Join us for a magical midsummer break at Maryculter House on the banks of the River Dee. Each day features a programme of short excursions, designed to help you discover and enjoy the region’s unique history and celebrate its art, architecture, gardens and historic collections.
Our explorations begin with a short drive into the heart of Angus to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. From here a further five hundred years of Scottish history, excellence and craftsmanship unfold with a visit to Drum Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest Tower Houses which is now famed for its vast library and collection of historic roses.
The formal garden at Pitmedden; originally laid out by Sir Alexander Seton in 1675 and recreated by the National Trust for Scotland in the 1950s, provides an opportunity for a leisurely morning stroll before a look at the Museum of Farming Life which brings the area’s significant agricultural past to life. Our tour also takes in the Scottish Baronial masterpiece of Fyvie Castle which has links with William the Lion 1214, King of Scotland; it contains a vast collection of lavish art works by Raeburn, Batoni, Romney, Gainsborough and others, as well as Flemish Tapestries, fine furniture, armour and antiquities. Here, outside you will have time to discover the walled garden with its collection of Scottish fruit and colourful borders.
Visits to Leith Hall with its walled garden and spectacular views, and Castle Fraser, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes will undoubtedly be highlights, and on our last day we will visit the magnificent turreted Crathes Castle, which was lived in by the Burnett family for over 350 years. Today it is famed for its artworks, fine furniture, delightful 16th century painted ceilings, oak panelling and treasures such as the ‘Horn of Leys’ linked to Robert The Bruce. We will also explore the internationally renowned colourful walled garden; framed by ancient yew hedges it contains many rare and unusual plants. After lunch we drive westward through the heart of beautiful Royal Deeside to visit Balmoral Estate; the much-loved private home of the Royal Family since 1852 when it was purchased by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.
Each daily outing has been carefully designed to include something for everyone with a careful mix of the region’s finest castles, significant art collections and antiquities, all set within stunning gardens and estates. During your stay you will have time to soak up the grandeur and the atmosphere of the landscape as well as encountering a mixture of garden styles including formal, woodland, walled and kitchen gardens; many containing historic plant collections, colourful herbaceous borders plus splendid trees and shrubs.
Maryculter House
For the duration of our tour we have taken over one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic hotels, nestled on the banks of the graceful River Dee. Only twenty minutes from Aberdeen, this beautiful property can trace its history right back to the time of the Great Crusades, when the Knights Templar were granted part of the land of Culter, on the south side of the River Dee by King William the Lion in 1187. Between 1221 and 1236, the powerful Bisset family, the Lords of Aboyne, founded the Preceptory, or College, of the Knights Templar on the site of Maryculter House.
All that remains of these buildings today are the stone vaulted chambers located underneath the Great Hall, and the burial grounds and chapel ruins in the grounds next to the hotel. Dating back to 1460, the atmospheric Great Hall is the most ancient part of the hotel and is redolent with historic grandeur. Home to the prominent Jacobite William Menzies in the eighteenth century, the building was ravaged by fire in 1720 but has been respectfully rebuilt, restored and further developed since then, with the latest works adding the Terrace rooms back in the 1990s.
Many of the property’s 40 bedrooms boast stunning views, and all feature contemporary Scottish interiors that have undergone a recent refurbishment. Relax in the comfortable beds, luxuriate in the stylish bathrooms and enjoy the personal touches of Scottish hospitality, all in a wonderfully calm and restful property that is the perfect base for our exploration of this beautiful part of Scotland. The hotel’s restaurant which serves the finest in local, seasonal produce expertly created by a team of talented chefs, overlooks the river and provides a wonderful setting for your meals each evening.
Itinerary
Day 1 Aberdeen to Maryculter House, Scotland.
Meet at Aberdeen Airport or Railway Station in the mid afternoon for the transfer to Maryculter House where the attentive staff will assist you on arrival. Settle into your room or explore the grounds before meeting this evening for drinks and a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2 Glamis Castle & Drum Castle.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Glamis Castle, one of the world’s most famous and romantic castles. Glamis was the birthplace of the late Princess Margaret and the childhood home of her mother Elizabeth, the late Queen Mother. The property of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372, the castle was largely reconstructed in the late 17th century. One of the most famous rooms in the castle is Duncan’s Hall, the legendary setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Enjoy a guided tour of this truly spectacular castle before enjoying some free time to explore the gardens. Transfer to Stonehaven for lunch before we continue to Drum Castle, one of the oldest tower houses with a fine collection of portraits and Georgian furniture. After a guided tour of the house enjoy a walk in the historic scented Rose Garden. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Pitmedden Garden & Fyvie Castle.
Drive to Pitmedden, surely one of Scotland’s finest gardens. After a brief introduction take time to explore and enjoy at your own pace the silence and elegance of this unique Scottish Renaissance walled garden famed for its colourful parterres. In the late morning a short drive will bring us to Fyvie Castle and after lunch in the Victorian Kitchen join a guided tour of the 800-year-old castle including the impressive art collection. Later, join David Mitchell for a walk in the two acre walled garden with its abundant collection of Scottish Heritage fruit. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Leith Hall & Castle Fraser.
Travel northwest from the hotel this morning through rural Aberdeenshire to Leith Hall, a traditional Scottish laird’s residence brimming with family treasures and featuring a wonderful walled garden. The current structure dates back to the 17th century and was used as a hospital during the First World War before being sold to the National Trust in 1945. After a light lunch we continue on to the impressive Castle Fraser, one of Scotland’s largest tower houses and home to a large portrait collection. Explore the castle and its grounds on a guided tour before returning to Maryculter House in the late afternoon. After dinner we will enjoy a relaxing Scottish traditional music night. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Crathes Castle & Balmoral.
The highlight for many will be our visit to Crathes Castle and Garden, regarded by many as the finest historic castle and garden in Scotland. Steeped in history, it is famed for its exceptional 16th century painted ceilings, oak panelling, and other antiquities. Enjoy the wonderful plant collection including herbaceous borders and a wide variety of exotic shrubs surrounded by a magnificent ancient yew hedge. We will take lunch at Crathes and then continue westwards through Royal Deeside to visit Balmoral. Stroll through the formal garden before exploring the vegetable gardens, the ballroom and the stable exhibitions. Driving back to Maryculter, we will stop at the historic borough of Ballater, famed for its Royal warrant holding shops and distinct architecture. This evening enjoy the farewell dinner at Maryculter House. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Maryculter House to Aberdeen.
After a hearty Scottish breakfast transfers will be provided to Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy13 to 18 July 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Classic Room | £2495 | |
Classic Riverview Room | £2595 | |
Classic Terrace Room | £2695 | |
Heritage Double Room | £2795 | |
Heritage Riverview Room | £2895 | |
Junior Suite | £2995 | |
Classic Four Poster | £2995 | |
Classic Room for Sole Use | £2795 | |
Classic Riverview Room for Sole Use | £2895 | |
Heritage Double Room for Sole Use | £3095 |
Tour Reference Code: LATAMING25
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights hotel accommodation at Maryculter House • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Excursions as described with entrance fees • Transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Maryculter House
For the duration of our tour we have taken over one of Aberdeenshire’s most historic hotels, nestled on the banks of the graceful River Dee. Only twenty minutes from Aberdeen, this beautiful property can trace its history right back to the time of the Great Crusades, when the Knights Templar were granted part of the land of Culter, on the south side of the River Dee by King William the Lion in 1187. Between 1221 and 1236, the powerful Bisset family, the Lords of Aboyne, founded the Preceptory, or College, of the Knights Templar on the site of Maryculter House.
All that remains of these buildings today are the stone vaulted chambers located underneath the Great Hall, and the burial grounds and chapel ruins in the grounds next to the hotel. Dating back to 1460, the atmospheric Great Hall is the most ancient part of the hotel and is redolent with historic grandeur. Home to the prominent Jacobite William Menzies in the eighteenth century, the building was ravaged by fire in 1720 but has been respectfully rebuilt, restored and further developed since then, with the latest works adding the Terrace rooms back in the 1990s.
Many of the property’s 40 bedrooms boast stunning views, and all feature contemporary Scottish interiors that have undergone a recent refurbishment. Relax in the comfortable beds, luxuriate in the stylish bathrooms and enjoy the personal touches of Scottish hospitality, all in a wonderfully calm and restful property that is the perfect base for our exploration of this beautiful part of Scotland. The hotel’s restaurant which serves the finest in local, seasonal produce expertly created by a team of talented chefs, overlooks the river and provides a wonderful setting for your meals each evening.
Travelling with You
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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David Mitchell
David Mitchell was previously a Curator at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh; he is currently Deputy Chair of the National Trust for Scotland, and Director - Curator at Muddy Feet Consultancy. His own environmental education company specialising in landscape assessment, project development, horticulture, and interpretation.His knowledge as curator is augmented with over thirty years’ experience working as a consultant in the private and public sector, supporting organisations that include The National Archives of Scotland, The National Galleries of Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland. He has extensive broadcasting experience in television and radio with the BBC, STV and Channel Four; augmented by global involvement as an Expedition Lecturer for Noble Caledonia, the National Trust for Scotland and the American Ivy League Universities of Harvard, Dartmouth and Brown. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and the Royal Geographical Society he has a passion for nature and the land.
Also of Interest
Autumn in the Heart of the Lakes
A Celebration of the Nature, Art & Literature of the Lake District with Guest Speaker David Mitchell
Rothay Garden Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Grasmere / Hutton-in-the-Forest / Rydal Mount / Hilltop House / Beatrix Potter Gallery / Mirehouse / Steam Yacht Gondola / Brantwood House / Blackwell Arts and Crafts House / Levens Hall / Sizergh Castle
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000