB51 7LD
  +44 844-493-2164
  nts.org.uk/Property/16

Drum Castle

• A 25-minute drive out of Aberdeen takes you to Drum Castle, a 17th-century mansion house with extensive rose gardens and structures. You can tour either the gardens alone or the house and gardens. The property is owned by National Trust for Scotland, so members get in for free. The castle was formerly the home of the Irvine family and today is a house museum. The castle has a gift shop and tea room, and some, but not all, areas are wheelchair-accessible.

  Drum Castle, Garden and Estate
  Drumoak
  AB31 5EY
  +44 844-493-2161
  nts.org.uk/Property/24

Dunnottar Castle

• Located on cliffs high above the sea, Dunnottar Castle is a day trip all by itself. This remote castle is a 25-minute drive from Aberdeen. Reaching it involves some effort: While the path is good, there is a steep drop and climb to the castle, and the path is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The castle is a medieval fortress with many intact structures, including the castle keep. Inside is a museum. You can also explore the remains of old buildings. The site is privately owned and there is a fee to get in.

  Dunnottar Castle
  A92
  Stonehaven
  AB39 2TL
  +44 156-976-2173
  dunnottarcastle.co.uk