Castle Fraser is located near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. It is the most elaborate Z-plan castle, also known as three-stepped or Scottish Baronial, in Scotland and is considered to be the grandest of six Castles of Mar designed and built by the Bell family of master masons. It rises five stories in the typical Z shape; a centre block building with two towers on diagonally opposing ends. The castle was called Muchall-in-Mar until 1695.

The Michael Tower on the northwest is 31 feet square while the Round Tower to the southeast has a 28 foot diameter. The Round Tower is the tallest part of Castle Fraser, rising six stories, and is topped with an accessible flat roof. Diagonally, the castle is about 100 feet long. The first floor features the vaulted kitchen and laigh (low) hall, the Great Hall, where concerts are often performed, the dining room and a smoking room called Peacock Parlour. On the second floor are the Bailiff's room and a small room once used as a chapel. The Green, North, Worked, and Tower bedrooms are on the third floor. The fourth floor contains the Pink room, the Red and Blue turrets, and the Library, the largest room in the castle. These well-preserved rooms contain some marvellous examples of antique furniture, paintings, especially Fraser family portraits, and other finery. On the north end of the castle is a courtyard flanked by two-storey east and west wings, or laigh biggins, which contain additional kitchens and storehouses, as well as the bakehouse, brewhouse, and quarters for the castle's servants.

From the roof of the Round Tower are some fine views of the surrounding countryside including Bennachie Hill ^map and the River Don. The grounds

consist of some 350 acres of woodland and farmland and include some great trails. Other things to do whilst visiting Castle Fraser include picnicking, visiting the walled garden or letting your children play in the adventure playground.

Castle Fraser is said to have its own ghost; a princess staying at the castle who was murdered while she slept in the Green Room. According to legend, her body was dragged down the stone staircase leaving a bloody trail. A stain which could not be removed even with repeated scrubbing. As a last resort the steps were covered in the wooden panelling seen today. Over the years many residents have reported seeing her ghost throughout the castle.

Opening times and prices can be found at the National Trust for Scotland's Castle Fraser page.