Aberdeen castles & whisky distillery tour: Private group day trip

Four centuries of Scottish castles in one day, from a ruined fortress to a 16th-century masterpiece.

A private group tour from Aberdeen visiting three distinct castles (Dunnottar, a medieval fortress on a rocky headland; Crathes, a 16th-century castle with painted ceilings and walled gardens; and optionally Balmoral, the royal residence) plus a whisky distillery tasting tour. Hotel pickup and drop-off within Aberdeen are included. Internal castle tours and distillery tastings are subject to seasonal opening times and availability.

Step-by-step itinerary

Castles, lunch, and distillery tasting

• Visit Dunnottar Castle ruins
• Tour Crathes Castle and gardens
• Lunch at River Dee restaurant
• Whisky tasting at distillery

The experience

The day runs seven to eight hours and moves through Aberdeenshire on a route your guide shapes around which castles you want to enter and where you're staying. Dunnottar Castle sits on a rocky headland near Stonehaven, its surviving buildings spanning the 13th to 16th centuries. You can walk the grounds free or pay at the door for an internal tour. Crathes Castle, built in the 16th century, stands on Royal Deeside with turrets, gargoyles and ancient yew hedges framing the walled gardens. Again, the grounds are free to explore and the interior is optional. The itinerary includes lunch at a restaurant on the banks of the River Dee.

After lunch, you'll visit one of three working distilleries (Royal Lochnagar, Glen Garioch or Fettercairn, depending on availability), for a tasting tour where you learn how Scotch whisky is made and sample drams. If you'd rather skip the distillery, Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since 1852, is an option at booking. Note that Balmoral charges for entry to the grounds. The tour can also include Old Aberdeen, with its medieval history, depending on your interests and the day's pace. Your guide speaks English and will adjust the route and timing based on your accommodation location, which castles you want to enter, and seasonal opening hours.

Hotel pickup and drop-off within Aberdeen are included in the price. If your hotel is more than 10 miles from Aberdeen city centre, a surcharge applies (£20 for hotels 10–30 miles away, £40 for those 30–60 miles out), payable on the day. You must be over 18 to taste whisky at the distillery, though younger travellers are welcome to join the tour.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within Aberdeen.
• distillery tasting tour at one of three working distilleries with samples included.
• lunch at a restaurant on the River Dee.
• access to castle grounds (interiors paid separately at each site).
• English-speaking guide for the full day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Paid on site£ 48

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Time Exposure Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Aberdeen or nearby without a car. The private group format means your guide collects you from your hotel and handles all the driving between castles and the distillery, letting you focus on the sites rather than navigation or parking.

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Top questions

What's the difference between Dunnottar and Crathes castles on this tour?

Dunnottar is a ruined medieval fortress on a rocky headland near Stonehaven, with surviving buildings from the 13th to 16th centuries. Crathes is a 16th-century castle with turrets, gargoyles, painted ceilings and extensive walled gardens set on Royal Deeside. Both charge separately for internal tours if you choose to go inside.

Do I need to book the castle interiors in advance, or can I pay at the door?

Castle interiors are not pre-booked. You pay at the door on the day if you want to go inside. Dunnottar charges £9.50 per person and Crathes charges £14.50 per person for internal access. The castle grounds themselves are free to explore.

Is the whisky tasting included in the tour price?

Yes, the distillery tasting tour is included. You'll visit one of three distilleries (Royal Lochnagar, Glen Garioch or Fettercairn, depending on availability), and learn how Scotch is made while sampling drams. You must be over 18 to taste. Younger travellers can join the tour but won't participate in tastings.

How does hotel pickup work if I'm staying outside Aberdeen?

Pickup and drop-off within Aberdeen are included. If your hotel is more than 10 miles from Aberdeen city centre, a surcharge applies: £20 for hotels 10–30 miles away, £40 for those 30–60 miles out, paid on the day.

Can I visit Balmoral Castle instead of a distillery?

Yes, Balmoral Castle is an option at booking instead of the distillery visit. Balmoral charges for entry to the grounds and has extended its opening dates as of September 2023. Contact the operator for current availability and details.

What's included in the tour price and what do I need to pay extra for?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, the distillery tasting tour, and lunch at a restaurant on the River Dee. You pay separately at the door for any castle interiors you want to enter (£9.50 for Dunnottar, £14.50 for Crathes, or entry fees for Balmoral if you choose that option). Surcharges apply if your hotel is more than 10 miles from Aberdeen city centre.