CASTLES ABERDEENSHIRE

Slains Castle, also known as New Slains Castle, crowns a dramatic clifftop overlooking the North Sea near Cruden Bay in Aberdeenshire. The castle's core is a 16th-century tower house built by the 9th Earl of Erroll, significantly rebuilt in 1837 as a Scots Baronial mansion, serving as the ancestral home of the Hay family and Earls of Erroll for over three centuries. Though now a roofless ruin, visitors can explore its multi-level interiors and ascend to the lookout tower for spectacular coastal views. The castle holds literary significance as the rumored inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, with Stoker visiting the area regularly in the late 19th century. Admission is free year-round.

Braemar Castle, built in 1628 as a hunting lodge for the Earl of Mar beside the River Dee, stands as a distinctive L-plan tower house with turrets and a star-shaped defensive wall. After being burned during the 1689 Jacobite Rising, it was rebuilt and garrisoned by Hanoverian soldiers following the Battle of Culloden, eventually becoming the home of the Chiefs of Clan Farquharson. The castle's striking architecture makes it a landmark in the village of Braemar, situated next to Balmoral, the royal residence. Rescued by the community in 2007, it is now operated by dedicated volunteers and staff, with twelve authentically furnished rooms open to visitors, offering a glimpse into Highland life and family heritage.

Kildrummy Castle is a mid-13th-century medieval fortress in Aberdeenshire and one of the most extensive 13th-century fortresses surviving in eastern Scotland. Built as the powerful stronghold of the Earls of Mar, the castle features the impressive Snow Tower, which showcases the wealth and refined taste of medieval nobility, and a chapel adorned with three tall lancet windows. Situated on a hillside defended naturally by the deep ravine of the Black Den, Kildrummy witnessed dramatic episodes during Scotland's Wars of Independence and the 1715 Jacobite rising. Despite its ruined state, it remains a masterpiece of medieval castle design and is described as the noblest of northern Scottish castles.

Tolquhon Castle in Tarves, Aberdeenshire, is described as one of Grampian's most picturesque castles, featuring exceptional stonework and fine carvings of its chief builder Sir William Forbes and his wife. The castle's striking gatehouse was constructed to display wealth and prestige rather than serve military defense, showcasing architectural elegance through decorative details including carved initials belonging to medieval architect Thomas Leiper. A concealed private chamber within the structure once secured Sir William Forbes' valuables, while family rooms and below-stairs spaces reveal the household's operations. The castle represents a blend of grandeur, domestic charm, and quiet mystery, reflecting both medieval ambitions and everyday life, with guided tours available through Historic Environment Scotland.

Corgarff Castle, situated near Strathdon in Aberdeenshire at the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, showcases two distinct historical chapters. Originally a medieval tower house for nobility, it was repurposed around 1750 as a military garrison. Its most distinctive feature is the star-shaped perimeter wall built during this military phase. Reconstructed barrack rooms illustrate 18th-century soldier life, while the remote setting attracts visitors keen to observe local wildlife including roe deer, mountain hares, and skylarks. The castle operated year-round with guided exploration of both its noble heritage and military past.

Wardhill Castle is a luxury estate located in Meikle Wartle, Aberdeenshire, approximately 25 minutes from Aberdeen Airport. The property accommodates up to 16 guests across eight traditionally decorated bedrooms, each with private bathrooms. Set in the Scottish Highlands, the castle estate offers access to nearby attractions including golf courses, sandy beaches, whisky distilleries, and highland walks. The venue provides exclusive private hire with customizable experiences and optional butler service alongside full catering packages. With beautifully appointed interiors and convenient positioning near Aberdeen, Wardhill Castle serves as an upscale retreat within the picturesque Aberdeenshire landscape.