Castle Fraser, Aberdeen & Grampian

Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland. The castle stands in over 300 acres of landscaped grounds, woodland and farmland which includes an 18th century walled kitchen garden.

Construction of the elaborate, five-storey Z-plan castle was begun in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser, and completed in 1636. The castle was passed down through the Lords Fraser, the Frasers of Inverallochy and then the Mackenzie family who took the name Mackenzie Fraser. In 1897 the last male Fraser of the direct line, Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, died childless. In 1921 his widow, Theodora, sold the castle to Weetman Pearson, First Vicount Cowdray as a result of financial difficulties. The Pearson family restored the castle as a shooting lodge and gifted it to the National Trust for Scotland in 1976.[2]

Legend has it that a young princess was once staying at the castle when she was brutally murdered while asleep in the 'Green Room'. Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. The occupants of the castle were unable to scrub out the stains, and so covered the steps in wooded panelling, which remains today. It is said her ghost haunts the halls of the castle during the night. It possible though, that the stone stairs were covered to make them easier to climb as they were used as the servants stairs in the 19th century!

Castle Fraser has recently been used for some of the scenes in the Academy Award winning film "The Queen", starring Helen Mirren. The grounds include a beautiful 18th-century walled garden and the extensive woodland walks.

Opening Times

Garden and Grounds:
All year, daily.

Castle, Shop and Tearoom:
1 Apr to 30 Jun, Wed-Sun 12-5;
1 Jul to 31 Aug, daily 11-5;
1 Sep to 31 Oct, Wed-Sun 12-5.

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Ticket Prices

Adult £9
Family £22
Single Adult Family group £16.50
Concession £6.50
Car park pay and display £2

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 0844 493 2164
Email: castlefraser@nts.org.uk

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