Crathie Kirk
A small granite church across the river from Balmoral Castle, where members of the royal family worship when they stay at Balmoral in summer.
Crathie Kirk stands on a hillside north of Balmoral Castle, across the River Dee. The current building was completed in 1895, and Queen Victoria laid its foundation stone. When the royal family spend summer at Balmoral, they often attend the Sunday service here, and visitors often gather outside to watch. The interior is simple, with plaques commemorating royal family members and stained-glass windows. The churchyard holds the grave of John Brown, Queen Victoria's servant. Entry is free (donations welcome), and it is about a 10-minute walk from the entrance to Balmoral Castle, so it is easy to visit together with the castle.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct, Mon–Sat approx. 09:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Royal Lochnagar Distillery
- Balmoral Castle
- Lochnagar
- Loch Muick
- Corgarff Castle
- Ballater
- Braemar Castle
- Braemar & Braemar Gathering