Fyvie Castle
A large castle with an 800-year history. Its five towers were each built by a different family, and it houses portraits by Raeburn and other masters.
Fyvie Castle lies about 40 km northwest of Aberdeen. Its history goes back to the 13th century. It was successively owned by five families (the Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Leith families), and each added a tower, creating an imposing main façade. In the Edwardian era, American steel tycoon Alexander Leith refurbished the castle. The interior is opulent, housing portraits by Henry Raeburn, Gainsborough and others, along with armour and tapestries. The spiral stone staircase and several ghost stories are also famous. The estate has lakeside walks and walled gardens. Managed by the NTS, admission to the castle is about £15. Check the official website for the opening season. The drive takes about 45 minutes.
Opening hours
About April–October (check the official website); gardens year-round
Nearby sights
- Bennachie
- Castle Fraser
- Drum Castle
- Crathes Castle
- Gordon Highlanders Museum
- Brig o' Balgownie & Seaton Park
- St Machar's Cathedral
- King's College & Old Aberdeen