Drum Castle
Distance from Banchory Town Centre: 8 miles Location (postcode AB31 5EY)
The oldest part of Drum Castle is a 13th century tower house with red granite walls 12ft (3.7m) thick. It was in the hands of the Irvine Family for over seven centuries (William de Irwin was armour bearer to King Robert I (the Bruce)) and is one of the oldest surviving tower houses in Scotland. It was later extended with a Jacobean mansion circa 1619 and an even later Victorian extension.
The property is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and features in the Castle Trail.
As well as fine furniture, paintings and vaulted ceilings and a 16th century chapel Drum Castle offers an historic rose garden. extensive grounds and lovely woodland walks.
