UK Site US Site

Crathes Castle

(Aberdeenshire)

Near Aberdeen

Enjoy Our Epic Skateboard Zip Wire and Some Stunning Scenery near Aberdeen.

A great day out if you’re looking for adventure activities near Aberdeen. Set in the grounds of historic Crathes Castle, we’re proud to unveil one of our new skateboard zip wires.

The classic and original Go Ape adventure experience could be what your and you’re friends are after if you’re looking for things to do in Aberdeenshire. We’ll brief you for safety before you fly down zip wires, jump off Tarzan Swings and sample our fun high ropes crossings whilst enjoying some of Scotland’s most breathtaking woodland.

A stones throw from Aberdeen, live life more adventurously in beautiful surroundings.

Enter your postcode or location:

Get out and about this season

For full availability simply 'Check Availability' for the exact times and dates Crathes Castle will be open.

Times will vary on daylight hours. Some of our adventures even open at 08:00 in the summer for those early gorillas!

Below is a snapshot of when our forest doors open.

Opens 23rd March, weekends only.

Open Daily Scottish Easter Holidays.

Term Time (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Open Daily Scottish Summer Holidays.

Term Time (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Open Daily Scottish October Half Term (12th - 27th October).

Open November Weekends, Closes 24th November.

Course stats

Here are our Tree Top Adventure stats for Go Ape Crathes Castle.

  • Number of sections 5
  • Longest Zip Wire 125 metres
  • Longest Crossing 92 metres
  • Total Length 592 metres
  • Number of Crossings 28
  • Highest Point 8.6 metres

The Team at Crathes

The Address

Go Ape Crathes Castle
Crathes
Banchory
Aberdeenshire
AB31 5QJ

Get directions

By car

Located off the A93, 5 miles east of Banchory. Follow brown signs for Crathes Castle.

Due to the rural nature of our locations, postcodes are not always accurate when using satellite navigation. Please always check the route before setting off, and cross reference with a map.

Please note that parking charges are as follows: £2 all day.

By train

The nearest train station is Aberdeen. For more information visit National Rail

By bus

Stagecoach Bluebird bus numbers 201, 202 and 203 from Aberdeen bus station stop at the entrance to Crathes Estate.

Local Area

Some nearby places which may be of interest:

Fairytale-like turrets, gargoyles of fantastic design and the ancient Horn of Leys given in 1323 by Robert the Bruce are just a few of the features of the historic Crathes Castle.

The Crathes gardens and estate are ideal for a family day out. A delight at any time of year, the famous gardens feature great yew hedges and colourful double herbaceous borders.

Find out more here.

Please note that parking charges at Crathes Castle are as follows: £2 all day.

Plus Aberdeen is not far away and there's plenty of things to do.

There plenty of walks in Aberdeenshire to enjoy.

Corporate Events

Like all the best things in life, Go Ape is even better shared – bring your work tribe for a team building day out of the office. In 2012, we created over 700 unforgettable events. We can look after groups of between 15 to 280 and we guarantee you a day out you’ll never forget.

The newly refurbished Courtyard Restaurant and Conference Suite at Crathes Castle offer a variety of options for events. With excellent business facilities, including WiFi and the latest audio-visual technology, the Conference Suite is ideal for meetings, seminars and training events. And between meetings, the beautiful walled garden and woodland walks offer delegates the opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Why not contact our Corporate Events Team to get your whole work tribe in the trees. Your day could include our 'classic' tree top adventure, mountain biking, a Forest BBQ, welcome drinks and much more. Just give us a call on 0845 643 9314 to find out more and get a quote from the Events Team.

Staying Over

There's plenty of places to stay in Aberdeen... only a stones throw away.

Douglas Arms - Built in the 1840's, the Douglas Arms is one of the oldest buildings in Banchory. Only a 10 minute drive from Go Ape and the beautiful Crathes Castle.

Campsites and holiday parks near Banchory

Feedback from Crathes Castle

Take a look at what some of our tribe have said about their time in the forest. It's always good to hear it straight from the Gorilla's mouth (...and we're proud to say it’s totally unedited!) And why not have a peek at what people are saying about us on Trip Advisor.

Rated 5 Bananas Alan - Tree Top Adventure, on 18 June 2013
Our visit to GoApe Crathes formed part of a company team building event prior to dinner. All the group had a great time and really enjoyed themselves, the safety briefing was very thorough and made those who were nervous a bit more re***ured. The age of the group ranged from 33 to 53 and everyone had a go although some of the group found it a bit hard going and pulled out half way through. The only element that all of the group felt could be improved is the landing areas at the end of the zip lines a crash mat or an extension of the line that creates a gradual slowing would be more effective that the bark which if wet would be very uncomfortable. Otherwise a great event, fun for all ages and we all went home happy.
Rated 5 Bananas Laura - Tree Top Adventure, on 18 June 2013
Great day out with a group of junior curlers. Difficult at times to keep them only one platform away, especially as their confidence grew!!
Rated 5 Bananas Fiona - Tree Top Adventure, on 17 June 2013
Had great fun and we all thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. Most of my friends had been a little scepticle before we started but they all came away with big smiles and some very funny videos.
Rated 5 Bananas Sylvia - Tree Top Adventure, on 17 June 2013
Well organised and executed activity. Although I am a person that is fairly uncomfortable with heights the obvious well cared for equipment and patient instruction helped greatly to create confidence. A mixed group between 23 and 54 years everyone of us enjoyed it immensely and will certainly be back for more monkeying around! Thanks to all the staff at Crathes - you do a great job!
Rated 5 Bananas jo - Tree Top Adventure, on 10 June 2013
Loved the whole experience was great fun! We managed to face a few fears and have the best fun. An exciting and active way to spend a saturday afternoon.
View all feedback
3. How many will be in your party?

Please wait. Checking availability…

Tell us about your tribe and we'll show you when you can Go Ape.

  • Available
  • Selected
Gorillas 18 years +
 £30
Baboons 10 - 17 years
Over 1.4m £24
TREE TOP ADVENTURE

Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions we get asked a lot…

Find Out More

Gift of Adventure

Enjoy our Outdoor Activities with a Gift Voucher...

Buy Gift Vouchers

Crathes Castle

Our latest unedited feedback

View all feedback