Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate

One of Scotland’s largest tower houses, with an impressive portrait collection

Planning Your Visit

Planning your visit

Drone flying is not permitted at this property without prior permission and approval. Commercial operators should contact the Trust’s Filming Manager at filming@nts.org.uk.

Please note that barbecues and fires are not permitted anywhere on the Castle Fraser estate.

Please see our drop-down Facilities below for helpful information about planning your visit.

For more information about planning your visit, please see our frequently asked questions.

If you’d like to speak to us, we can be contacted by email on castlefraser@nts.org.uk or telephone 01330 833463.

Please note that major forestry operations will be taking place on the Alton Brae Trail close to the Flight Pond over the winter period. Please follow all signage; diversions may be in place.

Facilities & access

We have an ongoing programme of accessible content development.

We have created a detailed accessibility guide for Castle Fraser.

We’d love you to visit the Euan’s Guide website to review the accessibility of Trust places and tell us (and others) what’s good and where we need to do better.

Accessible parking

Disabled parking is available near the front of the castle.

Accessible toilet

There are accessible toilets in the courtyard near the shop and café.

Bike facilities

Bike parking is available in the main visitor car park.

Buggy access

Café

Our recently refurbished tearoom offers a new menu that includes produce from our own walled garden.

Children’s activities

Coach parking

Coach parking is available 300m from the property.

Dogs welcome

Dogs are welcome in the grounds, gardens, shop and tearoom. Dogs must be kept on leads in the Walled Garden and Courtyard and under close control on the wider estate.

Holiday accommodation

Stay for longer at our holiday property in the east wing of the castle:

East Wing (sleeps 4)

Booking a holiday with the National Trust for Scotland helps us to protect this special place, now and for the future.

Parking

Car parking is available and is free for members.

Picnics

Play area

Younger visitors love to explore the Woodland Secrets adventure playground, featuring wooden sculptures, a tree hut and a giant xylophone.

Self-guided trails

From the striking simplicity of the medieval Great Hall to the well-stocked library and Victorian bedrooms, a self-guided tour of the castle gives a sense of walking through history. Each laird stamped his personality on the family seat, from the various ways of spying on those in the Great Hall to trophies gathered on global adventures.

The panoramic views from the top of the round tower are spectacular, revealing the courtyard, gardens and estate beyond, ready to be explored. The distinctive peaks of Bennachie can be seen in the distance.

Shop

The shop sells a range of gifts.

Toilet

The toilets are open at the same time as the castle.

Walks

There are two waymarked walks on the estate that offer magnificent views of the local area.

Miss Bristow’s Wood trail passes through a designed woodland, full of winding paths, pleasant glades and distant views.

The Alton Brae trail will take you past the Broad Walk of sycamores, through coniferous woodland and beside the Flight Pond, where you can spot brightly coloured dragonflies.

Wheelchair access

There is limited access to the castle courtyard due to gravel. However, wheelchair access to the ground floor of the castle and our tearoom can be provided via the front door by contacting 01330 833463.
There’s a digital screen in the reception area where visitors can look at the upper-floor rooms in more detail.
The scented walled garden is accessible for wheelchairs.

Opening times

Castle, tearoom and shop The castle operates self-guided tours; pre-booking is not required. | Last orders in the tearoom at 4pm.: Current period 28 Oct–21 Dec, Fri–Mon, 10.30–16.00 (last entry 15.00) 22 Dec–3 Jan 2025, closed 4 Jan–27 Feb, Fri–Mon, 10.30–16.00 (last entry 15.00) Guided tour only, please see Events tab to book tickets 28 Feb–30 Mar, Fri–Tue, 10.30–16.00 (last entry 15.00) 31 Mar–29 Jun, Fri–Tue, 10.30–16.30 (last entry 15.30) 30 Jun–31 Aug, daily, 10.30–16.30 (last entry 15.30) 1 Sep–19 Oct, Fri–Tue, 10.30–16.30 (last entry 15.30) 20–26 Oct, daily, 10.30–16.30 (last entry 15.30) 27 Oct–21 Dec, Fri–Mon, 10.30–16.00 (last entry 15.00)
Garden: Current period 1 Jan–31 Dec, daily, 10.00–16.00
Grounds: Current period 1 Jan–31 Dec, daily, dawn–dusk