Crathie Kirk
Crathie Kirk
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
67 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
20
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
1
William W
Airdrie, UK86 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Drove through from Ballater to visit the church. Car parking is easy just across the road from the kirk. After paying the £5 fee went along to visit the small gallery before crossing the road to go up to the church. Only to be told by the gentleman in the gallery that church was closed as they cannot get anyone to man it for visitors. After paying £5 we were a bit annoyed to say the least. Went up to have a look anyway and although the building itself is lovely the doors and especially the two wooden benches in the porch are badly needing painted. Bit disappointed in this as there were a lot of foreign tourists around and you want them to see our lovely buildings etc in a good light. If no one is going to paint the benches for goodness sake get rid. You would not want to sit on them anyway the state they were in.
Written July 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas H
Ballymena, UK287 contributions
Sept 2021
The is the church (Kirk) that the Queen goes to when she is in Balmoral and so, probably for security reasons, it isn't always open to the public. I was satisfied to look around the grounds and admire the building and the signs etc that were there for all to see and read. Well worth a visit ever if just to say you had been there and the Queen had been also.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaeron
Largs, UK192 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Crathie church was not opened to the public when we visited. Walked up to take pics when this very kind gentleman opened it for me to go inside. What a beautiful church so peaceful and calm frlt honoured to be in there where our late Queen and her family worshipped
Written April 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aint_Life_Great
Huntsville, AL606 contributions
Apr 2022
Lovely church across the road from the parking area at Balmoral. This is where the royals attend church while they're staying at Balmoral. It is definitely worth the short walk to take a look. It was locked when we were there in April so that was a bit disappointing. I would have loved taking a look inside.
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane P
Ipswich, UK518 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Walking up to the church from the designated balmoral car park takes just a few minutes. It is worth doing to see the church exterior which is often seen on TV owing to its link with the royal family. The Princess Royal married here in 1992.
It does not seem to open that regularly, so don’t expect to see inside, but worth a look for anyone interested.
It does not seem to open that regularly, so don’t expect to see inside, but worth a look for anyone interested.
Written June 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly-no1
Dubai, United Arab Emirates246 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We wanted to visit the resting place of John Brown. The loyal and faithful servant to Queen Victoria. He is buried at Crathie Kirk yard. The burial grounds are situated on the opposite side of the road to the Kirk. We had visited Balmoral so the car was parked at the entrance to the Castle. You can walk from there to the Church and then cross the road to the burial grounds. Do not take the car.
Crathie Church is where Princess Ann was married in 1992, however it was closed when we visited.
There are two grave yards side by side. John Brown is buried in the one with the Kirk ruins, which dates back to pre reformation.
When facing John Browns grave stone, look to your left and over the wall. You’ll see a window which is half covered. Queen Victoria used to sit at this window to grieve and be beside John.
Crathie Church is where Princess Ann was married in 1992, however it was closed when we visited.
There are two grave yards side by side. John Brown is buried in the one with the Kirk ruins, which dates back to pre reformation.
When facing John Browns grave stone, look to your left and over the wall. You’ll see a window which is half covered. Queen Victoria used to sit at this window to grieve and be beside John.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alanthebairn
Falkirk, UK825 contributions
May 2021
Attractive wee kirk obviously famous for the royal members of its congregation. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited so a bit disappointed after a trek up the hill to find it wasn't possible to go inside.
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BOFA BOY
Bridge of Allan, UK1,385 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Nice church obviously made famous by the royal family visits when in residence at Balmoral . Worth a visit,
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JamieJW
Quakertown, PA4,552 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
While visiting Ballater Scotland we drove a few miles down the road to attend the 11:30 services with the Queen present.
The Queen spends August and September at the castle in Balmoral and on Sunday heads to the small little church in Cathie for services.
Wonderful experience to attend such a beautiful service and share the church with the Queen. The choir of young people were amazing.
Amazing experience. Could not take pictures anywhere near the church or grounds.
The Queen spends August and September at the castle in Balmoral and on Sunday heads to the small little church in Cathie for services.
Wonderful experience to attend such a beautiful service and share the church with the Queen. The choir of young people were amazing.
Amazing experience. Could not take pictures anywhere near the church or grounds.
Written September 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tour27737
4 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Taking the scenic route from Aberfeldy to Ellon and whilst in the area of Balmoral, we went to see this famous kirk. Beutiful little chapel full of Historic and Modern Royal connections. The custodean, a lady with many years experience of the kirk was extremely friendly and informative both of the kirk's history and of the area. She also took an interest in our tour of Scotland and that we were on our way to Ellon/Rosehearty as part of a heritage excursion to trace my partner's great grandparents (whose final resting place we did indeed find). She advised that whilst in that part of Aberdeenshire, we should visit Pennan Head, which was the fictional location of the village of Ferness in the 1980s film 'Local Hero'. What a fabulous place even though the drive to and from this coastal beauty spot was a bit hair-raising. Great recommendation.
Written September 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just to say to anyone who wants to visit Crathie Kirk and has been unable to that this is not because they cannot find anyone to man the building.
I do not know why it is closed but friends of mine who live locally have offered to give up their time to open the kirk to visitors. They got in touch with someone who is a member of the congregation and were told the offer would be added to the next session meeting agenda and discussed. This was in September 2023 and they have heard nothing further.
It seems the minister and session members of Crathie Kirk do not even have the courtesy to correspond with my friends about the matter and after twelve months of ear splitting silence I doubt they will. It's a shame because visitors come from all over the world to visit Crathie Kirk and leave disappointed.
Written September 11, 2024
Is Crathie Kirk open tomorrow 11th February for Sunday service please.
Written February 10, 2024
Is craggier Kirk church open tomorrow Sunday 11th February for service please
Written February 10, 2024
We are contemplating a trip to Scotland this September, and would very much like to attend a service at the Kirk. What is the appropriate dress for visitors at a Sunday service? What time do you recommend arriving? Thank you.
Written February 25, 2019
Hi, On the Kirk website the time for Sunday Services is 11.30am -see Scottish churches trust web site
Hope this helps
Written March 2, 2019
I should like to attend the church service on sunday sept 2nd. I am disabled so is there a park at the church for disabled visitors please?
Written August 27, 2018
I Didn’t attend a service but understand that Crathie Kirk is open for Sunday Service at 11.30am. I would assume reasonably smart dress if possible.
If you would like to confirm information prior to visiting probably best to contact:
Braemar and Crathie Parish Church
The Manse, Crathie
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5UL
01339 742208
The Kirk is open from 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday with a Lunch break from 12.30 - 1pm.
On Sundays, the Kirk is open from1 - 4pm
Written February 27, 2019
Is the Crathie Kirk open on Friday 14th September 2018? Is there an entrance fee to enter?
Written August 14, 2018
I understand that Crathie Kirk is open for Sunday Service at 11.30am.
If you would like to confirm information prior to visiting probably best to contact:
Braemar and Crathie Parish Church
The Manse, Crathie
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5UL
01339 742208
The Kirk is open from 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday with a Lunch break from 12.30 - 1pm.
On Sundays, the Kirk is open from1 - 4pm
The Monday Cafe in the Kirk Hall opens in April for the season. From 10am to 12.30pm, tea, coffee and delicious home bakes will be served by local ladies.
Written February 27, 2019
Bonjour,
Pourrais-je assister à un office dominical (religieux) dans cette église puisque j'y serai un dimanche de fin août 2018. Merci pour votre réponse.
Written November 11, 2017
Cher Patrick,
Le Crathie Kirk dessert les petites communautés de Crathie et Baemar. Les services du dimanche (religieux) commencent à 11h30 et les visiteurs sont les bienvenus. Parfois, pendant l'été, les services peuvent être occupés, il vous sera donc conseillé d'arriver au bon moment. Je vous en prie.
Written July 23, 2018
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