Top 7 Castles around Ballater And Crathie
Best castles around Ballater And Crathie are nestled in the scenic Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This region is known for its historic castles, offering insights into Scottish history, architecture, and royal heritage. The area features a diverse natural landscape, including ancient Caledonian woodlands and the River Dee, set within the Cairngorms National Park.
Best castles around Ballater And Crathie
- The most popular castles is Balmoral Castle, a castle that serves as a Scottish holiday home for the British Royal Family. It is notable for its Scots Baronial architecture and extensive estate with gardens and exhibitions.
- Another must-see spot is Knock Castle, a historical site featuring stonewalled castle ruins from the 16th century. Visitors can walk around the exterior walls and enjoy views over the glen towards Ballater.
- Visitors also love Invermark Castle Ruins, ruins of a 16th-century tower house. It was built to control traffic crossing the Mounth and can be viewed from the outside.
- Ballater And Crathie is known for royal residences, historic tower houses, and castle ruins. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved estates to ancient fortifications.
- The castles around Ballater And Crathie are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 50 upvotes and over 70 photos, these sites offer diverse historical experiences.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Balmoral Castle
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The estate covers about 243 km², including several small villages. About 50 employees work all year round on Balmoral, more than the same number in addition to the season.
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Balmoral Castle
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Braemar Castle
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Today it's owned by the local community with an excellently preserved interior. It's very much worth a visit and can be linked into a wonderful circular walk from Braemar around Creag Choinnich.
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Invermark Castle Ruins
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Knock Castle
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Tips from the Community
This famous summer residence of the British royal family can only be visited in spring and early summer with an entrance ticket through the main entrance. This provides access to the castle gardens and the castle ballroom, where a different exhibition is held each year. There is also a café and a gift shop. Cycling is prohibited around the castle, but with a ticket, we were allowed to explore the grounds with our bikes in hand. We parked our bikes near the café. Since 2025, a few tickets per day have also been available for enthusiasts to visit the castle's private apartments in small groups, including the room where Queen Elizabeth II's last photograph was taken. Very special, but also highly sought-after and expensive.
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This famous summer residence of the British royal family can only be visited during spring and early summer with an entrance ticket through the main entrance. This provides access to the castle gardens and the castle ballroom, where a different exhibition is held each year. There is also a café and a gift shop. Since 2025, a few tickets per day have also been available for enthusiasts to visit the castle's private apartments in small groups, including the room where Queen Elizabeth II's last photograph was taken. Very special, but also highly sought-after and expensive.
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This famous summer residence of the British royal family can only be visited in spring and early summer with an entrance ticket through the main entrance. This provides access to the castle gardens and the castle ballroom, where a different exhibition is held each year. There is also a café and a gift shop. Cycling is prohibited around the castle, but with a ticket, we were allowed to explore the grounds with our bikes in hand. We parked our bikes near the café. Since 2025, a few tickets per day have also been available for enthusiasts to visit the castle's private apartments in small groups, including the room where Queen Elizabeth II's last photograph was taken. Very special, but also highly sought-after and expensive.
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The present castle was built in the 16th century on the site of an older 14th century castle. It was positioned at a cross road to help the local lords control the marauders. You can't enter the castle any more, but you run right past.
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The castle is currently closed for renovation or restoration.
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The castle history is on a plaque - see photo
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Can’t go inside but can walk around outside.
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There has been a castle here since the 14th century, but the current Invermark Castle is from the 16th century. It's an oblong tower that stands at the end of the Glen Esk Road at the start of the gravel track up to Loch Lee. The castle was abandoned in 1803 and is now partially ruined. You can go up to the base but there is no access inside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most notable castles to visit in the Ballater and Crathie area?
The region is rich in historical sites. You can explore the famous Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the British Royal Family, known for its Scots Baronial architecture and extensive estate. Other significant sites include the historic Knock Castle ruins, offering views over the glen, and the ancient Invermark Castle Ruins, a 16th-century tower house built to control traffic.
Which castles in the region have royal connections?
The most prominent is Balmoral Castle, which has been a private residence of the British Royal Family since Queen Victoria purchased it in 1852. Nearby, Abergeldie Castle, a 16th-century tower house, was also leased to generations of the royal family starting in 1848, though it is not generally open to the public.
What kind of historical significance do the castles in this region hold?
The castles around Ballater and Crathie offer a deep dive into Scottish history, ranging from royal heritage to clan conflicts. Sites like Balmoral Castle showcase royal life, while tower houses like Abergeldie Castle and the ruins of Invermark Castle reflect centuries of defensive architecture and local power struggles. Kindrochit Castle Ruins even have connections to figures like Macduff, Thane of Fife.
What architectural styles can I expect to see among the castles?
You'll primarily encounter examples of Scots Baronial architecture, notably at Balmoral Castle, characterized by its granite construction, baronial towers, and intricate details. Many other castles, such as Abergeldie Castle and Invermark Castle Ruins, are classic 16th-century tower houses, featuring thick walls, gun-loops, and defensive designs.
Are there family-friendly castles or activities for children in the area?
Yes, Balmoral Castle offers extensive grounds and gardens that families can explore, along with seasonal exhibitions in the Ballroom. The accessible Kindrochit Castle Ruins in Braemar are also family-friendly, with information boards detailing their history. Exploring the estates and ruins provides an engaging way for children to learn about history.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region, set within the Cairngorms National Park, offers numerous outdoor opportunities. You can find excellent cycling routes, including the 'Loch Muick & Knock Castle loop from Ballater' or 'River Gairn gravel trails & Invercauld loop from Balmoral Castle'. For hiking, there are easy trails like the 'Princess Beatrice's Cairn – Balmoral Bridge loop from Crathie' or more challenging mountain hikes. Explore more options in the Cycling around Ballater And Crathie and Easy hikes around Ballater And Crathie guides.
Are there hiking trails around Balmoral Estate?
Yes, the Balmoral Estate offers various trails. You can enjoy woodland trails within the sprawling 50,000-acre estate, which encompasses ancient Caledonian woodlands and offers opportunities to see diverse flora and fauna. For a specific viewpoint, consider the trail to View of Balmoral Castle from Prince Leopold’s Cairn, which provides excellent views of the castle. You can find easy hikes around the estate in the Easy hikes around Ballater And Crathie guide.
What natural features can I see around the castles?
The castles are nestled in the scenic Royal Deeside within the Cairngorms National Park. You'll find the River Dee flowing nearby, ancient Caledonian woodlands, grouse moors, and diverse wildlife. The extensive grounds of Balmoral Castle, for instance, feature formal gardens, herbaceous borders, and managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, sheep, and ponies.
When is the best time to visit the castles in the Ballater area?
The summer months, typically from April to July, are ideal for visiting Balmoral Castle, as its gardens and the Castle Ballroom (with seasonal exhibitions) are open to the public. The milder weather during these months also makes exploring the outdoor ruins and trails more enjoyable. However, the natural beauty of the region can be appreciated year-round, with winter offering a different, tranquil experience.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Ballater and Crathie?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and royal connections, especially at Balmoral Castle. The stunning architecture, extensive estates, and beautiful natural surroundings within the Cairngorms National Park are also highly valued. The opportunity to explore ancient ruins like Knock Castle and Kindrochit Castle Ruins, combined with the tranquil setting, makes for a diverse historical experience.
Can I visit the interior of all castles in the region?
No, access varies. While Balmoral Castle allows public access to its gardens and the Ballroom during specific seasons, much of its interior remains private. Castles like Abergeldie Castle are not generally open to the public, and sites such as Knock Castle and Invermark Castle Ruins are primarily exterior ruins that you can walk around.
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