Balmoral Craigievar Dunnottar Crathes Castles Tour from Aberdeen

Explore the Best of Aberdeenshire’s Castles on a Private Day Tour from Aberdeen

This private tour from Aberdeen offers a comprehensive exploration of some of Scotland’s most iconic castles and scenic spots, all in about 8 to 9 hours. For $814.30 per group (up to 7 people), the tour provides a tailored experience with door-to-door pickup and drop-off, making it a convenient way to see the highlights of Aberdeenshire. The tour balances sightseeing with relaxed pacing, thanks to a well-structured itinerary and a knowledgeable guide, Malcolm, who earns praise for his friendliness and insight.

While most castles are free to view from the outside, this tour includes visits to Balmoral Castle, which charges £18.50 per person for interior tours, and Dunnottar Castle, where an interior entry costs £10 per person. The tour also features a delightful lunch stop at a local restaurant, showcasing traditional Scottish cuisine. Customization options allow adjustments based on hotel location, time of year, or personal interests, making this experience flexible and appealing for history lovers and castle enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Private, customizable day trip from Aberdeen, lasting 8 to 9 hours
• Visits to Crathes, Balmoral, Craigievar, and Dunnottar Castles
• Door-to-door pickup and drop-off included in the price
• Most castle views are free from outside, with optional interior tours costing £10–£20
• Highlight: Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish home (open seasonally)
• Excellent reviews praise the friendly guidance, relaxed pace, and scenic countryside

Starting the Day with Crathes Castle and Its Gardens

The tour begins with a visit to Crathes Castle, a 16th-century jewel set amid lush gardens and ancient yew hedges. Known for its turrets, gargoyles, and well-preserved estate, Crathes offers a 30-minute stop to admire the exterior and explore its grounds. The castle’s architecture and grounds make a perfect introduction to Aberdeenshire’s historic sites, with free admission for viewing from outside.

Guests can wander through the magnificent gardens and appreciate the great yew hedges and walled garden areas. The emphasis remains on admiring the architecture and landscape, offering great photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back in time.

Visiting Balmoral Castle, the Royal Residence

Next, the tour moves to Balmoral Castle, a must-see for visitors interested in Scottish royalty. Purchased by Prince Albert in 1852 for Queen Victoria, this castle remains the Scottish home of the Royal Family, situated in beautiful surroundings. The interior tour costs £18.50 per person, but the exterior view alone is impressive and worth the visit.

Since Balmoral is open seasonally from April to mid-August, the timing of this stop depends on the time of year. The 1.5-hour visit gives plenty of time to take photographs and appreciate the castle’s grandeur, even if interior access isn’t available. The tour offers flexibility to skip the interior if closed, and alternative attractions can be substituted.

Traditional Scottish Lunch at a Charming Inn

Midday, the tour stops at The Boat Inn or a similar local restaurant for a traditional Scottish lunch. This one-hour break allows everyone to relax, enjoy hearty dishes, and soak in the local atmosphere. The restaurant choice offers an authentic taste of regional cuisine, making it a pleasant pause in the day’s sightseeing.

Craigievar Castle, the Pink Fairy Tale Fortress

After lunch, the journey continues to Craigievar Castle, renowned for its distinctive pink hue and fairy-tale appearance. Built in the 16th century, this tower house is among Scotland’s most well-preserved and beloved castles. The castle is filled with historic artifacts, armor, and art, offering visitors a glimpse into Scottish history and architecture.

The one-hour visit provides an outside view and opportunities to explore the castle’s impressive exterior and surrounding gardens. Known as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle, Craigievar delights visitors with its charming and colorful appearance.

Dunnottar Castle – Scotland’s Spectacular Medieval Fortress

The tour’s final castle stop is Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky headland near Stonehaven. Recognized as one of the world’s most spectacular ruined castles, Dunnottar boasts surviving buildings dating from the 13th to 16th centuries. The free exterior view offers a stunning photo opportunity, while interior access costs £10 per person.

The one-hour visit involves exploring the medieval fortress, taking in spectacular views of the North Sea, and understanding its strategic importance through the centuries. Its dramatic location and well-preserved ruins make Dunnottar a highlight of the day.

Optional Whisky Tasting and Customizations

For those interested, there is an additional Whisky Distillery Tasting Tour option available—details can be arranged directly with the provider. The tour’s flexible approach also allows for custom route adjustments based on your preferences or hotel location, ensuring a personalized experience.

Transport, Group Size, and Booking Details

This private tour operates with a group size of up to 7 people, making it suitable for families, friends, or small groups seeking a personalized adventure. The door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Aberdeen make logistics straightforward, although surcharges apply for hotels outside the city—£20 for hotels more than 10 miles away and £40 for 40–60 miles.

The tour departs at 8:00 am, providing ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. A mobile ticket ensures easy access, and the entire experience is designed to be tailored to your interests and timing preferences.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This Aberdeenshire castle tour distinguishes itself through personalized service, with a friendly guide who makes the history engaging and accessible. The flexibility to adapt the itinerary, along with the beautiful scenery, makes for an enriching day. The inclusion of Balmoral, the Scottish Royal residence, adds a special touch, especially during the open months.

While most sites are free to view from outside, the interior tours provide deeper insights at an additional cost, which can be worth the investment for history enthusiasts. The lunch stop at a cozy restaurant guarantees a taste of traditional Scottish fare.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour suits travelers seeking a private, relaxed experience, with an interest in Scottish castles, history, and royal connections. It’s ideal for small groups wanting customization and comfort, with the flexibility to include whisky tasting or substitute attractions as desired. The 8-9 hour duration makes it a full but manageable day out, perfect for those wanting a rundown of Aberdeenshire’s castle heritage.

Balmoral Craigievar Dunnottar Crathes Castles Tour from Aberdeen – Final Thoughts

This private castle tour provides an excellent balance of scenic beauty, historical insight, and personalized service. The combination of iconic sites like Balmoral and Dunnottar with charming castles like Craigievar and Crathes offers a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of Aberdeenshire’s heritage.

The friendly guidance, flexible itinerary, and stunning locations make this tour especially appealing to those who appreciate carefully curated visits without feeling rushed. The main limitation is the seasonal opening of Balmoral, which could affect availability, but alternatives are available.

If you want a convenient, tailored day exploring some of Scotland’s most picturesque castles and landscapes, this tour from Aberdeen is a strong choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $814.30 per group (up to 7 people).

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Stops include Crathes Castle, Balmoral Castle, a lunch at a local restaurant, Craigievar Castle, and Dunnottar Castle.

Is transportation included?
Yes, door-to-door pickup and drop-off in Aberdeen are included.

Are interior castle tours included?
Most castles are free to view from outside; interior tours are chargeable, with Balmoral costing £18.50 per person and Dunnottar £10 per person.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour can be tailored to suit your preferences or hotel location.

What should I know about Balmoral Castle?
Balmoral is the Royal Family’s Scottish home and is usually open April to mid-August.

Are there surcharges for hotels outside Aberdeen?
Yes, surcharges are £20 for hotels more than 10 miles away and £40 for 40–60 miles.

Is there any whisky tasting included?
An optional whisky distillery tasting can be arranged separately.

How do reviews rate this tour?
It has a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 based on 5 reviews, praised for its relaxed pace, friendly guide, and scenic richness.