Craigievar Castle Cottages

Enjoy an unforgettable holiday with your loved ones at these three delightful cottages, nestled on the splendid Craigievar Castle estate, with a magnificent pink castle providing a fine example of Scottish Baronial architecture, maintaining its beauty across four centuries, with the help of the wonderful preservation work of National Trust for Scotland. Surrounded by extensive parkland, amounting to 37 hectares, guests at North Mains Cottage, South Mains Cottage and Steading Cottage can enjoy free reign of this magnificent landscape. There is plenty of wildlife holding residence here too; you can explore the waymarked woodland trails and catch sight of red squirrels, roe deer and perhaps even the elusive wildcats that roam the area. Take a guided tour around Craigievar Castle to learn of the rich family history and see the lovingly preserved collection of family portraits and ornate original furniture. The castle lies near to the town of Alford, where guests can find essential amenities, a local butcher’s, a shop and a pub, whilst the Alford Heritage Centre offers you the chance to learn more about the local history as it pays tribute to the workers of the area, with displays on past village and farm life.

Take a scenic drive through Royal Deeside's ancient Caledonian pine forest to reach another National Trust for Scotland location, Mar Lodge Estate, a spectacular setting for walks and picnics in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here you can enjoy opportunities for mountain-biking, shooting, fishing and stalking, as well as a variety of rambles across the landscape, with the winter months offering brilliant downhill and cross-country skiing at Glenshee. Find even more delights slightly further afield at the National Trust for Scotland’s Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life, with over 30,000 annual bedding plants and plenty of agricultural history to discover, as well as the equally impressive Haddo House, a Palladian-style stately home designed by William Adam. The 'Granite City' of Aberdeen is within reach via car or the regular local buses from Alford, with a world of attractions to explore, from the many eateries and pubs, to the waterside scenery and beaches, you'll have no trouble filling a day out here with exciting activities. Make wonderful memories with your loved ones at the enchanting Craigievar Castle Cottages.