Castles - Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms, Scotland

Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms probably has more castles per square mile than just about any part of Scotland. These range from 11th century ruins with few remains to sumptuous Victorian buildings that reflect the luxury and opulence of their time. Scotland is famous for its historic Scottish Castles and there are many to be found in Royal Deeside!

Discover more about each of the 16 fascinating castles here!
www.visitscotland.com/guide/inspirational/features/days-out/castle-trail/http://www.visitscotland.com/guide/inspirational/features/days-out/castle-trail/

Often referred to as Castle Country, the historic Northeast of Scotland is home to around a thousand castles or castle ruins, providing a wealth of history to explore; from gruesome tales of battles fought, to strolls through romantic family estates. Coming in all shapes and sizes, each castle holds a different story to tell. Let your mind wander back through the centuries to imagine just what might’ve taken place where you now stand, or get lost amongst the beautiful walled gardens where, if you’re lucky, you might come across a traditional tearoom for a spot of delicious home baking.

Aberdeenshire is home to Scotland’s only castle trail; a selection of 16 unique castles. Experience the romance and history of these restored family castles, ruins and stately homes, by simply following the trail. With its distinctive white on brown signs and a blue castle logo, which leads you through the heart of Aberdeenshire, it couldn't be a simpler day out.

Scotland's Castle Trail Map!
Download and print our latest Castle Trail brochure including a handy map of the trail and details of the properties.

Here are brief details of some of our most outstanding castles. Simply click on their websites for further information on them.

Balmoral - The Scottish home of the Royal family where you can enjoy exhibitions, displays, walks, trails and Land Rover Wildlife Safaris through Balmoral Estate. Originally built in the 1850s by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, who described Balmoral as “a dear paradise where everywhere I look seems to breathe freedom and peace” http://www.balmoralcastle.com

Braemar - Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar and owned for the past 250 years by the Farquharsons of Invercauld, who have now given it to the local community on a 50 year lease. The castle is maintained by volunteers and displays furniture and personal memorabilia of the Farquharson family. www.braemarscotland.co.uk

Corgarff - A wonderfully restored 16th century tower house that was converted into barracks for Hanoverian troops following the Jacobite uprising of 1745. It is now maintained by Historic Scotland and sits in one of the most spectacular settings of any castle in the country. www.historic-scotland.gov.ukhttp://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Craigievar - One of the best preserved Scottish tower houses and virtually unchanged since it was built in 1610. Craigievar is particularly noted for its plaster ceilings and its magnificent woodlands. The castle is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and has reopened in 2010 following an extensive facelift.  www.nts.org.uk

Crathes - A stunning 16th century tower house that was owned by the same family for over 350 years. Crathes is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and regularly hosts concerts and events. It is famed for its spectacular gardens. www.nts.org.uk

Drum - The oldest intact building in the country in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, Drum was originally built in 1323. 17th and 19th century additions almost give you three or four castles in one. Drum was home to the Irvine family from 1323 to 1975. Its famous Garden of Historic Roses was opened in 1991 to mark the diamond jubilee of the National Trust for Scotland. www.nts.org.uk

Glenbuchat - A fine example of a Z-plan castle built in 1590, Glenbuchat is now semi ruined and roofless above the first floor, but otherwise well preserved. It is in the care of Historic Scotland. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Invercauld Castle - Invercauld Castle is a country house situated in Royal Deeside near Braemar in Scotland. It is protected as a category A listed building, and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. http://www.invercauld.org/

Kildrummy - Described as "the noblest of northern castles", Kildrummy is a magnificent ruin dating back to the 13th century. It was a fortress of the Earls of Mar and played an important role throughout the medieval history of Scotland. It is now in the care of Historic Scotland. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Kindrochit - Little remains of Kindrochit Castle, which was originally built by King Malcolm Canmore as a hunting lodge in 1059. Kindrochit was a royal castle for almost 500 years and hosted many kings of Scotland. Today all you'll see are a few walls and grassy mounds close to the car park in the middle of Braemar village. http://www.braemarscotland.co.uk/