About
Five miles south of Alford on Aberdeenshire's Castle Trail, the pinkish seven-storey Craigievar Castle is an L-plan tower topped with lots of little turrets - quite a fairytale appearance!

It has changed little since it was completed in 1626 by William Forbes, brother of the Bishop of Aberdeen. Craigievar has been called the 'epitome of the Jacobean Renaissance in Scotland'. There is much to see inside - the great hall with fireplace with the Stuart Arms, musician's gallery, secret staircase, drawing room, Queen's bedroom, painted ceilings, servants' quarters, etc. Wonderful atmosphere inside apparently. After centuries in the hands of the Forbes and Forbes-Sempill, today it is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

There is only one entrance and it is said that although the Forbes might enter through the main door, they all had to ultimately leave via a window as it was impossible to carry a coffin down the narrow stairs.

Opening Times 
(2006 times)
Castle, Shop and Tearoom:
Good Friday to 30th June:
Tuesday to Thursday also Saturday and Sunday 12.00pm - 5.00pm.

1st July to 31st August:
Tuesday to Thursday also Saturday and Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm.

1st to 30th September:
Tuesday to Thursday also Saturday and Sunday 12.00pm - 5.00pm.

Last admission 45 mins before closing.

Additional Shop Opening:
1st November to 18th December: Saturday, Sunday 12.00pm - 4.00pm.

Property will be open Bank Holidays from Friday to Monday. 

Admission Charges 
(2006 prices)
Adult £8.00; Concession £5.00; Family (2 adults + up to 4 children) £20.00, 1 parent + up to 4 children £16.00