Haddo House NTS

24/10/2026

𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦

Following the MET Office upgraded weather warnings, our ABERDEENSHIRE & ANGUS PROPERTIES WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY on 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟱/𝟭𝟬.

A full list of affected properties is provided below.

For clarity, facilities, gardens & properties will be closed and we advise the public to not access the estate trails and grounds during this period.

We are very sorry for any disruption to your enjoyment of these amazing places, but we must prioritise the safety of all visitors, staff and volunteers.

We will re-open in accordance with weather guidance and once full property checks are complete. Please follow all official travel guidance.

Anyone with accommodation, event or other bookings will be contacted directly.
We will provide further updates via our Visit Us pages (nts.org.uk) and Facebook as soon as possible.

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗗
Aberdeenshire:
Castle Fraser
Craigievar Castle
Crathes Castle
Drum Castle
Fyvie Castle
Haddo House
Leith Hall
Pitmedden Garden

Angus:
Barry Mill
House of Dun
J M Barrie's Birthplace

23/10/2026

⚠️ FESTIVAL OF DARKNESS: IMPORTANT WEATHER UPDATE

Due to the Amber weather warning from Saturday evening, the National Trust for Scotland will close the Haddo Estate for safety reasons. As a result, we’ve unfortunately had to make some changes to this weekend’s Festival of Darkness programme.

✅ Witches – Saturday 24 October
GOING AHEAD AS PLANNED
Please allow extra time for your journey.

⏸️ Häxan: The Esoteric Cut – Saturday 24 October
POSTPONED
We intend to reschedule this special screening and live music event for a future date.

❌ The Secret of Kells – Sunday 25 October
CANCELLED

❌ She Will – Sunday 25 October
CANCELLED

We’re incredibly sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience these changes may cause. The safety of our audiences, artists, musicians, and team is our priority.

Thank you so much for your patience, understanding and continued support of Festival of Darkness. ❤️

21/10/2026

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗼'𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿

In the sixth introduction to our creative artisans, we’re highlighting the talents and products of our makers working with 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀.

Craft Fair tickets are on sale now, for 𝗦𝗮𝘁 𝟳 & 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝟴 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝟭𝟬𝗮𝗺 – 𝟰𝗽𝗺 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆: https://brnw.ch/21x6z9G

𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗮
From Auchnagatt, Jennifer’s remarkable wooden wall decor and wooden gifts are individually made and hand-decorated, magically transformed upcycled off-cuts, with some items embellished with laser cut ply, engravings and painted details. Avaia Crafts by Jenny

𝗙𝗼𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
From Dingwall, Ansgar’s expertly turned wooden pieces will bring class to every kitchen and grace any table – from coffee grinders and spice mills, to bowls and all manner of exquisite kitchen utensils. https://brnw.ch/21x6z9E

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗵 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
From Nairn, Judith’s functional handmade crafts, homeware, glassware and unique gifts are inspired by the majesty of the ocean and rustic charm of the Scottish Highlands. Leah Grace Creations

𝗟𝗼𝘄𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
From Banff, Graham’s hand-crafted wooden gifts use locally sourced hardwoods, using a blend of traditional woodturning and modern laser‑cut or CNC techniques. Every gift highlights the natural grain, character, and warmth of real wood, creating a unique item that is built to last and finished to a high polish. Lowwood Turning

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼
From Inverurie, Claire creates beautifully personalised, hand and laser engraved pieces. https://brnw.ch/21x6z9D

𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗗𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼
From Edinburgh, Rosie creates a variety of stoneware and earthenware ceramics, colourfully illustrated in a whimsical and loose style. https://brnw.ch/21x6z9F

𝗙𝗶𝗳𝗶’𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆
From Insch, Fiona’s beautiful wheel-thrown pottery takes its inspiration from the local landscape and seascapes. Fifi’s Pottery

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀
From Newburgh, Helena creates beautiful, handcrafted pottery inspired by nature, colour and everyday living, bringing warmth, personality and a touch of handmade charm to your home. https://brnw.ch/21x6z9H

20/10/2026

We've been preparing the Hall to host this weekend's Festival of Darkness. Shown here are the bleachers being pulled out.

🎥 Festival info here: https://neatshows.org.uk/witches

17/10/2026

🪄 There is one week left before we host the 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 - 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 (24th & 25th Oct) in partnership with North East Arts Touring (NEAT), Haddo Arts, and The Belmont Cinema.

The festival tells the stories of women who have been targeted by society – maligned, persecuted, and feared simply for being different or misunderstood.

We will explore and celebrate their lives through films and conversations, with pre-screening talks and post-screening activities.

Among those talking will be author, historian and researcher of the Scottish Witch Trials, Dee Lawlor, who also volunteers with us as a guide. Her new book will be on sale and can be signed. We will also have special Halloween-themed Haddo prints on offer made by one of our other enthusiastic guides, Robert Humphreys.

The Courtyard Café will also be open late to accommodate visitors between screenings - spaces there must be booked by this Sunday 18th Oct.

🧙🏼‍♀️ Full details can be found here: https://neatshows.org.uk/witches/
And tickets can be bought here: https://www.ticketsource.com/festivalofdarkness

16/10/2026

🍂 On these bright and fresh autumnal days, it can be good to get inside for a warm meal after a walk in the Gardens and Country Park!

This weekend our special for sale is a Ham, Mozzarella and Tomato Chutney Toastie - also available as a sandwich or panini.

The Courtyard Café is open Thurs–Mon, 10am–4pm.

14/10/2026

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗼'𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗿

In the fifth of our introductions to our creative artisans, we’re showcasing some of the very best of Scotland’s natural 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗦𝗼𝗮𝗽𝘀 & 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀.

Craft Fair tickets are on sale now, for 𝗦𝗮𝘁 𝟳 & 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝟴 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝟭𝟬𝗮𝗺 – 𝟰𝗽𝗺 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆: https://brnw.ch/21x6oSn

𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺
From Ellon, Ella’s award-winning soaps, skincare & shampoos are made from pure organic ingredients, bringing a distinctive sense of luxury and opulence. Specialising in products for varying skin types. BareDream

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲
From rural Midlothian, Kerrylyn hand-makes candles, melts and scented pinecone firelighters from plant wax, in small batches to ensure uniqueness and quality. Can to Candle

𝗖𝗿𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲
From Cruden Bay, Vanessa’s handmade candles include a pinch of magic & mystery… every flames carries a tale and every scent ignites the imagination. https://brnw.ch/21x6oSm

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝘀
From North Queensferry, Andrew & Helena are passionate about being sustainable in what they create and their range of natural, vegan, eco skin & hair products are sought after across Scotland and beyond. Ecopartisans

𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆 & 𝗖𝗼
From Portsoy, Julie’s handmade goat-milk soap bars are made from fresh milk from her small herd. Products are kept as natural as possible, using goat milk, natural oils & butters and essential oils. Lily & Co Goat Milk Soap

𝗠𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲𝘀
From near Keith, Samanatha brings candles with a Scottish twist. From scents such as Bosie to Coorie, Highland Heather, Hooley and Bide, her candles beautifully reflect her love for her homeland and language. Mulderie Wood

𝗦𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘇
From deep in the heart of rural Perthshire, Amelia hand-makes wonderfully scented soaps and grooming products for everyone & their dog! Smelleez

13/10/2026

🧙🏻‍♀️ The 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 is being held at Haddo House on the 24th & 25th October.

Showing not just the documentary 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 but also films 𝗛ä𝘅𝗮𝗻: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝘂𝘁, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀, 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹, as well as pre-screening talks and post-screening activities.

Tickets can be found here: https://www.ticketsource.com/festivalofdarkness

🎬 WITCHES: FILM SCREENING & POST-FILM DISCUSSION
Festival of Darkness: Witches | Haddo House

What does the figure of the witch tell us about fear, power and persecution — and why does the story still resonate today?

Join us at the magnificent Haddo House for Witches (2024), a striking documentary exploring the history, legacy and modern relevance of witchcraft. Blending personal stories, historical insight and contemporary perspectives, the film examines the experiences of those accused of witchcraft and asks what the witch means to us today.

But the conversation doesn’t end when the credits roll…

🗣️ Stay for a post-screening panel discussion exploring witchcraft and Paganism in both historical and contemporary contexts. In partnership with The Belmont Community Cinema, the discussion will look at the lasting impact of the witch trials, the persecution of people on the margins of society, and how these histories continue to shape our understanding of power, belief and injustice.

📅 Saturday 24 October 2026
🕝 Film screening: 2:30pm
🗣️ Post-screening discussion: 4:15pm
📍 The Library, Haddo House
🔞 Certificate: 15
🎟️ Film tickets: £7 (+ booking fee)

Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early!

✨ Be part of the conversation at Festival of Darkness: Witches — a weekend of film, folklore and discovery, uncovering the stories that still cast their spell today.

12/10/2026

Tickets for our festive 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 workshops are now on sale!

Tuesday 24th November (evening) & Sunday 29th November (afternoon).

We normally sell out quickly so be sure to book soon. More info here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christmas-wreath-making-at-haddo-2026-tickets-2003221700030

09/10/2026

🌕 For this weekend only, we have on sale Carrot Cake Scones, our variation of carrot cake in scone form...

They've been getting great reviews - come along to the Courtyard Café to try your own!

We're open Thurs to Mon, 10am-4pm.