Castles and Country Homes

Balmoral Castle
Scottish home of the Royal family since 1852. Largest room in castle and grounds, gardens and exhibitions are open to the public. Open 1st April-26th July, daily 1000-1700 hrs. Tel: 013397 42534

Banff - Duff House
Country House Gallery, Banff, AB45 3SX. Tel: 01261 818181

Braemar Castle
Furnished castle dating from 17th century. Open April-Oct daily (closed Fridays except July and Aug), 1000-1800 hrs. Tel: 013397 41219

Cairness House
One of the finest neoclassical houses in Britain. Neglected for 60 years, and currently undergoing major restoration. containing a fine collection of furniture and works of art. Near Fraserburg. July and August: Wednesday and Sunday 1-5pm. Last admission 4pm. Groups all year by prior appointment
Tel: 01346 582078

Castle Fraser
Furnished castle dating from the 16th century. Sauchen, Inverurie. Open 1st April-30th June and 1st -30th Sept, Fri-Tues 1200-1730 hrs, 1st July-31st Aug daily, 1100-1730 hrs. Tel: 01330 833463

Corgarff Castle
Restored castle dating from 16th century. Was used in Jacobite risings in 1715 and 1745. Near Strathdon. Open Apr-Sept, daily 0930-1830 hrs; Oct-Mar, Sat 0930-1630 hrs, Sun 1400-1630 hrs. Tel: 01975 651460

Craigievar Castle
Handsome furnished castle dating from 17th century. Near Alford. Open 1st April-30th Sept, Fri-Tues 1200-1730 hrs. Tel: 013398 83635

Crathes Castle
Furnished castle within large estate dating from 16th century. Near Banchory. Winter opening times for 2008 into 2009 - Open weekends from 1st Nov 2008 to 31st March 2009, 10.30-16.30. Last entry to the castle 45 mins before closing. Tel: 01330 844525

Delgatie Castle
Furnished castle in large estate, dating from 11th century. Accommodation available within castle and grounds. Near Turriff. Open daily 1000-1700 hrs. Closed 21st Dec - 6th Jan. Tel: 01888 563479

Drum Castle
Furnished castle with tower houses dating from 13th century. Near Banchory. Open 1st April-31st May and 1st Sept to 30th Sept, daily 1230-1730 hrs; 1st June-31st Aug, daily 1000-1730 hrs. Tel: 01330 811204

Dunnottar Castle
Beautiful ruin dating from 13th century on coastline, near Stonehaven. Open Easter-Oct, Mon-Sat 0900-1800 hrs, Sun 0200-1700 hrs; Nov-Easter, Fri-Mon 0900-sunset. Tel: 01569 762 173

Fyvie Castle
Furnished castle in large grounds, with oldest parts dating from 13th century. Open 1st April-30th June and 1st-30th Sept, Fri-Tue 1200-1700 hrs; 1st July-31st Aug, daily 1100-1700 hrs. Tel: 01651 891266

Glenbuchat Castle
Ruined 16th century remains. Near the junction of the Water of Buchat and the River Don, 4 miles northeast of Strathdon. Open at all reasonable times. Tel: 01667 460233

Haddo House
Mansion house open to public, within Haddo Country Park. Near Ellon. House open 1st-30th June, Fri-Mon 1100-1630 hrs; 1st July-31st August daily 1100-1630 hrs. Shop and tearoom open 1st May-30th June and 1st Sept -31st Oct, Fri-Mon 1100-1700 hrs; 1st July-31st August daily, 1100-1700 hrs. Tel: 01651 851440

Huntly Castle
Impressive ruin. 12th century motte, 16-17th century palace block. Open April-Sept, 0930-1830 hrs; Oct-Mar, Mon-Wed 0930-1630 hrs (closed Thurs pm and Fri), Sat 0930-1630 hrs, Sun 1400-1630 hrs.Tel: 01466 793191

Kildrummy Castle
Ruined castle dating from 13th century. Near Strathdon. Open Apr-Sept, daily 0930-1830 hrs. Tel: 01975 571331

Kindrochit Castle
A ruined 14th-century castle situated just outside Braemar.

Leith Hall
Mansion house dating from 17th century, within large estate. Near Huntly. Open 1st May-30th Sept, Fri-Tues 1200-1700 hrs. Tel: 01464 831216

Pitsligo Castle
Ruined 15th-century remains situated half a mile inland from Rosehearty.

Tolquhon Castle
Ruins of castle dating from the 15th century. Near Pitmedden/Oldmeldrum. Open April-Sept, daily 0930-1830 hrs; Oct-Mar Sat 0930-1630 hrs, Sun 1400-1630 hrs. Tel: 01651 851286