Duff House

Duff House is a treasure house and cultural arts centre operated by a unique partnership of Historic Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council.
Duff House is a magnificent early Georgian mansion, designed by William Adam in 1735 for Earl Fife, and acknowledged to be his masterpiece.
Because Duff House is an outstation of the National Galleries of Scotland it is able to house a rich collection of paintings, furniture and works of art, including El Greco's St Jerome in Penitence, J.G. Cuyp's Dutch Family Group and three panels by Francois Boucher.

Fyvie Castle

Fyvie Castle is one of Scotlands great baronial fortress palaces. Fyvie dates back to the 13th century when it was a royal stronghold. Both William the Lyon and Alexander II held court here, and Edward I of England and Robert the Bruce were both visitors. The castle interior is richly decorated, 17th century tapestries and paintings by artists such as Batoni, Raeburn, Romney, Gainsborough, Opie and Hoppner hang on the wall. Original panelling and plaster ceilings survive in the 17th-century Morning Room. One feature, a large wheel staircase, is considered to be the finest in Scotland.

Findlater Castle

On the coast between Cullen and Sandend are the ruins of Findlater Castle, perched precariously on an outcrop of rock. The castle is in a very dramatic and picturesque setting, however it is in a very ruined and dangerous condition and should be visited with care.

Delgatie Castle

The main tower at Delgatie Castle largely dates from 1570, although it contains parts of an earlier structure. The castle originally belonged to the Comyn Earls of Buchan but it was forfeited after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and passed to the Hay family. Later extensions have changed the appearance of the castle but it still has some interesting features worth viewing inside. A wide turnpike stair in the thickness of the wall gives access to the floors above, some with rooms that still feature their original 16th century painted ceilings.

Huntly Castle

Also known as Strathbogie Castle, this glorious ruin stands on the banks of the River Deveron. It is in itself a history lesson in the development of the Scottish Castle from the earliest Norman fortress to the palace of the 17th century. The remains of this 12th century motte and bailey, a mediaeval L-plan tower, and defence earthworks of the Civil War are still visible. The most striking features of this palace,a former stronghold of the Gordons, are the splendid heraldic doorway and the carved fireplaces. The castle is in a beautiful setting in Huntly.

Haddo House

Haddo House is unusual for Aberdeenshire in that it is not a castle - yet it is one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public in Scotland.