castle fraser

We visited this place out of season. Disappointed that the tea room, shops and castle was closed, but then that is our fault not checking before travelling. Garden is pleasantly laid out in the traditional manner with interesting items scattered around it. There are a number of pleasant walks that cut through the wonderful Aberdeenshire countryside of this National Trust property. I am sure we will be back soon to visit the place when the castle itself is open.

I took my Kiwi husband here for a visit on our holiday over as I grew up a couple of miles away from here. We were a bit disappointed as there was a wedding on during the day we visited so we couldn't walk around the castle but this was the first castle my husband had ever seen and he was mind blown. I used to love coming here as a little girl and walking around wondering about secret passage ways etc. Even though we couldn't go inside this place is amazing. The tea room is a nice stop, the garden always boasts a nice walk and there's an abundance of place to relax and share a picnic whilst enjoying this gorgeous scenery. You often forget just how amazing your country is until you see it for the first time through someone else's eyes. I'd recommend this amazing place to anyone :)

liked the castles but not the hotel but in general it is a veryhistorical place to be in . If I did not have a son and daughterinlaw living there it would still be a good spot to holiday in.Next time we will pick a better hotel.

I love this restaurant find it hard to say anything negative. Food is always amazing with local ingredients, a joy!The venue makes a visit feel so special, can't wait for valentines our next visit

Free entrance with out NTS membership card. Not open every day so need to plan your tour; check the dates published the last summer. Most remarkable story in this castle was of the owner who survived a shot in the head, lost his leg and had a collection of 30 different kinds of artificial legs for all occasions. Oldest piece in the castle was the Seal of the Golden Sheep from 1500. pity we were not allowed to take pictures, and no good pictures available fro the website.

Lovely setting and the castle is in excellent condition. The curators were excellent and very knowledgeable and we loved the information cards in each room which helped to highlight specific items of interest. The grounds are wonderful and the view from the top of the tower amazing.We had a lovely meal in the tea rooms which are situated in the old kitchen. It was freshly prepared and service was quick, despite being very busy.

I loved this place. The castle is great and the gardens are fun to look around I particularly liked the wooden sculptures and the tee pee. Loved looking out from the top of castle very scenic and worth the climb. I liked the café in what was the old kitchen but realised afterwards I was overcharged by a young man in the café.

I often visit this castle, it has a special place in my heart. The Castle dates back to the 1400s but was privately owned until the 1970s when it was given to the NTS.It is set in beautiful grounds with a walled garden, children's play area and walks. There are often events held in the Castle- themed events for Halloween/Christmas, craft fairs, local exhibitions...It is a good place to go because there are age-appropriate activities for everybody. The staff have a wealth of knowledge about the Castle and work tirelessly to provide you with a good day out. There are sheets of information available in other languages. Facilities include a charming tearoom and gift shop. THERE IS NO FEE FOR NTS MEMBERS.

Beautiful C15th baronial castle with a Great Hall dating back to the 1400's. A National Trust property so no photographs allowed, beautiful rooms and a very interesting and knowledgeable guide. Quite a lot of stairs to climb so you need to be able bodied. Very interesting visit and would recommend.

Simply stunning, choose a nice day to go so you can walk around the gardens. The castle itself is full of history and the staff more than helpful to point you in the right direction

The castle is circa 30 minutes drive from Aberdeen, there is ample visitor parking spaces for a small fee. The castle gardens are well kept with a great variety of flora and is well worth a visit.There is a fee to enter the castle (note the castle does not open till 11:00 hrs), so check the website before you travel. The castle staff are very knowledgeable of the castle's history and are very keen to answer any that is put to them.A visit will give the visitor a good glimpse of Scotland's history and is an excellent day out.After our visit our party visited the coffee shop and the souvenir centre, both are excellent. I can recommend a visit to Castle Fraser as part of any visit to Scotland.

A most enjoyable visit to Castle Fraser. Found the staff helpful and knowledgeable. Unfortunately we didn't have time to view the gardens. If you are brave enough make sure you venture out at the top of the turret, it certainly isn't for the faint hearted.

This castle has been lovingly restored in a way that you feel as if you know the people who have lived there. The staff have good stories to tell and the rooms come alive. Don't miss the garden.

We got a leaflet and decided to drive to the castle but discovered it was closed. No idea why and does not tell you why on the leaflet! But a quick look around the castle and we walked the tracks around the castle on a fine Scottish afternoon. Nice way to spend a few hours spotting the animals.

This August, we returned to Scotland for our 10 year wedding anniversary trip and we decided to return to Castle Fraser as we were married there. The castle was still as beautiful as ever, and we even managed a visit to the gardens this time as we were unable to last time due to the weather. The castle was as I remembered and as we walked through the Great Hall and library we reminisced about our ceremony and wedding reception. However, what did put a downer on the visit, was a stuffy member of the NTS staff. I took a photo of the staircase, as it was from here that I walked up in my wedding dress to the ceremony in the Great Hall, only to be told that I couldn't take any photos twice by that particular member of the NTS staff. I was not using the flash as I am aware that some properties frown upon the use of flash photography due to conservation reasons. After he told me not to photograph the stairs, I was annoyed but nevertheless I apologised, but then he proceeded to tell me again no photographs. Surely, the fact that I stopped taking photographs and apologised after he "told me off" for the first time was enough, and didn't warrant another telling off. I left like I was back at school again! I suspect that telling visitors not to photograph the castle must have been his highlight of the day, since when we got to the top of the tower + outside, my son mentioned that we could take photos now and another group of visitors said "yes you can now". So from that I suspect that he may have told them off too!As a result, this visit only merits 3 stars, as I was very disappointed with the NTS staff on this occasion, compared to previous interactions, when they couldn't do enough for us for our wedding.