Happy Christmas and New Year from all of us at Craigston

Welcome to Craigston

They say an Englishman's home is his castle. Well, now a Scotsman's castle can be your home.

Come and stay in our family home, Craigston Castle. Built by, and home to, the Urquharts since 1604, Craigston is located on the north east coast of Scotland – considered by National Geographic to be one of the most beautiful coast lines in the world.

Make yourself at home . . .

Staying at Craigston
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Very exclusive, very inclusive

Our beautiful stately home is set in acres of private park and woodland.

Come and experience the friendly, relaxed atmosphere and make yourself at home in these historical surroundings. By staying with us you will be helping to preserve this historic building.

With exclusive use, you will have the castle to yourselves, however, we, or our good friend Elisabetta who lives in a self-contained flat in the south wing, will be on hand should you need anything.

Have a look around . . .

Gallery

Events & Weddings at Craigston

The Estate is also a unique venue for weddings, dinners, corporate activities and other events, all hosted and arranged by the family.

Plan your special day . . .

Events & Weddings
 

When the time is right

Craigston Castle has been our family home since 1604. My wife and our three boys love to spend as much time here as possible and we want to share this experience with others, so we let the castle to families and small groups up to 12 people for 12 to 13 weeks per year, between May and October. We really enjoy being able to share Craigston.

Due to this limited availability we recommend you reserve your preferred dates in plenty of time.

Book with confidence, book direct . . .

Email us
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History, golf, whisky, nature . . .

Scotland is the famous home of golf and here in the northeast are over 70 courses to choose from, ranging from the grand to the picturesque. Most are within a 45 minute drive, including nearby Royal Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Trump International which rank among some of the best courses in Scotland. Follow the Whisky Trail, walk, ride, explore ... there is so much to do here on and off the estate.

Golf courses, Whisky trail, Castle trail, Dolphin watching . . .

Things to do & places to visit

Think outside ... no box required

Outdoor activities and bushcraft workshops in the Castle grounds and adjacent Craigston Woods.

Engage and inspire your team . . .

Team Building
 
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History

Craigston Castle is thought to belong to the Bell group of Scottish castles, forming “perhaps Scotland’s finest and the most distinctive contribution to Western architecture” (H. Gordon Slade) ... more

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The House

Coming through the front door, you are face to face with a splendid woodcarving of the family crest. This shows many of the different elements of the family Coat of Arms: wild boars, hunting dogs, mermaids, a naked lady, and knights in armour. ... more

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The Castle Grounds

Craigston is set in 250 acres of mature mixed wood and parkland in the middle of the working Craigston Home Farm. There are different walks that can be taken through the woods from a light 20 minute stroll to a more strenuous trek ... more

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Vicky W Booked through Celtic Castles Craigston Castle September 2024

In a less-toured part of Scotland there is a hidden gem, Craigston Castle. The warmest of welcomes awaits from Elisabetta who looks after the castle and its guests and who fills the reception rooms with fresh flowers she has grown in the castle grounds. The castle is filled with history, art and objects of the Urquhart clan, who open their beautiful home to the guests for a few weeks each year. The drawing room was a wonderful place to spend a morning chatting or for retiring after dinner. The bedrooms were well appointed with each having a dedicated bathroom. The beds are cosy with crisp sheets and fluffy duvets. We spent a spirited week at the Castle with a group of friends from the US and we were fed like royalty by the ABSOLUTE DREAM TEAM, Italian chef Nelson and his assistant, the lovely Jen. Following our early morning walks in the estate grounds (beautiful trees), we used the castle base to explore the many delights of Aberdeenshire, from castles to sheepdogs and falconry, to breezy seafront walks along Troup Head and the coastal towns. A magical night was spent sitting round the hearth with a wee dram while local storyteller Lillian regaled us with tales of yore. Another, a Highland fling. An absolutely fabulous stay. We have made some magical memories at Craigston. Thank you so much Elisabetta, Nelson, Jen and Gosia (who kept us spic and span). We are enchanted.

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Opening times

In 2020 the castle will be open to the public 7-27 May and again 19th–20th and 26th–27th September and throughout the year by appointment.

Opening times are: 1pm–4pm with guided tours leaving on the hour every hour (last tour at 3pm). Entry prices: adult £6, child £2, groups £4. Payment cash only.

Visits can also be arranged, by prior appointment, throughout the year – please contact us.

Accommodation is available year round – please check here for availability.

The castle is open for guided tours from the 2nd to the 22nd of May and the 7th, 8th, 28th and 29th September.

Tours leave at:
15.00, 16.00 and 17.00 weekdays
14.00, 15.00, 16.00 weekends

Entry prices: adult £8, child £2, groups £5. Payment: cash only.

Accommodation is usually available between May to October, however accommodation at The North Lodge is available all year round – please check here for availability.

Take a look inside

four-poster bedrooms

spacious drawing room

fascinating library

See Accommodation