Drum Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Photo: Bill Harrison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Stanley Howe, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Stanley Howe, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust for Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Portlethen, 8.3 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Medieval tower plus mansion; holiday cottage in courtyard, not castle
Pinpoint
Drumoak, Banchory AB31 5EY
Telephone 01330 700334
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Drum combines a genuine medieval tower - one of the oldest in Scotland, with a core dating back 700 years - with a later mansion house extension, set in National Trust for Scotland grounds. Reviewers consistently find there's more to it than they expected, from a private chapel to woodland trails and a play area.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The 700-year-old tower itself, the oldest part of the building and the reason reviewers rate it above a standard stately-home visit.
Before you go
There's a holiday cottage on site, but it's in the courtyard rather than the castle itself, worth knowing if you're hoping to stay inside the historic tower. Budget time for the gardens as well as the tour - several reviewers ran out of time for both in one visit.
What visitors say
Drum Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 1,574 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently praise the guided tour of Drum Castle as engaging and informative, with friendly, knowledgeable staff bringing its 700-year history to life, and the surrounding gardens and woodland grounds getting equal praise for family walks.
No real drawbacks come up, beyond one visitor wishing they'd had more time to see the gardens too.
“Fantastic 700 year old castle”- alastair delaney, visitor review
Getting in - what National Trust for Scotland says
The ground floor of the castle, including the shop and tearoom, is wheelchair accessible; there is limited access to the main floor. Designated disabled parking area in the main car park plus spaces near the Walled Garden. Accessible toilet through the main archway to the left of the courtyard, with baby changing in the same facility. A hearing loop is available for castle tours.
Taken from National Trust for Scotland’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
Weddings at Drum Castle
Drum Castle is on our wedding roll because National Trust for Scotland 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
14th century
A defensive tower dating to around the 14th century forms the medieval core of this castle, making it one of Scotland's oldest tower houses. Later proprietors expanded it with mansion wings, and it was further developed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The National Trust for Scotland now operates the estate with its gardens and woodland trails open to visitors.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.
- Parking
- “Entry and parking is free for NT members.” - Liz Glen
- Guided tours
- “The guide was very knowledgeable and brought the history alive so that we could get a better idea of what life was like for the residents here.” - Heather Hairbows
- Facilities
- “But has the usual stunning architecture, interesting owners, fascinating history, great furniture, walled garden, gift shop and great staff.” - Darren Findlay
Common questions about Drum Castle
Where is Drum Castle?
Drum Castle is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at Drumoak, Banchory AB31 5EY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Drum Castle?
Yes - Drum Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust for Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Drum Castle?
Yes - Drum 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 Drum Castle?
The 700-year-old tower itself, the oldest part of the building and the reason reviewers rate it above a standard stately-home visit.
Is Drum Castle a ruin or still intact?
Drum Castle is largely intact - Medieval tower plus mansion; holiday cottage in courtyard, not castle.
