Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle is a striking 16th-century tower house set in the rolling Deeside countryside near Banchory in Aberdeenshire. Built by the Burnett of Leys family, who held the lands from Robert the Bruce, the castle is famed for its turreted skyline, thick harled walls and richly decorated interior. Inside, visitors can see some of the finest original painted ceilings in Scotland, depicting the Nine Worthies, the Nine Nobles and the Muses in vivid Renaissance colour.

The Horn of Leys, a jewelled ivory hunting horn presented to the family by Robert the Bruce in 1323, hangs above the fireplace in the High Hall and remains one of the castle's most prized possessions. Family portraits, oak panelling and the original four-poster beds give a strong sense of life in a Scottish laird's household across four centuries.

The surrounding estate is just as celebrated. Crathes is home to one of the great gardens of Scotland, with eight themed walled garden rooms set around towering yew hedges planted in 1702. Beyond the formal gardens lie 530 acres of estate woodland with waymarked trails, a wildlife hide, an adventure playground and the popular Go Ape treetop course, making it a full day out for families.