Haddo House: A Majestic Georgian Palladian Estate in Aberdeenshire
Explore Haddo House, a stunning Georgian Palladian mansion with Victorian interiors, historic gardens, and rich Scottish heritage near Ellon.
Haddo House is a grand Scottish stately home near Ellon, Aberdeenshire, designed by William Adam in 1732. This elegant Palladian mansion features sumptuous Victorian interiors, an extensive art collection, and beautifully maintained terraced gardens. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland since 1979, Haddo House offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Gordon family, notable for their political and social influence. The estate also includes a theatre, parkland, and facilities for events and weddings.
A brief summary to Haddo House
- Ellon, Methlick, AB41 7EQ, GB
- +441651851440
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book guided tours in advance as access to the house is by guided tour only.
- Visit the Queen’s Bedroom where Queen Victoria stayed in 1857.
- Explore the terraced gardens and enjoy the scenic walks through the country park.
- Check out the Haddo Arts Festival in autumn for music, literature, and art events.
- Stop by the converted stables for tea and local treats at the Courtyard Café.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Aberdeen to Haddo House takes approximately 35 to 45 minutes via the A90 and A952. Parking is available on-site for a fee of around £5.00. The estate has accessible parking and drop-off points near the visitor facilities.
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Bus
Regional bus services connect Aberdeen to Ellon, with onward local taxi or rideshare options to Haddo House. Bus travel time is about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on connections. Visitors should check schedules in advance as services may be infrequent.
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Taxi/Rideshare
Taxis or rideshare services from Aberdeen to Haddo House take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This is a convenient option if public transport schedules do not align with your visit plans.
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Walking
For visitors staying in nearby Methlick or Ellon, walking to Haddo House involves rural terrain and can take 1 to 2 hours depending on starting point. Suitable footwear and weather preparedness are recommended.
Haddo House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Haddo House
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Roots
Haddo House stands as a magnificent example of Georgian Palladian architecture, designed by the renowned architect William Adam and constructed between 1731 and 1736. The house’s exterior is characterized by its balanced symmetry, clean lines, and classical proportions, often described as "Reticent Palladian." Inside, the interiors underwent a lavish Victorian refurbishment in the 1880s, blending crisp Georgian elegance with sumptuous Victorian style. The house has been the ancestral seat of the Gordon family, Earls and later Marquesses of Aberdeen, who have shaped Scottish history over centuries.Rich Heritage and Notable Residents
The Gordon family's legacy is deeply woven into Haddo House’s story. George Gordon, 1st Earl of Aberdeen, served as Lord Chancellor of Scotland, and the 4th Earl was British Prime Minister from 1852 to 1855. During World War II, Haddo House was transformed into a maternity hospital for evacuated mothers from Glasgow, where over 1,200 babies were born, known affectionately as the "Haddo Babies." The house also hosted Queen Victoria in 1857, with the Queen’s Bedroom preserved as a highlight for visitors.Art Collections and Interiors
Inside Haddo House, visitors encounter an impressive collection of artworks, including 85 paintings of Aberdeenshire castles by Victorian artist James Giles and an early Claude Lorrain piece. The interiors are richly furnished with period furniture, family portraits, and memorabilia that trace generations of the Gordons. Noteworthy rooms include the spacious library with its secret door and an intriguing optical painting of Lady Ishbel, Countess of Aberdeen.Gardens, Grounds, and Cultural Life
The estate is set within 80 hectares of Aberdeenshire countryside featuring terraced gardens with geometric flower beds and a lavish herbaceous border. A majestic avenue of lime trees leads visitors to Haddo Country Park, which offers woodland walks, a wildflower meadow, bird hides, and picnic areas. The estate also hosts the Haddo Arts Festival each autumn, celebrating music, literature, and art. The Haddo House Hall theatre and rehearsal spaces support a vibrant local choral society and operatic productions.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors enter Haddo House via the grand main hall and enjoy guided tours through the house’s public rooms and servant quarters. The converted stables house a tea room and gift shop, adding to the visitor experience. The house is accessible with facilities including restrooms, seating areas, and picnic spots throughout the grounds. The estate serves as a popular venue for weddings, corporate events, and private functions, with capacities ranging from intimate gatherings to larger marquee events.Legacy and Preservation
Since being gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1979, Haddo House has been preserved as a cultural and historical treasure. It remains a living testament to Scotland’s aristocratic heritage and architectural excellence, offering a unique window into the lives of one of the country’s most influential families and the social history of the region.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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Mill Of Mundurno Table Table
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Blakeshouse Lounge Bar & Restaurant
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Chicago Town
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Luigi's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Gift Alley
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Geek Bothy Ltd
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EARTHSTORE.CO.UK
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The Gift Co
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Malthurst Retail Ltd
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The Bear Essentials
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ShopHub
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Blackwell's Bookshop
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The Stock Shop Ltd.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
