Craigievar Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust for Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Insch, 11.9 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Craigievar, Alford AB33 8JF
Telephone 01339 883635
More castles in Aberdeenshire →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
Craigievar is a pink harled tower house often credited, loosely, as an inspiration for Disney's fairytale castles - reviewers say it was bought in the 17th century by a merchant known as "Danzig Willy" on the profits of Baltic trade, and it stayed lived-in until the 1960s. Interior access is by guided tour only, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who to know
Danzig Willy · merchant who bought the castle on Baltic trade profits
Worth the trip
The pink exterior itself and the two spiral staircases inside, one of them a "secret" stair - reviewers say the guided tour brings the family history to life.
Before you go
Tours run first come, first served, so arrive early to guarantee a place, and check the National Trust for Scotland site directly for hours - reviewers warn sat-nav and third-party sites can send you the wrong way. It's only open Easter to October.
Visitors are charmed by Craigievar's distinctive pink stone exterior, often mentioned alongside its rumoured Disney inspiration, and consistently praise the knowledgeable guides on the first-come, first-served guided tour. A small kiosk for coffee and snacks is a nice extra, though the castle is only open seasonally (Easter to October) and tour spaces can mean a bit of a wait.
Pink tower house; interior visits by guided tour
“Lovely looking castle. Did not do the tour as we had our dog with us but did do the woodland walk”- Richard Wardrop, visitor review
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
- “The tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave a good history of the building and the family.” - Joanne Buxton
Common questions about Craigievar Castle
Where is Craigievar Castle?
Craigievar Castle is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at Craigievar, Alford AB33 8JF.
Do you need a ticket to visit Craigievar Castle?
Yes - Craigievar 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.
What is the highlight of visiting Craigievar Castle?
The pink exterior itself and the two spiral staircases inside, one of them a "secret" stair - reviewers say the guided tour brings the family history to life.
Is Craigievar Castle a ruin or still intact?
Craigievar Castle is largely intact - Pink tower house; interior visits by guided tour.
