Visiting Craigievar Castle - The Pink Castle of Scotland
Welcome to my blog post on visiting Craigievar Castle - or what is also known as the Pink Castle of Scotland.
Keep scrolling for more info on how to get here, how to find it and how long you should spend at this magical place - and one of my favourite Castles in Scotland!
About Craigievar Castle
This famous pink castle of Scotland is rumoured to be the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella castle! And it sure doesn't disappoint on the fairy-tale vibes.
Craigievar Castle is only approx. 45 minute drive from Aberdeen, and sits just on the eastern border of the Cairngorms National Park.
Built in the early 1600s and a family home until the 1960s, it is now part of the National Trust for Scotland. And in keeping with the former owner’s wishes, no artificial light has been installed on the upper floors. Which means that you can view all of the original artefacts just by natural light!
So - why is Craigievar Castle pink!?
In 1824 Sir John Forbes, who had recently inherited the castle, was advised by architect John Smith that the wall finish should have pigments added to make it more closely match the colour of the granite detailing - The result of which was the distinct pink colour you see here now. Before then the exterior of the castle had been a cream colour. And it has since been maintained with this same pink hue.
How to visit Craigievar Castle in Scotland
How to get to Craigievar Castle
By Car
For Sat Nav directions, use postcode AB33 8JF - Please note that some Sat Navs and route planning systems will provide directions to the south drive. And as the properties at the end of the south drive are privately owned, this route is not accessible to vehicles and there is no parking available here.
Therefore continue to follow the brown National Trust for Scotland signs from the A980.
Note: The castle is NOT accessible via public transport
Parking
There is onsite pay and display car park just a 300 meter walk from Craigievar Castle.
Note: Parking is free for National Trust for Scotland members.
Visiting Craigievar Castle
Access of the castle is only available via short, guided tours (see more info below). However the surrounding castle grounds are open to the public daily, all year round.
The parkland and lawn grounds are fairly small and compact but there are two waymarked walks around the castle grounds. There are also picnic facilities, a shop and toilets onsite.
Note: Drone flying isn't permitted without prior permission and approval - More info here.
Craigievar Castle Opening Hours - 2021
- Current - 30 May: CLOSED
- 31 May - 31 August: Open daily, 10:30–16:00 (last entry/tour 16.00)
- 1 - 30 September: Open Friday to Monday, 11:00–15:00 (last entry/tour 15.00)
- 1 - 31 October: Open Saturday and Sunday, 11:00–15:00 (last entry/tour 15.00)
- 1 November - 31 March 2022 - CLOSED
Craigievar Castle Tours and Admission
As mentioned, access inside the castle is only available by guided tours:
- Tours start every half hour and last approx. 45-60 mins and are available from June through to October (see full opening hours above)
- Each tour takes a maximum of 10 people at a time
- Castle tours are available on a “first come, first served” basis
- Admission for Craigievar Castle Tours:
- National Trust for Scotland Members - FREE
- Adult - £14.50
- Family - £33.00
- See all entry prices online here
We actually visited Craigievar Castle in September 2020 - during the times of 'Coronavirus'. Therefore only the grounds were open, but we literally had the whole place to ourselves to explore which was pretty incredible!
Check out National Trust for Scotland for current updates on opening hours and further visitor information on Craigiever Castle.
Comment below if you have any questions, and I'll be in touch soon! Or get in touch online here.
Helen x
Coconuts and Camels
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