Aberdeen - Jan Madeus

Granite & Greenery – Aberdeen and the Charm of Crathes Castle

We’ve arrived in Aberdeen, Scotland’s “Granite City” — a place where the buildings shimmer silver in the right light, thanks to the locally quarried stone. It’s a city shaped by the sea and the oil industry, but it also has a softer side: long beaches, leafy parks, and a thriving university atmosphere.

Aberdeen’s old town, especially around King’s College and St Machar’s Cathedral, reveals its medieval roots. Yet just outside the urban edge, the landscape quickly turns lush — and that’s where you’ll find one of the region’s hidden gems: Crathes Castle.

About 25 kilometers west of Aberdeen, Crathes Castle is a fairy-tale structure, complete with turrets, ivy-covered stone, and a dramatic setting above the River Dee. Built in the 16th century by the Burnett family, it remained their residence for over 350 years — and many of the rooms still reflect their personal history.

Inside, Crathes Castle feels authentic and intimate. The rooms are richly furnished with period pieces, including carved oak furniture, family portraits, painted ceilings, and delicate tapestries. The long gallery and the Queen Anne Room are particular highlights, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life across the centuries.

One of the most fascinating details is the painted ceiling in the Chamber of the Muses – a rare surviving example of Renaissance decoration in Scotland, showing figures from classical mythology. The entire castle has a lived-in atmosphere, not over-restored or staged.

The gardens are just as impressive. Divided into eight separate themed sections by yew hedges planted in the early 1700s, the walled garden is a riot of color and geometry. You’ll find rose beds, herbaceous borders, and a perfectly clipped topiary that makes the garden feel both orderly and alive. In summer, it’s one of the most beautiful cultivated spaces in Aberdeenshire.

Practical Tips for Visiting Aberdeen & Crathes Castle

Getting to Aberdeen:

Aberdeen is well connected by train (direct lines from Edinburgh and Glasgow) and by air (Aberdeen International Airport).
Ferries from Orkney and Shetland also dock here.

Where to Stay in Aberdeen:

The Chester Hotel – stylish and central.
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel – modern with good access to the old town.
Budget: Aberdeen Youth Hostel or ibis Aberdeen Centre.

Visiting Crathes Castle:

Located near Banchory, about 30–40 minutes by car or bus from Aberdeen.
Open seasonally (typically April–October).
Entry fee: ~£14 for adults (castle and garden access).
Café, gift shop, and walking trails on site.
Managed by the National Trust for Scotland – free for members.

Crathes Castle offers something rare: a look inside Scottish noble life that still feels personal and real. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and Highland air, it’s a perfect day trip from Aberdeen — a step back in time, wrapped in green and stone.