Drum Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust for Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Portlethen, 8.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Drumoak, Banchory AB31 5EY
Telephone 01330 700334
More castles in Aberdeenshire →
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.
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.
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.
Medieval tower plus mansion; holiday cottage in courtyard, not castle
“Fantastic 700 year old castle”- alastair delaney, 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.
- 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.
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.
