Craigston Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Photo: Bill Harrison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Bill Harrison, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Pynto Ltd, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Urquhart family
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- Huntly, 17.0 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Tours May and September; grounds anytime; exclusive-use stays
Pinpoint
Craigston Castle, Turriff AB53 5PX
Telephone 01888 551707
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 3:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 3:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 3:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 2:00 – 5:00 PM |
Craigston has been the Urquhart family home for centuries, and it shows in the personal, small-group nature of the visits - tours run only in May and September, capped at six people, guided by a long-serving housekeeper reviewers describe as a close friend of the family rather than a hired guide. Exclusive-use stays are also available, and reviewers who've booked one rate it among the best they've had at any historic property.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The tour itself when it runs - a small group, real personal knowledge of the family history, and access behind the facade that reviewers say sets it apart from bigger, more corporate castle visits.
Before you go
Tours only run in May and September, so plan around that if seeing inside matters - the grounds are accessible year-round. Stays are exclusive-use only, so it suits a family or group booking rather than a couple.
What visitors say
Craigston Castle reviews · 4.9 / 5 across 57 Google reviews
Reviewers are near-unanimously enthusiastic, describing both the guided tours and overnight stays at Craigston Castle as deeply personal experiences thanks to warm, knowledgeable hosts who make guests feel like part of the family rather than typical tourists.
Several who stayed for celebrations single out the hospitality, well-maintained grounds and antiques-filled interior as highlights, with nothing negative reported.
“Had the most amazing stay here with full extended family for a week. It was so special. The grounds were incredible full of produce and flowers. The history and building was amazing. Elisabetta was an exceptional host!…”- Annabelle Nichols, visitor review
Weddings at Craigston Castle
Craigston Castle is on our wedding roll because Urquhart family mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in Scotland, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
John Urquhart · 1604-1607
Built by John Urquhart between 1604 and 1607, Craigston Castle represents one of Scotland's finest examples of Bell group architecture. The Urquhart family has occupied it continuously since completion.
Drawn from Urquhart family's own page.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “We did the guided tour with the long standing house keeper who is a close friend of the owner.” - SMoff1968
- Terrain & accessibility
- “The castle is very well maintained and is steeped in history.” - Luke Peppe
Common questions about Craigston Castle
Where is Craigston Castle?
Craigston Castle is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at Craigston Castle, Turriff AB53 5PX.
How do you visit Craigston Castle?
Craigston Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by Urquhart family. Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Craigston Castle?
Yes - Craigston Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Craigston Castle?
The tour itself when it runs - a small group, real personal knowledge of the family history, and access behind the facade that reviewers say sets it apart from bigger, more corporate castle visits.
Is Craigston Castle a ruin or still intact?
Craigston Castle is largely intact - Tours May and September; grounds anytime; exclusive-use stays.
