ON THE HERITAGE TRAIL

There are 70 castles in Aberdeenshire — more per acre than anywhere else in the UK! — and many more fine historic houses and other buildings. Some gems within very easy reach of Aikenshill include...

Castle Fraser, near Inverurie, a grand baronial building reminiscent of a French chateau and dating from the 16th century.

Deer Abbey, in beautiful grounds near Mintlaw, is the remains of a Cistercian monastery founded in 1219 and has strong links to the Book of Deer, a unique medieval illustrated manuscript housed in the University of Cambridge library.

Fyvie Castle, close to the village of Fyvie, is 800 years old, features a magnificent portrait collection, and is rumoured to be haunted!

Haddo House, near Ellon, originally designed by William Adam in 1732, has been occupied by the Gordon family for more than 400 years. Highlights include the art collection and magnificent Haddo Park.

Slains Castle, perched on a cliff just north of the village of Cruden Bay, is a privately-owned ruin dating from the 17th century said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Access is now restricted but the castle’s position makes it well worth a visit.

Tolquhon Castle, near Tarves, is one of the most picturesque Aberdeenshire castles with parts dating back to the 15th century.