Aberdeenshire, Northeast Scotland

Aberdeenshire is a historic county and council area in Northeast Scotland and is often called “Scotland’s Castle Country,” with over 260 castles.

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Scotland’s Castle Country

Nestled in Northeast Scotland, Aberdeenshire is a captivating region where history, natural splendor, and vibrant culture converge. Spanning roughly 6,313 square kilometers, it ranks among Scotland’s largest council areas, stretching from the wild North Sea coastline to the majestic Cairngorm Mountains. Its diverse terrain boasts rugged cliffs, golden beaches, fertile farmlands, and ancient castles, creating a breathtaking tapestry of landscapes.
The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with balmy summers averaging 18°C (64°F) and crisp winters ranging from 2–6°C (36–43°F). Coastal areas brace against brisk winds, while the western hills often don a winter cloak of snow.
While the city of Aberdeen, a separate council area but historically tied to Aberdeenshire, shines as the “Oil Capital of Europe,” fueling jobs in the North Sea energy sector, Aberdeenshire itself thrives on fishing, agriculture, and a burgeoning tourism scene, drawing visitors to its storied castles and scenic trails.

Good To Know…
  • Archaeology: The region has ancient sites like the Recumbent Stone Circles (e.g., Loanhead of Daviot), dating back over 4,000 years, and Pictish carved stones.
  • Doric Dialect: Aberdeenshire is a stronghold of Doric, a distinctive Scots dialect. Phrases like “fit like?” (how are you?) are common, and local festivals celebrate this linguistic heritage.
  • Hiking: Trails in the Cairngorms, like Bennachie or the Deeside Way, cater to all levels. The Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail spans 165 miles of scenic coastline.
  • Festivals: Events include the Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony, the Aberdeenshire Highland Games, and whisky festivals tied to nearby distilleries like Glenfiddich.
Aberdeenshire’s Routes & Trails
Historic. charming.
Castle Trail

With over 260 castles, stately homes and ruins, Aberdeenshire is known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’ boasting the highest density of castles per acre in the UK. The Aberdeenshire Castle Trail, curated by VisitAberdeenshire and supported by organizations like the National Trust for Scotland, guides visitors through 19 of the most famous and dramatic castles in Aberdeenshire. Check opening times, as some castles (e.g., Craigievar, Balmoral) have seasonal hours or require pre-booking. A car is essential, with the A90 and A96 connecting key sites. Brown-and-white Castle Trail signs guide the way.

Historic. scenic.
Stone Circle Trail

Almost exclusive to Aberdeenshire in Northeast Scotland, over 70 Recumbent Stone Circles stand as enduring testaments to the region’s ancient heritage. These enigmatic structures, dating back over 4,000 years, are a hallmark of the area’s archaeological richness. The hallmark of a Recumbent Stone Circle is its massive horizontal stone, termed the “recumbent,” deliberately laid flat along the southwestern or southern arc. This imposing stone is flanked by the circle’s two tallest upright stones, creating a striking visual and symbolic focal point, possibly aligned with celestial events.

Aberdeenshire – Attractions, Info & Map

Balmoral Castle is a historic estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, serving as a private residence for the British royal family since 1852, when Prince Albert purchased it for Queen Victoria. Spanning about 50,000 acres, it includes woodlands, farmland, and over 150 buildings, with the castle itself featuring a distinctive Scottish baronial architectural style. It’s a cherished retreat, particularly associated with Queen Elizabeth II, who spent summers there and passed away at the castle on September 8, 2022. King Charles III has continued its use, notably hosting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in 2024. The estate is also open to the public at certain times, offering tours, holiday cottages, and events like run races, with ticket prices around £17.50 for adults in 2024.
This iconic castle was featured in the Oscar-winning film The Queen, a 2006 portrayal of HM The Queen, Elizabeth II.

A dramatic ruin near Stonehaven, key in Scottish history, including protecting the Crown Jewels from Cromwell’s army. Perched on a 160-foot cliff above the North Sea, this romantic ruin is a symbol of Scotland’s turbulent past. Dunnottar Castle played a key role in protecting the Scottish Crown Jewels from Cromwell’s forces and is rumored to have inspired the DunBroch family home in Disney Pixar’s Brave. 

Drum Castle, located near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, about 6.5 miles northeast of Banchory and 10 miles west of Aberdeen, is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses, dating back to the 13th century. Granted to William de Irwyn by Robert the Bruce in 1323, it remained the seat of Clan Irvine for over 650 years until 1975, when it was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The castle features a medieval High Hall, a Jacobean mansion added in 1619, and Victorian modifications, including a library with 4,000 books. Its grounds include the Old Wood of Drum, an ancient oak woodland with a Site of Special Scientific Interest designation, home to red kites, roe deer, and red squirrels, and the Garden of Historic Roses, showcasing rose cultivation from the 17th to 20th centuries.

Castle Fraser, located near Kemnay in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, about 16 miles west of Aberdeen, is one of Scotland’s largest and grandest tower houses, built between 1575 and 1636 by the Fraser family. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), it showcases a Z-plan design with a mix of Renaissance and Scottish baronial architecture. The castle features historic interiors, including the Great Hall, a library with over 3,000 books, and the Worked Room displaying intricate needlework.

Tolquhon Castle, located near Tarves and Pitmedden in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a remarkable example of a 16th-century Scottish courtyard castle. Its origins trace back to the early 15th century with the construction of Preston’s Tower, likely built by Sir Henry Preston or his son-in-law, Sir John Forbes, who inherited the lands in 1420 through marriage to Marjorie Preston. The tower served as the main residence for the Forbes family until the 1580s. William Forbes, the 7th Laird of Tolquhon, transformed the site between 1584 and 1589, creating a grand mansion around the original tower. An inscription on the gatehouse reads: “Al this warke excep the auld tour was begun be William Forbes 15 Aprile 1584 and endit be him 20 Ocober 1589.” Designed to impress rather than serve as a military stronghold, the castle featured luxurious accommodations, including a great hall, private chambers, a library, and a secret compartment in the laird’s bedchamber for valuables. The Forbes family occupied Tolquhon until 1718, when debts from the failed Darien Scheme forced its sale. William Forbes, the 11th Laird, was forcibly removed by soldiers. The castle later served as a farmhouse into the 19th century but fell into ruin, with a painting from the 1850s showing its decline. Since 1929, it has been managed by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument.

Fyvie Castle, located near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, about 25 miles northwest of Aberdeen, is a grand 13th-century fortress renowned for its Scottish baronial architecture and rich history. Originally one of nine castles built to bolster royal authority after Alexander II’s defeat of the Meic Uilleim rebels, it passed through five noble families—Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon, and Forbes-Leith—each leaving its mark with one of the castle’s five iconic towers: Preston (c. 1400), Meldrum (c. 1450), Seton (c. 1599), Gordon (c. 1777), and Leith (1890). The castle served as a residence, not a defensive stronghold, and was seized by Robert the Bruce in 1296, later hosting royal visits, including Charles I as a child. By the 19th century, under Alexander Forbes-Leith, it was lavishly restored, with interiors reflecting Edwardian opulence. You can also stroll around the loch or visit the racquets court and bowling alley.

Haddo House near Methlick is an elegant mansion house boasting sumptuous Victorian interiors beneath a crisp Georgian exterior built between 1731 and 1736. Noted for fine furniture and paintings, including artworks by Sir Thomas Lawrence and James Giles, the historic home designed by William Adam also has a terraced garden. The Gordon family, later Earls and Marquesses of Aberdeen, resided here for over 500 years, with notable figures including George Hamilton-Gordon, the 4th Earl and British Prime Minister (1852–1855), and John Hamilton-Gordon, the 7th Earl, who became the 1st Marquess and served as Viceroy of Ireland and Governor General of Canada. The house was remodeled in the 1880s by Wright and Mansfield, giving its interiors a luxurious late Victorian style. During World War II, it served as a maternity hospital, delivering nearly 1,200 “Haddo Babies.” Since 1979, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has owned the house, while Aberdeenshire Council manages the surrounding 240-acre country park. The estate, spanning 7,500 acres, remains a working farming and sporting estate.

Huntly Castle is a historic ruin with a rich legacy as the ancestral home of the Gordon family, one of Scotland’s most powerful clans. Originally known as Strathbogie Castle, it was first established as a motte-and-bailey in the late 12th century by Duncan, Earl of Fife. The castle passed to the Gordons in the 14th century after Robert the Bruce granted the lands to Sir Adam Gordon following the defeat of the Comyn family. Rebuilt multiple times, it evolved from a timber fort to a stone tower house by the 15th century and later into a grand Renaissance palace under George Gordon, the 1st Marquess of Huntly, in the early 17th century. Known for its role in the Wars of the Covenant and Jacobite uprisings, the castle was a Catholic stronghold, with its owners, including the “Cock o’ the North,” often clashing with royal authority. It fell into ruin by the 18th century and was placed in state care in 1923, now managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) as a scheduled monument.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle is a reconstructed Recumbent Stone Circle, measuring c. 17m in diameter. It comprises the massive whinstone recumbent, its 2 flankers and 8 erect stones of pale red granite. The recumbent has 2 cup-marks. The circle enclosed a ring cairn, c.14m across, whose substantial kerb still survives.

Culsh Earth House is an example of a souterrain.  It was built about 2,000 years ago, and despite its name, it was not a dwelling, but a stone-lined underground passage. This example survives in a very complete state, and is one of only a few souterrains in Scotland  that can safely be accessed. We don’t know what it was used for – potentially a hiding place, a storage space, or – as two cup-marked stones inside may indicate – it may have had some ritual significance.

Nine Stanes of Mulloch Recumbent Stone Circle stands in a clearing in an area of woodland. The stone circle surrounds a ring cairn, and comprise 6 erect stones, the recumbent and 2 flankers (hence the name “Nine Stanes” or “stones”). This stone circle differs from classic examples in having the recumbent and flankers set on the edge of the inner cairn, while the remaining standing stones sit in an oval outer arc, c.18 by 14.6m. It is thought that this circle was built late in the sequence of Recumbent Stone Circles.

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