Craigievar Castle, Scotland

Craigievar Castle, built in 1626, is a pinkish harled castle which was the seat of Clan Sempill.

The castle is an excellent example of the original Scottish Baronial architecture, the great seven-storey castle was built by the Aberdonian merchant William Forbes, ancestor to the "Forbes-Sempill family" and brother of the Bishop of Aberdeen. Forbes purchased the partially completed structure from the impoverished Mortimer family in the year 1610. The Forbes family occupied the castle for 350 years until 1963, when the property was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland.

Designed in the L plan, Craigievar is noted for its exceptionally crafted plasterwork ceilings. The Clan Forbes family were close friends of the Clan Burnett of Leys, who built both Crathes Castle and Muchalls Castle.

The castle originally had more defensive elements including four round towers, but only one of the round towers remains today. In the arched door to that round tower are preserved the carved initials of Sir Thomas Forbes, William Forbes' son. There was also a massive iron gate covering the entrance door.
The castle interior has a Great Hall, a musicians gallery; secret staircase connecting the high tower to the Great Hall, Queen's Bedroom, servants' quarters and several stunning plasterwork ceilings. There is a collection of Forbes family portraits inside as well as original Forbes furnishings dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.

During the First World War, Craigievar was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers.

Visitors are welcome to picnic in the grounds. The castle hosts occasional family event days.

Opening Times

Grounds: all year, daily 11-5.

Castle:
22 Apr to 25 Apr, Fri-Mon 11-5
2 May to 30 Jun, Fri-Tue 11-5
1 Jul to 31 Aug, daily 11-5
1 Sep to 30 Sep, Fri-Tue 11-5

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Ticket Prices

Adult £11
Family £27
Family group with 1 Adult £21
Concession £8

Car parking honesty box £1

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Disabled Facilities

Disabled parking is available directly beside the castle.
Access to the castle is difficult for wheelchairs due to the many steps and spiral stairs to all rooms.
There are numerous steps in the building: one step to the entrance lobby; four steps down to the reception area and shop; eleven steep steps with a rope handrail to the Great Hall; and thereafter narrow, spiral stairs with rope handrails. Staff will point out hazards.

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More Information

Telephone: 0844 493 2174

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