A Day Out at Drum Castle (National Trust)
If you’re on the lookout for a relaxed family day out, Drum Castle is a wonderful option. Situated just outside Aberdeen, this National Trust for Scotland property offers a mix of history, nature, and play—making it ideal for families, especially those with young children.
Drum Castle has lots to offer. Walks, a brilliant play park and a lovely walled garden.
Hi, I’m Jess. As a family we are always on the lookout for new adventures — from local gems in Aberdeenshire to hidden spots further afield.
Every walk we share is one we’ve enjoyed ourselves. If you find something new or notice an update I should make, please let me know using the Get in Touch button below!
📍 Getting There
Location: Drum Castle, AB31 5EY
What3Words: crossings.pursuing.masking
Parking: Plenty available. Charges apply unless you’re an NTS member.
Facilities: Toilets available.
🌿 Exploring the Grounds
National Trust properties are perfect if you're looking to explore with no strict agenda. At Drum Castle, there are two walking trails, both just over a mile long. One of the trails begins next to the play park—making it an easy and fun route for little legs.
We love this trail because it’s full of natural wonders to keep kids entertained. Tree climbing, puddle jumping (especially after rain!), and nature spotting are all part of the adventure. Be aware though—some parts of the path can be uneven and boggy, so it’s not suitable for buggies or bikes.
🛝 Play Park Fun
You don’t need to be an NTS member to enjoy the play park. It's open, spacious, and designed to encourage imaginative and adventurous play. A great spot to let the kids burn off energy before or after a walk.
🌸 Walled Garden & Castle
For a small fee (£5 per adult), you can explore the stunning Walled Garden or join a guided tour of the Castle. Both are steeped in history and offer something different for every visitor.
Keep your eyes peeled on the way to the Walled Garden—you might spot some wildlife at the pond!
🌟 Highlights
🌳 A fantastic open-ended play park with heaps of opportunities for climbing and exploring
🌲 Short but engaging walks full of trees to climb and nature to discover
🌺 A beautiful Walled Garden—perfect for a quiet wander or a peaceful picnic
🐢 Try to uncover the name of the famous tortoise buried at Drum Castle!
⛪ Step into the 16th-century chapel and imagine what life was like in the 1500s
☕ Where to Eat
Drum Castle has its own tearoom, café, and shop. The scones come highly recommended!
That said, we often prefer to bring our own picnic and enjoy it outdoors before treating ourselves to a locally-made ice cream.
Nearby café options include:
Mains of Drum Garden Centre
Peterculter or Banchory (both a short drive away)
Always check opening hours before visiting cafés or the castle.
👣 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to run around, explore nature, or enjoy a bit of history, Drum Castle ticks all the boxes. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and has enough variety to keep everyone happy for a few hours—or the whole day.
Have you been to Drum Castle? Let us know your favourite part!
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