Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QJ
A 16th-century castle with an eight-part walled garden, ancient yew hedges, themed borders and estate trails.
Visit information checked 17 August 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate?
Crathes Castle's walled garden is divided into eight distinct sections, largely shaped by Sir James and Sybil Burnett in the early twentieth century. Pools, fountains, roses, themed borders and unusual plants sit within yew hedges planted as early as 1702. The garden also contains an Evolution Garden and nationally significant collections of conifers and Malmaison carnations. Beyond the walls, six waymarked estate trails pass through woodland where red squirrels and woodland birds may be seen.
What to see
- Explore eight sections of the walled garden, each with a different planting character.
- See sculpted yew hedges and topiary, some dating from the early eighteenth century.
- Continue onto one of six waymarked trails through the wider estate.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Walled-garden design, topiary, Scottish castle visits, unusual plant collections and family estate walks.
- Before you go
- Only assistance dogs enter the walled garden, and some estate trails are unsuitable for wheelchairs. Check current access and opening information before travelling.
Source: National Trust for Scotland
Garden features
Location
Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QJ
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