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Crathes Castle accessibility guide

With a magnificent turreted castle, beautiful walled gardens and attentive staff, Crathes Castle has something for everyone.

Welcome

Contact for accessibility enquiries: James Henderson

Email: crathes@nts.org.uk

Tel: 01330 844525

Visitors with accessibility requirements are not charged a different admission price but any necessary companion is admitted free.

At a glance

There is level access to:

  • Ticket/information desk
  • Accessible toilet
  • Gardens
  • Shop
  • Courtyard cafe

Visual

  • Some parts of the venue have low lighting.
  • We have information in large print.
Crathes Castle, main entrance and garden path

Getting here

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
Banchory
AB31 5QH

Parking

  • The disabled car park is adjacent to the courtyard cafe.
  • From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. The path is sloped.
  • Disabled parking at the castle is by arrangement; please contact the ticket office on arrival for details.
A gravel path leads to a small stone tower with a conical roof. The path is bordered by lush flower beds with purple flowers and irises growing. Trees are in the background and a couple sit on a bench just before the tower.
Crathes Castle Garden

Getting around

Main entrance

  • A portable ramp is available if required.
  • Ticket/ information desk has a low section.

Getting around inside

  • The ground floor of the castle is wheelchair-accessible.
  • The upper levels are only accessible by stairs, mostly narrow spiral staircases.
  • The courtyard cafe is fully accessible, and has disabled toilets.

Getting around outside

  • Most of the walled garden is wheelchair-accessible.
  • The path to Caroline’s Garden is fully accessible.
  • Most of the waymarked trails are not suitable for wheelchairs.

Things to see and do

  • Explore this magnificent 16th-century tower house, with its intricate maze of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings.
  • Wander through the walled garden and admire the massive yew hedges, planted as early as 1702.
  • Top off your visit with some home-baked treats in the courtyard cafe and browse the well-stocked gift shop.
Entrance to the Courtyard Café at Crathes
Entrance to the Courtyard Café at Crathes
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​​Throughout Scotland there are remnants of the country’s battle-scarred past, but what few people know is that many of these castles and battlefields can be unexpectedly accessible. Take a look at the Euan’s Guide for accessible highlights of Scottish castles and battlefields.​

Guide last updated: 23 May 2022