Things to do Beyond the estate
Bennachie
Hikers welcome! The castle grounds lead directly onto the mountain trails. No roads to be crossed. Bring your boots.
Whisky
This is whisky country. Several local distilleries have tours of their facilities including world famous Glenfiddich and Chivas.
Cairngorms
If the closer options are too tame, this mountain range is just on the doorstep. Skiing and climbing are within range.
Golf
You have the choice of difficulty level, from world renowned courses such as Trump International to scenic Huntly.
Balmoral
The Queen's Scottish home can be viewed by appointment at certain times of the year. Please check before visiting.
History
The spectacular ruins of this country's frequently confrontational past are scattered across the landscape.
Highland Games
Staying with us in August? Make time for the Lonach Games. Marvel at the caber toss. Discover your family roots.
Local Flavour
The home of Aberdeen Angus has a fine selection of restaurants as well as stately homes offering afternoon tea.
Information on other activities is available upon request or in the selection of brochures kept in the castle. Please go to www.visitscotland.com for more information.
What are the grounds of Lickleyhead Castle like?
Raspberries, blackberries apples and plums can be picked if you come in the right season
A long woodland driveway shelters the castle from sight or sound of the already sleepy Highland village of Auchleven. The only sounds you will hear as you stand in the garden are the tweets of varied bird species, running water in the two burns or the sheep in the distant fields. Butterflies, such as red admirals, are seen in great abundance during the warmer months. Before the sun goes down, make sure to pick fruit such as wild raspberries or plums for your dessert! Evening brings out the pipistrelles and the barn owls. Unlike in western parts of Scotland, biting insects are not generally a problem and it is comfortable to sit outside in the barbecue area over a drink. There you can enjoy the night sky in its full glory; light pollution free. The colder months bring their own delights. The changing colour of the leaves is very attractive. In winter, red deer come down from the higher slopes of Bennachie to feast upon the exposed green grass in view of the ruined arch.