Drum Castle, Garden & Estate teacher information

Drum is one of the most beautiful castles in Royal Deeside and is just 10 miles from the centre of Aberdeen.

The castle was originally granted to William de Irwyn by Robert the Bruce in 1323, and now combines a medieval tower, Jacobean mansion house and Victorian extension. For nearly all its seven centuries Drum was home to the Irvine family, until it came into the care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1975.

Stories of the family will be brought to life for your learners, from the artwork of Anna Forbes Irvine to the Jacobite tales of the 17th Laird and his pocket watch.

The wider estate gives many opportunities to explore nature, from the ancient oaks and wildlife of the Old Wood of Drum to the beautiful, scented roses in the walled garden. The Little Oaks play area, created using storm-felled trees from the estate, offers a natural and imaginative approach to play.

The school programme at Drum offers activities in the castle, garden and estate, providing opportunities to engage with the Curriculum for Excellence. Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools can book an outdoor learning session with the North East Rangers. During 2025, a selection of schools will be trialling our new programme Timesliders.

Find out more

North East Rangers teacher information

The North East Ranger Service delivers countryside management and engagement for the Trust, with a focus on sharing the stories of nature at our places.

Timesliders resource hub

These resources are for schools who have enrolled in the 2025 Timesliders programme taking place at Drum Castle, Garden and Estate.

Planning your class visit

To book: please contact Drum Castle to arrange your visit.
Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Maximum class size: 20 per tour, with a ratio of 1 teacher/adult to 10 pupils
Opening hours are limited for the castle but the estate is open all year round.
Access: please telephone us to discuss any special requirements. There’s also some accessibility information on the Drum Castle page.
Parking is available for school coaches in the car park.
Toilets: accessible toilets are available.
Refreshments: please bring snacks and packed lunches.
The site has been risk assessed. Teachers are expected to prepare their own risk assessment for the visit.

Charges

For the latest charges, please contact the property.
Class teachers are encouraged to make a free preparatory visit to the site.

During your class visit

On arrival: for a castle tour, please report to the main desk; for a ranger activity, meet at the place agreed when booking your programme.
Teachers are responsible for their pupils and their behaviour.
Non-flash photography is permitted inside the castle – and you’re welcome to take as many photos as you like in the grounds.
There’s a shop that pupils can visit under teacher supervision (in small groups please).