It is a little known fact that there are more castles per acre in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in the UK.
Quite a bold statement, but true nonetheless.
So since we were already here, why not explore another one of these amazing castles. After various talks with a few of the locals, a name that kept cropping up was Crathes Castle. We thought it wise to go with their wise words of wisdom and set out early the next morning. Located just a few miles from Banchory is the stately and well-preserved Crathes Castle.
About a 50 minute drive from our very own castle, lol.
Most of the roads leading up there were only wide enough for one vehicle, though it had strategically placed verges along the way. If you see a vehicle coming towards you or an impatient driver behind wanting to overtake, I definitely suggest pulling into the next available one on your left. Let's just say they can get a little frustrated if stuck behind you for too long! Though I see it more as "training bootcamp 101" for my driving skills, lol.
Having said that, Scotland's rural areas hold the essential ingredients for the perfect road trip with its beautiful, majestic open plains and ever-changing scenery! I did enjoy the drive up, weaving through the mountain lanes, passing many fields and their various farm animals. We stopped off a number of times to capture some of the amazing scenery during the journey. With safety in mind, of course.
The Castle
Upon reaching our destination, the views were grand and brimming with prestige! Crathes Castle is essentially a classic Scottish tower house, sitting against a backdrop of rolling hills and set amid it's own glorious gardens.
The Castle itself dates back to the 1320's and was built by the Burnett family, who lived here for over 350 years. It was not until the 20th century when Sir James Burnett built the spectacular gardens you see there today. As a result, this magnificent castle is now surrounded by lush trees and blossoming flowers. Perfect for a carefree stroll, as if walking through some fairy tale kingdom!
The place is run and funded by the National Trust and there is an admission fee of £12.50 for both the castle and it's walled garden (though members can explore for free). So for frequent visitors, it is well worth joining the National Trust as opposed to paying the moderate charge every visit.
Exploring The Castle Within
Crathes Castle houses is full of splendid, old historical structures and statues. I was amazed at the excellent condition of everything inside. From it's character exterior to the oak panelling and period furnishings. All immaculate and restored to perfection.
The rest resembled somewhat of a maze of towers, offering up an assortment of regal looking rooms and displaying a labyrinth of cultural histories. From framed family portraits to fine antique furniture. You could wander around most places freely at your own leisure.
There were many more detailed and interesting art exhibits. I was most impressed by the unique and skillfully painted ceilings depicting various noble and religious figures in colourful, meticulous arrays. Simply amazing!
The designated route through the castle is one-way. Access is via a stone spiral staircases which get narrower and narrower the higher you get. There are also friendly expert guides stationed at various points of interest to answer any questions you may have, which I found very helpful indeed.
(During both the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Burnetts kindly offered the use of their large country home to aid in the war efforts. Crathes was transformed into a convalescent home for the soldiers. The kitchen pictured below was in use at that particular time.)
The Gift Shop
Up atop the main hill on the castle grounds, there is a quaint little gift shop selling loads of items including malt whisky bottled and produced in Scotland. We also tried the courtyard Café and really enjoyed a helping of their delicious scones. I can imagine it must get busy during peak times though.
The Walled Garden
The highlight feature of a visitation to Crathes has to be the astounding botanical metropolis. The walled garden is simply too beautifully for words alone. Even pictures cannot do it the justice it deserves. This is easily the best garden I’ve ever had the pleasure of stepping through. That alone was worth the trip to come out here.
From the entrance, it splits into eight directions that encompass every "green fingered" delight imaginable. Sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. Stunning beauty wherever you set your eyes upon. Just spellbinding!
I was staggered at the many different levels of garden forestation. The enormous yew hedging is a master class, showcasing the hard efforts of the professional gardening team's dedication. Plans for designing the garden were launched as early as the year 1702.
I came across a croquet green where people were busy playing. Looked like fun and of course, my mind immediately transported back to our castle and it's own croquet grounds!
As you can see. the walled gardens are magnificent at this time of the year, especially when all the roses are in full bloom. The bordering plants, sweet scents at every turn and assortment of colourful picturesque still-life, are absolutely wonderful.
The Victorian era glasshouses were both intriguing and educational! It encapsulates many exotic flowers and plants. Most of them I have never even seen or heard of in my entire life!
The perimeter grounds are marked out with a varying number of footpaths. Nature spotters will love the way-marked trails along the Coy Burn which is a clear-water stream leading to the well-known local River Dee.
And finally, for all you adventurous climbers out there, they also have a Go Ape! Tree Top Adventure Course just outside the main grounds. The perfect finishing touch to a place of beauty and serene magnificence. A must see for anybody who happens to be in these secluded and elegant parts of rural Northern Scotland.
All's Well That Ends Well
Crathes Castle is a fantastic day out for all the family and a memorable gem of a place. A real treasure!
And so comes the end of a fantastic holiday. We returned home, packed our suitcases and bid our hostess Griselda a warm farewell before setting off back to England.
A small piece of my heart was stolen by this awe-inspiring vacation to such a great country and location. And long may Scotland keep it as I have made a firm pact to return to it's glorious lands and majestic, sprawling hills once more.
有这么一个说法，在阿伯丁和阿伯丁郡，以每英亩的城堡数量来算，它比英国任何地方都要多。
我们既然来到这里，当然要去看看其他壮观的城堡咯。在向当地人咨询以后，Crathes城堡被多次提及，所以我们于次日早上出发。Crathes城堡距离Banchory只有几英里，从我们城堡开车去大概50分钟车程。
大部分山路非常窄，虽然有些边缘的地方稍宽，但主道通常只容得下一辆车行驶。如果你看到一辆车迎面开过来，或是身后的司机想超车，我建议你在下一个边缘地带稍微靠左，让对方先过。要知道这里的山路非常长，跟在一辆慢车后面又不能超车是一件很痛苦的事情。在这儿，感觉我的驾驶技术进步了，哈哈。
话虽如此，在苏格兰驾驶沿途的风景是绝美的，我们在苏格兰高地穿梭着，经过层叠的山峦，许多田野以及各种动物。我们中途停下来几次，欣赏沿途迷人景色。
Crathes 城堡
约一个小时后，我们终于抵达了。Crathes城堡是一个很经典的苏格兰塔楼，有着连绵起伏的丘陵作为背景，多了几分富丽堂皇。
城堡本身可以追溯到1330年，由Burnett家族兴建的。他们在这里已居住有350多年的历史。直到二十世纪，家族成员詹姆斯才建造了今天我们看到的壮观花园。城堡被浓密的树木和盛开的花朵包围着，四周绿草如茵，木秀花丽，充满了油画般的浓厚魅力！在这儿无忧无虑地漫步，仿如走进了一个童话王国！
Crathes城堡是由国家名胜古迹信托管理，城堡及其花园的入场费为12.5英镑，会员则免费。对于经常来的访客，可考虑加入国家名胜古迹信托，这样比每次付费更划算。
城堡古迹
Crathes城堡是拥有辉煌历史的古老建筑。它从外观到内部的橡木横梁，都保养得非常好。城堡里面有迷宫似的结构，供游客参观这里的豪华房间。各类物品包括家族肖像到精致的古董家具，都展示着独特的文化历史。
每样展示物都是艺术品，设计精美，构造细致。而令我印象最深刻的是天花板上描绘着各种贵族和宗教人物的装饰，独特而巧妙，太赞了！
城堡内部的路线是单向的，通过石头螺旋楼梯进入，越往上楼梯越窄。多名工作人员在城堡内各个景点为游客介绍并回答相关的问题，他们都非常热情友善。
（在第一次和第二次世界大战期间，Burnetts家族曾经把城堡作为士兵疗伤之地，援助国家战争。以下厨房的照片就是当时给士兵煮饭的地方。）
礼品店
在城堡出来往山上走，有一家古雅的小礼品店，销售着各种各样的礼品，包括苏格兰本地生产的威士忌酒。我们也在傍边的咖啡厅稍作歇息，里面的烤饼味道不错。我可以想象，在高峰季节这里一定很忙碌。
“围墙”花园
Crathes 的亮点之一是它独特的绿色世界。“围墙”花园的美是难以用言语甚至图片来表达。这是我见过最美的花园之一。即使只为花园而来，这趟旅行也值得。
从入口处，它分为八个部分，如果你喜欢园艺，这里可谓是天堂，呵呵。 精心修剪的植物造型，柔和的草本色彩和充满异国情调的绽放鲜花，处处美丽，处处风景！
花园里层次分明，其中巨大的红豆杉修剪物最吸引人。这些精心修葺的植物据说是1702年开始种植的，它充分展示了园艺团队的辛勤努力。
我碰到一群老年人在大片草坪上进行槌球比赛，看起来挺有趣的。我马上联想起自己住的Thorton城堡也有槌球区哦，呵呵。
每年这个时候，围墙花园是最美的，特别是当所有的玫瑰都盛开的时候。 植物与鲜花缤纷甜美的气味在空气里回荡，欣赏着风景如画的园林，我情不自禁地陶醉其中！
参观维多利亚时代造型的温室，让我见识到了许多从来没有见过甚至听过的奇花异草，嘿，又长见识了！
花园周边地面标有很多不同的小道，喜欢行山的朋友，可以沿着 Coy Burn 方向标记的小径走。这是一条清澈的水流，通往当地著名的Dee河流。
完结篇
最后，对于所有喜欢冒险的朋友，这里有个”Go Ape”的树顶冒险项目。在这么宁静优美 的地方，可以在树顶的高度俯瞰整个城堡和园林，太完美了！
Crathes城堡是一个天然宝藏，为我们留下了很难忘的记忆。这里最适合一家老少来游玩一整天，相信你们也会和我一样被它深深吸引住的。
梦幻般的苏格兰之行结束了。我们打包好行李，与女主人Griselda依依惜别，就乘坐飞机返回伦敦。回家以后，我依然恋恋不舍，这就是美丽的苏格兰高地对我的影响力。于是，我和自己做了一个约定，一定会再去苏格兰重游美丽圣地！