Step into a magical retreat at the enchanting Castlewood Lodges. Nestled in a majestic woodland setting, these lodges provide a stunning base from which to enjoy the beautiful scenes of Royal Deeside. Enjoy the natural beauty with picture-perfect views, and plenty to explore right on your doorstep.
The site is set in glorious surroundings with panoramic mountain views, the perfect spot to unwind and relax on your Scottish retreat. You'll be just a short trip to a number of nearby restaurants and pubs, where you can sample delicious local food and drink. Choose from a number of tranquil walks to explore the wonders of Royal Deeside, a stunning place famously admired by Queen Victoria herself!
The lodges at Castlewood all boast a stylish and spacious interior, with plush furnishings and a rustic décor. The Morven is just perfect for a romantic retreat, sleeping two guests in a cosy bedroom, and a spacious exterior decking space with private hot tub.
The Clochnaben is perfect for larger groups, with four distinctive bedrooms sleeping up to eight people. The open plan living area is stylish and spacious, making it the perfect place to catch up with your friends and family after a day of adventure. Large French doors lead out to your private decking and hot tub, with glorious views of the Scottish mountains.
Discover gorgeous glens and ancient forests in Royal Deeside, with many opportunities for walking, cycling and wildlife! There are plenty of ancient castles in the area too - Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal family, is a breath-taking building with acres of gardens and even a ballroom to explore!
The site is perfectly positioned for a day trip to the Cairngorms National Park, with natural wonders and countless rivers, mountains, lochs and forests to discover. There are plenty of shops and eateries to stop into, and even a few distilleries if you keep your eyes peeled!
Designed with comfort and style in mind, The Lochton offers a bright and contemporary open-plan living space perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The fully equipped kitchen has everything you need. Unwind in the spacious lounge or step outside and soak in your own private outdoor hot tub, the perfect way to end the day.
9 reviews from guests who stayed at Castlewood Lodges
"Staff were lovely. The lodges on the site felt a bit too near together, and our lodge had no view of the countryside, just other lodges."
"We enjoyed our holiday very much and recamend it for anyone, a very quiet place lovely staff"
"Beautiful location and very quiet, exactly what we wanted."
"Absolutely fantastic stay. Beautiful location. The lady that greeted us on arrival was welcoming and nothing was too much trouble.
Definitely recommend."
"Our Castlewood Lodges review: Great location and very friendly, helpful staff. Would be nice if there was somewhere on site for food and drinks but I would still recommend regardless."
"Amazing place, friendly helpful staff, stunning location and very clean accommodation."
"Beautiful location and very friendly staff"
"Beautiful scenery. Helpful staff. Peace and quiet. Loved it"
"Had the most amazing time at Castlewood Lodges after being wary about previous reviews. The lodge was lovely and very spacious. Had everything you need in it. Nice touch by leaving milk & cereals for your arrival. Staff couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful with advice on things to do offsite. Loads to do within a few miles of the site. Only downside is there is no park or something like this for the kids."
The best-known attractions within an easy drive of Castlewood Lodges, with real driving times.
Sat nav: AB39 2TL
A ruined medieval fortress on a rocky headland above the North Sea, with a story to match.
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress on a rocky headland on Scotland's north-east coast, just south of Stonehaven. Steep cliffs drop 160 feet to the North Sea, and a narrow strip of land leads up to the gatehouse. The ruins include a 14th-century tower house and a 16th-century palace, and the views make it a favourite with photographers.
Tip: Check the weather before you set off, as the castle may close in bad conditions. Parking is available on site.
Sat nav: AB31 5QJ
A turreted 16th-century tower house with painted ceilings, a walled garden and woodland trails.
Crathes Castle is a classic Scottish tower house, completed in 1596 by the Burnett family and now run by the National Trust for Scotland. Inside, you'll find turrets, oak panelling, family portraits, antique furniture and painted ceilings that survive from the Renaissance. Look out for the Horn of Leys, given to the Burnetts by Robert the Bruce.
Tip: Castle tickets can't be booked ahead. Buy them from the shop on the day, as entry is first come, first served.
Sat nav: AB31 5EY
A 700-year-old tower house with a rose garden and ancient oak woodland, near Aberdeen.
Drum Castle is one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, given to the Irvine family by Robert the Bruce in 1323 and later extended with a Jacobean mansion and Victorian additions. Inside, you can see the medieval grand hall, the Victorian library with around 4,000 books, and the chapel built in the 1500s. Entry to the castle is by guided tour.
Tip: Castle entry is by guided tour, and the tower has been closed for repairs, so check the National Trust for Scotland's Drum Castle page before you set off.
Sat nav: AB33 8JF
A fairytale pink Scottish Baronial tower house, said to have inspired Disney's Cinderella Castle.
Craigievar is a seven-storey tower house in the Scottish Baronial style, begun around 1576 and completed by William Forbes in the 1620s. Its pink harling and turrets make it one of the best preserved and most loved castles in Scotland, and it is said to have inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.
Tip: Check the National Trust for Scotland website for current castle tour arrangements before you set off. Don't follow sat-nav to the south drive, which has no vehicle access or parking. Use the main entrance off the A980.
Sat nav: DD9 7UE
A ruined 16th-century castle beside a Renaissance walled garden that is unique in Scotland.
Edzell Castle is a ruined 16th-century castle near Brechin in Angus, run by Historic Environment Scotland. It began as a tower house around 1520 and was extended with building ranges around a courtyard. It was designed more as a country house than a defensive fortress, and Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed here in 1562.
Sat nav: AB10 1FQ
A neo-classical city gallery with 700 years of art, from Monet and Bacon to Tracey Emin.
Aberdeen Art Gallery is housed in a neo-classical building designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. Its collection spans 700 years, with work by local, national and international artists, designers and makers. Highlights include Joan Eardley, the Scottish Colourists, Francis Bacon, Tracey Emin, Claude Monet and Barbara Hepworth.
Tip: There's no on-street parking outside; the nearest car park is Denburn, then Bon Accord/Harriet Street. It's a 10-minute walk from the train and bus stations.
Sat nav: AB24 5ED
Aberdeen's beachfront fun complex with rides, bowling, karting, laser tag, adventure golf and a big indoor and outdoor play area.
Codona's is an indoor and outdoor entertainment complex on Beach Boulevard at Aberdeen Beach, beside the Queens Links and the North Sea. The Codona family opened the park in 1970, and it has since grown well beyond the rides. Along with the amusement park, you'll find bowling, 3-level karting, laser tag, an indoor arcade and AR darts.
Tip: Check the ride height guide on the Codona's website before you go, as height restrictions apply to rides and attractions.
Full guide to days out near Castlewood Lodges »
Drive times are typical times by car with no traffic. Check opening times and book tickets on each attraction's own website before you go.
