This part of Scotland's home to more castles than any other in Britain

The castle was built in 1575 for the Fraser family, who, over many generations, filled it with an extensive collection of artworks, including a portrait by Raeburn.

For several centuries the five-story high walls, which were built in an elaborate Z-plan, were surrounded by formal gardens and productive orchards but during the 18th century the fashion for designed parkland reached this part of the country and the hedges and topiary were swept away to be replaced by the landscape that exists today.

The idea was to create an enhanced version of the countryside, so vistas were opened up and pastures were punctuated by specimen trees.

Castle Fraser Garden (Image: Discover Gardens) As was the style of the times, a walled garden was created at some distance from the castle and today this sheltered spot is both decorative and productive. The central area has box-edged beds, while herbaceous borders, shrubs and medicinal plants grow around the walls. The apple trees include many heritage varieties and all the fruit and vegetables are grown organically. The garden is divided by beech hedges, which hold on to their coppery-coloured leaves throughout the winter months.

Thanks to its excellent drainage, the garden supports many plants that would not otherwise be considered hardy in this part of Scotland.

Elsewhere there is a remarkable, octagonal stable block and a duck pond surrounded by marginal plants. This small stretch of water is an important habitat for local wildlife including dragonflies and otters. Castle Fraser’s woods are also home to badgers and in winter flocks of long-tail tits fly amongst the trees.

A woodland play area for children and trails through the trees, some of which are very old, provide visitors with a chance to catch a glimpse of the creatures that inhabit the estate.

In spring the grounds are covered in snowdrops and daffodils, while rhododendrons bridge the gap until summer.

Behind the castle rises Bennachie, a range of hills that dominates the local landscape. There is evidence here of the area’s ancient past, including a Pictish hillfort at the summit of Mither Tap, from where there are extensive views towards Royal Deeside and the North Sea. 

Bennachie Hills (Image: Discover Gardens)

Among the plants that grow on Bennachie’s deep peat moors are Averons, or Cloudberries, which have strawberry-like leaves and raspberry-shaped fruits that turn orange when ripe.

In recent years the custodians of Bennachie have developed a Kailyard, or traditional Scottish kitchen garden, of the kind that would have been used by the Colonists who occupied the sloping hillsides during the 19th century. Colonists were people who had been forced out of their homes by improvements to farmland and who took up the right to build small dwellings on rough ground, eking out a living from the land.

Festive Fun

From 22 November, the festive season will be celebrated at the castle with lavish decorations, seasonal treats in the café and indoor trails for children. Christmas at Castle Fraser will also include candlelight tours and a carol service.

Details:

Castle Fraser is on the A980, six miles south of Alford. The castle is open: Fri - Mon, 10.30am - 4.30pm,  daily: 10am - 4pm. Grounds open daily: dawn to dusk

Tickets: £16/£12.50/£1 (Young Scot)

In association with Discover Scottish Gardens www.discoverscottishgardens.org