Home
Businesses
Castles

Castles

Scotland’s Castle Country

Jump to another category...

Select a category...

Jump to another category...

Select a category...

From ancient pine forests and rolling farmland to dramatic cliffs and snow-capped mountains, Aberdeenshire’s castles are set in some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes. With 263 castles once standing across the region, more per acre than anywhere else in the British Isles, Aberdeenshire truly earns its title as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country.’

A History Written in Stone

Each castle tells a story of power, ambition and resilience. Centuries of history unfold through Iron Age hillforts, clifftop ruins, medieval strongholds, baronial masterpieces and grand Jacobean mansions. These fortresses once witnessed invasions, uprisings and royal intrigue, their walls echoing the events that shaped Scotland’s past.

Inspiration for Storytellers

The region’s castles continue to captivate imaginations. Writers and filmmakers such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Bram Stoker, Walt Disney and Franco Zeffirelli have all drawn from their timeless charm and mystery.

Balmoral: The Crown Jewel

At the heart of Royal Deeside stands Balmoral Castle, the beloved summer residence of the Royal Family since the 19th century, described by Queen Victoria as “my dear paradise in the Highlands.”

We Think You'll Love

Countryside
|
History & Heritage

Aberdeenshire Castle Trail

Post Date: 13 Oct 2025

Known as Scotland's Castle Country, Aberdeenshire is home to some of the UK's most famous castles.

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848. The Castle is an example of Scots Baronial architecture and is classified by Historic Scotland as a Category A listed building.

Drum Castle, Garden & Estate

The sweep of 700 years of history is stamped into Drumâ€™s stalwart battlements, medieval square tower and sprawling extensions.

Huntly Castle

Explore Huntly Castle a magnificent historic ruin in Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail

Take a trip along a pre-planned route making sure you see and experience as much of this extensive rugged coastline as possible.

Businesses

History & Heritage | Family Friendly

Craigievar Castle & Estate

If fairytales were real, all castles would look like Craigievar. This iconic tower remains amongst the best preserved and most loved in Scotland.

104485910 270262837551060 7765528137600576841 n 2

Businesses

Family Friendly | History & Heritage

Delgatie Castle

Most recently the home of the late Captain John Hay of Delgatie, Feudal Baron, and built around 1049, the Castle has largely been in the Hay family for the last 650 years.

Businesses

History & Heritage | Family Friendly

Corgarff Castle

Unravel the two very different tales of this medieval tower house. Originally a noble residence, Corgarff became an army base for hunting down Jacobite sympathisers and, later, whisky smugglers.