Craigievar Castle

Due to a major conservation project, Craigievar Castle, the shop, kiosk, toilets and the area immediately adjacent to the castle remain closed apart from at the times advertised above. The grounds and woodland remain open for visitors to explore.

Find out more about the conservation project

Please note that, while the castle is closed for renovation, the toilets will also remain closed.

We do not have EV charging facilities at Craigievar. The nearest ones are at Torphins (9 miles) and Alford (8 miles).

3G/4G phone coverage can be very poor.

At the moment, both trails are open but residual damage from storms Arwen, Babet, Gerrit and Kathleen have weakened some tree roots to the extent that any high winds may cause further fallen branches and trees. We check the trails regularly and may need to close them at short notice.

Drone flying is not permitted at this property without prior permission and approval. Commercial operators should contact the Trust’s Filming Manager at filming@nts.org.uk.

Please see our drop-down Facilities below for helpful information about planning your visit. For more information about planning your visit, please see our frequently asked questions.

Additional route guidance for driving to Craigievar

There are three routes from Aberdeen (east):

1) Follow the A944 via Westhill, Elrick and Dunecht to Alford and then take the A980 south until you see the signs for Craigievar Castle, directing you to the right up the main drive.

2) Follow the A944 until the major set of traffic lights before Westhill. Turn left onto the B9119 and follow this for approximately 17 miles to the junction with the A980. Take a sharp right and follow the A980 for approximately 2 miles until you see the brown signs directing you to the left, up the main drive.

3) Follow the A944 until the major set of traffic lights before Westhill. Turn left onto the B9119 and follow this for approximately 16 miles. About 1 mile after climbing a long sweeping hill with views of a valley and two wind turbines, there is a turning to the right between the last two houses, signposted Kintochter; it is marked on maps as Old Military Road. Follow this to the end and then turn right onto the A980. Follow the A980 until you see the brown signs directing you to the left, up the main drive. (Please note the Old Military Road is single track with passing places and has a sharp left corner just before reaching the A980.)

From Ballater (west):

Follow the A93 towards Aberdeen until you reach the junction with the B9119 on the left. Follow the B9119, through Tarland, until the junction with the A980. Turn left and follow the A980 for approximately 2 miles until you see the brown signs directing you to the left, up the main drive.

From Inverness or Alford (north):

Follow signs to Alford and then take the A980 south until you see the signs for Craigievar Castle, directing you to the right up the main drive.

From Banchory (south):

Follow the A980 from Banchory until you see the signs for Craigievar Castle, directing you to the left up the main drive.

Please note some sat-nav directions may wish to take you through narrow winding roads as these may be ‘shorter’ than the routes set out above.