Aberdeenshire Private Castles and History Tour

Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer, and we take you on a private tour to areas that are stunning and interesting. We step back in time and visit amazing castles & historic areas and give you a true taste of times gone by.
Itinerary depends on hotel location:

-Crathes Castle - 16thC marvel & amazing gardens
-Balmoral Castle - Scottish home to the Royal Family (not open all year)
-Lunch at nice restaurant
-Dunnottar Castle - one of the world's most iconic
-Old Aberdeen - Fascinating medieval history

Whisky distillery Tasting Tour option - please contact us.
Choose your own itinerary option.

Pick up/drop is included. See exclusions for distance surcharges.

Most castles are free to see from the outside, except Balmoral. Interior tours are chargeable and subject to seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. Please note Balmoral is not open all year. Alternative castles and attractions can be visited.

The tour normally lasts 7 -8 hours including travelling time.

What's included:

• Most castles are free to see from the outside but charge to go inside except Balmoral.
• Pick up/Drop off in Aberdeen. See distance surcharges below.
• Route and timings will depend on starting point and your choice of attractions and time of year.
• All tours tailored to suit your exact requirements or locations chosen from Tour Details

Not included:

• Pick up surcharges - Hotels more than 10mls outside Aberdeen city-£20. 40-60mls-£40.
• No drinks or snacks are included in the cost.
• All castles are free to see from outside (except Balmoral) and cost £10-£18 for an interior tour.

What to expect:

Duration: between 7 hours and 8 hours

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Banchory, AB31 5QJ

Fascinating 16th Century Castle with turrets, gargoyles, and ancient, great yew hedges and walled gardens set in magnificent surroundings.

1 hour, 30 minutes

Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Estates, , Ballater, AB35 5TB

This iconic castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. A must on all visitors to see list. (£18.50 pp). Please note Balmoral is usually open April to Mid August.

1 hour, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Boat Inn

Charlestown Rd, Aboyne AB34 5EL, UK

We can stop at lovely restaurant like this or similar for a traditional Scottish lunch.

1 hour

Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven, AB39 2TL

One of Scotland's and the world's most spectacular ruined castles, Dunnottar is a ancient medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland near Stonehaven. The surviving buildings date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, but was originally fortified in the Early Middle Ages. You can enjoy this castle for free, but to go inside costs £10.00pp.

1 hour

Old Aberdeen

High street, Aberdeen

Old Aberdeen is a myriad of buildings and street dating back to the 15th Century and highlights include King's College and Old Aberdeen campus, Old Town House, St Machar's Cathedral, Cruickshank Botanic Gardens, The Powis Gates and a secret graveyard from the 16th century, very few people know exists.

1 hour