The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.9 / 5 · 57 reviews TOURS ONLY

Craigston Castle

Aberdeenshire, Scotland


Craigston Castle
Craigston Castle, further view Craigston Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Urquhart family
Condition
Intact
Access
Limited tour days
Stays
Overnight accommodation available

Pinpoint

Craigston Castle, Turriff AB53 5PX

Telephone 01888 551707

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday3:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday3:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday3:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday3:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday2:00 – 5:00 PM

Craigston has been the Urquhart family home for centuries, and it shows in the personal, small-group nature of the visits - tours run only in May and September, capped at six people, guided by a long-serving housekeeper reviewers describe as a close friend of the family rather than a hired guide. Exclusive-use stays are also available, and reviewers who've booked one rate it among the best they've had at any historic property.

Worth the trip

The tour itself when it runs - a small group, real personal knowledge of the family history, and access behind the facade that reviewers say sets it apart from bigger, more corporate castle visits.

Before you go

Tours only run in May and September, so plan around that if seeing inside matters - the grounds are accessible year-round. Stays are exclusive-use only, so it suits a family or group booking rather than a couple.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.9 / 5 across 57 Google reviews

Reviewers are unanimously enthusiastic, describing both the guided tours and overnight stays at Craigston Castle as deeply personal experiences thanks to warm, knowledgeable hosts who make guests feel like part of the family rather than typical tourists. Several who stayed for celebrations single out the hospitality, well-maintained grounds and antiques-filled interior as highlights, with nothing negative reported.

Tours May and September; grounds anytime; exclusive-use stays

“Had the most amazing stay here with full extended family for a week. It was so special. The grounds were incredible full of produce and flowers. The history and building was amazing. Elisabetta was an exceptional host!…”— Annabelle Nichols, visitor review

Further reading

book
Castles of the Clans

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
The Castles of Scotland cover book
The Castles of Scotland

Martin Coventry

Find it on Amazon
Scotland's Castles cover book
Scotland's Castles

Chris Tabraham

Find it on Amazon