While the grand house itself was a point of curiosity, I recently had the chance to visit the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family and found myself looking at the day purely from the perspective of a family day out. While I’m glad I went and can tick it off the list, I have to admit, it was a highly priced day out for what it was.
Key Information
- Location: The Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family, located on the A93 in Royal Deeside.
- Cost: £42 for a family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children). £5 for day parking.
- Season: Open to the public from April to August.
- Highlights: Beautiful gardens, a single room in the main house, stables with royal carriages
The Cost of a Family Day
First things first, let’s talk about the logistics and the cost. Planning is key, as the castle and grounds are only open to the public from April to August, so be sure to check their website for specific dates and times.
We opted for the family ticket, which cost us £42 for two adults and up to three children. It’s a significant outlay, especially when you consider that children over 5 are charged for, and it’s a lot to spend just to get in.
When you arrive, you’ll find a large car park next to the A93 at Crathie. Day parking costs £5. It’s a bit of a walk from the car park to the castle itself, but it’s a pleasant stroll through the tree-lined drive.
So, for a family, you’re looking at a minimum of £47 just to get in and park. And that’s before you’ve even considered a scone from the tearoom or a souvenir from the gift shop (which, fair warning, is not cheap). Even one of the staff members answered no when we asked if it was worth it!
The main appeal of the estate is the setting itself. The grounds are a vast and beautiful landscape in Royal Deeside, with a network of walks and trails to explore with various monuments. The gardens are particularly well-maintained, featuring everything from formal flowerbeds to a large Victorian greenhouse and a tranquil water garden. It’s a lovely place for a walk on a sunny day, and the kids enjoyed exploring the grounds but there are plenty of places you can do this for free.
The disappointment, for me, came with the main house itself. As a private home, the public is only granted access to one room: the ballroom. This is where an exhibition is held, which changes annually. While the exhibitions may be interesting (this one wasn’t my cup of tea), the room itself felt a little underwhelming.
Beyond the ballroom, you can also explore the stable area, which houses a collection of royal carriages and cars. It’s a nice touch, but it doesn’t quite make up for the lack of access to the main residence.
More to See in the Area
The drive to and from the estate from Nethercraig Holiday Park is a great opportunity to see more of Scotland’s beautiful scenery and charming towns. We were on the A93 for most of the journey, which is a fantastic scenic route. Nearby, the picturesque village of Ballater is a popular stop, with its quaint shops and cafes. Further on, the town of Braemar is home to the famous Braemar Gathering and is worth a visit, especially for its stunning mountain setting. The Cairngorms National Park itself offers endless opportunities for hiking, and if you’re traveling back towards Perthshire, you could consider a detour to see the Glenshee Ski Centre, even in summer, to get a sense of the scale of the landscape.
Verdict
★★
I’m glad I went but I won’t be back. The grounds are stunning, the history is palpable, and it’s a unique opportunity to visit a royal residence. However, I have to be honest: for the price, the experience feels a little thin. You’re paying a premium for a walk around the gardens and a look at a single room. I have to say, I’ve seen better ballrooms on Bridgerton!
If you’re a fan of beautiful landscapes or curious about the royal residence, it’s worth a visit. But if you’re looking for a grand, opulent castle experience, you might want to adjust your expectations or consider other historic houses in Scotland where you can see more of the interior.
Pros
+ Beautiful Gardens
+ Lost of history
Cons
– Expensive
– Not much for kids/to do
– ‘Mazes’ were disappointing
– The Exhibition was not for me
– The Ballroom was disappointing
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