Scotland: Historic Houses of Aberdeenshire3rd Jun 2024
From:£795
Summary
Aberdeenshire is dotted with historic houses and castles, many of them outstanding examples of Scots Baronial architecture. Each one has a fascinating story to tell with countless legends and several royal connections.
Our tour starts with a bang at Drum Castle, where 700 years of history is woven into its battlements. Haddo House showcases the crisp neo-classical style of William Adam, while Fyvie Castle presents a prime example of the more extravagant Scots Baronial form. Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland, while Craigievar seems simply to have grown naturally out of the rolling hills. The Royal Family’s late summer residence of Balmoral Castle is the most modern property we visit, though no less fascinating, and of course now sadly remembered as the place where Her Majesty The Queen passed away on 8 September 2022. We conclude at glorious Crathes Castle, every inch the classic Scottish tower house.
What to Expect
- Battlements, towers and sprawling extensions at Drum Castle
- Georgian elegance at Haddo House, a typical Adam masterpiece
- Castle Fraser, one of Scotland’s grandest baronial tower houses
- Ghosts, legends and folklore at Fyvie
- 175 years of Royal history at Balmoral
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queens Street Station | 09:30 | 18:30 |
| Edinburgh - Outside Reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 10:45 | 17:15 |
| Dunfermline - Halbeath Park & Ride, Jct 3, M90 | 11:15 | 16:45 |
| Kinross - Moto Services, M90 | 11:30 | 16:30 |
| Perth - Broxden Park & Ride, A93 | 12:30 | 16:00 |
| Dundee - Outside Discovery Point | 13:00 | 15:30 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart by coach from our local pick-up points and head north stopping en route for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon we visit Drum Castle and Gardens. The sweep of 700 years of history is stamped into Drum’s stalwart battlements, medieval square tower and sprawling extensions. The Royal Forest and Tower of Drum were given to the Irvine family by Robert the Bruce in 1323. Later a Jacobean mansion house was added, and in the Victorian era the lower hall was converted to a library.
The beautiful Garden of Historic Roses is divided into quadrants that show how roses have been cultivated from the 17th to the 20th century. The ancient oak forest adjoins the castle, providing a sense of continuity through the centuries and a home for red kites, roe deer, red squirrels and badgers.
Following our visit we continue to our accommodation with dinner served in the hotel’s restaurant in the evening.
Meals includedDinner
