Aberdeen Private Half Day Tour: Dunnottar, Crathes Castles +more

5.0 (20 reviews) 4 h 30 min Private tour

out of 5

20 reviews

5.0

Dunnottar Castle — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Aberdeen Private Half Day Tour: Dunnottar, Crathes Castles +more, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

A private guided tour / shore excursion through Aberdeenshire’s castles, landscapes, and history with a knowledgeable local guide.

Explore Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle plus more in Scotland’s Historic Heartlands.

With a private guide, you don’t just see Aberdeenshire—you experience it on a carefully paced private journey designed to help you connect with the places you visit.

Dunnottar Castle - One of Scotland’s most iconic castles dramatically set on an impregnable rocky headland in the sea.

Crathes Castle and Gardens - A beautifully preserved 16thC castle on Royal Deeside.

Drum Castle – An impressive 14thC historic medieval stronghold.

Old Aberdeen - St Machar’s Cathedral (14thC), and King’s College (15th century) offer a glimpse into Scotland’s academic and religious past.

Every tour is exclusive to your group only.

Most castle grounds are free to visit, but charge for interior tours.

Attractions are subject to seasonal opening times and please contact us for details.

Full-day Tours Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours

At a glance

Duration: 4 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: English
Operated by: Time Exposure Travel

Ages: Adults (0–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Castles free to see from outside and may charge for internal tours
Included: Private Transport and driver/guide
Included: Route and timings will depend on your accommodation starting point and your choice of attractions.
Included: Pick up from within Aberdeen area
Included: All tours tailored to suit your exact requirements or locations chosen from Tour Details

Not included

Not included: Meals / Snacks not included in cost
Not included: Pick up surcharges. Hotels more than 20mls from city £20, 40-60mls £40. Payable on the day.
Not included: Dunnottar Castle - Free to see from outside. Pay at door if you wish to go inside. No pre booking.
Not included: Crathes Castle - Free to see from outside. Pay at door if you wish to go inside. No pre booking.

Itinerary

Dunnottar Castle

one hour

Visit one of Scotland’s most dramatic castle locations, set on a rocky headland above the North Sea. Dunnottar Castle is famous for its coastal views, medieval ruins, and powerful place in Scottish history. Your guide will share the stories behind the castle while giving you time to enjoy the scenery and take photos. The castle is free to see but to go inside costs £13.00 pp.
Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

45 min

Explore the beautiful Crathes Castle estate, known for its 16th-century architecture, turrets, painted ceilings, stunning gardens, and a Royal Deeside setting. This stop adds a classic Scottish castle and estate experience to the tour set in the magnificent surroundings of Royal Deeside. Free to see from the outside and £18.00 pp to go inside.
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate

45 min

Visit one of Aberdeenshire’s oldest and most historic castles, with links to Robert the Bruce and centuries of Scottish family history dating back to the 14th century, Drum, with its dark history is a "must see" on the castle trail. It's 18th-century gardens, include a rose garden and arboretum containing trees from all regions of the 18th century British Empire. Free to see from outside and interior tours are £18.00 pp.
Old Aberdeen

one hour

Discover the historic heart of Old Aberdeen, with ancient streets, university buildings, architecture and a cathedral dating back to the last millennium. This stop gives travellers a deeper look at Aberdeen’s history beyond the castles.

Aberdeen University was founded in the 15th century and St Machar's Cathedral has ben a site of worship for 1400 years.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Leonardo Inn Hotel Aberdeen Airport
Aloft by Marriott Aberdeen TECA
Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen
Travelodge Aberdeen Bucksburn
Premier Inn Aberdeen City Centre Hotel
Craighaar Hotel
Rox Hotel Aberdeen
Siberia Hotel
The Aberdeen Altens Hotel
Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Residence Inn by Marriott Aberdeen

and 73 more pickup points

We pick you up from your hotel or accommodation in Aberdeen City, Aberdeen train station or from your cruise liner. Accommodation out with Aberdeen City may incur an additional pick up surcharge.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.