Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

A magical turreted castle in the heart of Royal Deeside

Overview

A view of Crathes Castle from the garden, with the yew topiary hedges in the foreground. It's a lovely sunny day.

This enchanting 16th-century castle, with its beautiful walled garden, expansive grounds and a dedicated event space (the Horsemill), is a versatile venue for weddings, meetings, team-building events and corporate entertaining.

Inside you’ll find a labyrinth of cultural history, from family portraits to fine antique furniture. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable – sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702.

Surrounded by rolling countryside, Crathes Castle offers a rural retreat just 15 miles from Aberdeen city centre. The castle is steeped in history, with strong ties to Robert the Bruce, and our knowledgeable staff are always on hand to give guests a flavour of the estate’s history, myths and legends.

Location

Aberdeen City & Shire See map

Capacity

Up to 120

Venue type

Castles & Houses Gardens Outdoors

See what’s on offer:

Make enquiry

Planning your event

Castle

Drinks reception – 80 guests
Wedding ceremony – 50 guests
Dining – 40 guests
Meeting – 50 guests (theatre-style)

Horsemill

Drinks reception – 120 guests
Wedding ceremony – 100 guests
Dining – 80 guests
Dance/ceilidh – 120 guests
Meeting – 100 guests (theatre-style)

Home Farm Meeting Room

Meeting – 45 guests (theatre-style)
Meeting – 20 guests (boardroom)

Walled Garden

Drinks reception – 80 guests
Wedding ceremony – 80 guests

Grounds

Team-building, outdoor activities, marquee events and festival – 500+ guests

Accommodation

East Lodge, a self-catering cottage located at the entrance to Crathes Castle, has two bedrooms and can sleep up to four guests.

For further information please contact us. We’ll be delighted to discuss your requirements in more detail, arrange a visit and help plan your event.

Getting here

Crathes Castle is 15 miles west of Aberdeen and 3 miles east of Banchory on the A93.

Address Crathes Castle Banchory Aberdeenshire AB31 5QJ

Get directions

Provided by Google Maps

The entrance to the castle and grounds is via the signposted main drive, off the A93. If you travel by bus, it’s a 1 mile walk from the driveway entrance to the ticket office, café and gift shop. Please note that some sat-nav systems may direct you via private roads; the co-ordinates for the entrance to the drive are: 57.056667 & -2.426428

Aberdeen is just 35 minutes away.