Things to do in Aberdeenshire

From the Cairngorms National Park to the borders of the Highlands, Aberdeenshire has plenty to see, taste and explore. Whether you prefer to spend your time in five-star hotels, haunted castles or embracing nature – here are things to do during your next visit to Scotland’s northeast coast.

Found just west of its namesake village, Corgarff Castle has a historic reputation for drama. It has been burned down by enemies, used to stop the then-illegal production of whisky and garrisoned as a British army barracks.

A unique art installation on the hills of rural Aberdeenshire, the Watchers are four twisting pieces of contemporary art. The pieces, made of folded steel and found near Corgarff Castle, are designed to mimic the prehistoric standing stones that can be found across Scotland.

Alongside their famous coffees – provided to them by Williams & Johnson Coffee Co – Tarmachan Café is known for its Balmoral venison sausage rolls, in a café designed to support the local environment.

Found between Braemar and Ballater, the Highlands Bakehouse creates artisanal, local produce that gives back to the environment. Pop in for a loaf of freshly baked bread or some croissants, or stop for lunch after visiting Balmoral Castle.

The Braemar Chocolate Shop

Inspired by Scottish flavours and celebrating the natural beauty of the region, the Braemar Chocolate Shop love everything local. They are always experimenting with tastes, with creations inspired by bread, whisky or even cheese.

A five-star boutique hotel in the centre of Braemar, this Category B-listed building is the perfect place for rural relaxation. Complete a stay in one of their historic bedrooms with a visit to their on-site art gallery or dinner and drinks at one of their six bars and restaurants.

Alternatively known as ‘The Punchbowl’, this is no ordinary waterfall. Nature has carved this impressive-looking Linn, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Highlands. A three-mile walk gets you to the falls, where Earls used to drink the waters after victorious battles.

Once the favourite picnic spot of Queen Victoria, the Linn of Dee remains a popular walking and touring destination for travellers. The National Trust for Scotland has permanent orienteering courses here, of 1.5km and 5km.

Alternatively known as the ‘Balmoral Pyramid’, this distinctive cairn is a memorial for the husband of Queen Victoria, who built Balmoral castle. As part of a popular, gentle woodland walk in the Cairngorms, it sits atop a hill and is an unusual structure to find in this national park.

Royal watchers will delight in attending a service at Crathie Kirk, most notably the location for family worship whenever the Royals are in town. Having been a place of worship since the 9th century, the historic church’s interiors are decorated with donated items from the royal family, including Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II.

Glas Allt Shiel & Loch Muick

Built on the shores of Loch Muick, Glas Allt Shiel took on a rather sombre nickname of ‘Widow’s Lodge’ following the death of Prince Albert. Often visited by Queen Victoria, it was incorporated into the Balmoral Estate in the 1940s and is now a popular hunting and sporting estate for visitors.

This beach is best known for its residents: it is Aberdeenshire’s premier location for seal spotting.

Its ruins overlooking the North Sea, New Slains Castle – not to be confused with nearby Old Slains Castle – has long been linked to Bram Stoker’s thrilling novel, Dracula as inspiration for the character’s castle. Reconstructed in the Baronial style in the 1830s, it was stayed in by a variety of British nobles and politicians before falling into ruin in the 1920s.

Named for both a collapsed sea cave and its nearby village, the Bullers of Buchan is the perfect place to test out your strength. Lift one of two stones – one 59kg and the other 110kg. The cliffside is also popular with birdwatchers and hikers, as many seabirds call the area home throughout the year.

Historically known as Rattray Point, the very edge of the Aberdeenshire coastline is home to a climbable lighthouse. Make the trip up to the top and down below, you’ll see the remnants of a handful of shipwrecks. But be careful when you go – the tide means it’s only accessible via a causeway at low tide.

A single row of houses makes up the village of Pennan, a former fishing village that’s now a popular holiday destination. Sitting right on the edge of the sea, the village became suddenly famous in the 1980s when it – and its local phone box – were used in the hit film ‘Local Hero’.

Coastal Cuppie

Serving delicious coffee and cake in a shabby chic locale by the water, Coastal Cuppie is the perfect place to unwind. As you munch on something delicious, you can be certain your money is going to a good cause; the café supports the Pennan Harbour Trust, which keeps the local harbour in good shape during bad weather.

Found to the west of Pennan, Cullykhan Bay is a sandy pebble beach sheltered by the surrounding hillside. Sitting below the remains of a Bronze Age fort, the beach is perfect for long walks both along the shore and up into the high cliffs.

Troup Head

A nature reserve cared for by the RSPB, Troup Head is internationally significant thanks to its resident seabird population. Bordered by Pennan and Gardenstown, tens of thousands of seabirds arrive at the reserve in the spring, including gannets and puffins. Dolphins and porpoises are sometimes seen from the cliffs.

A village so small it’s only one line of houses. Crovie sits on a narrow ledge and can only be accessed by foot. Built in the 18th century for local fishermen and boat workers, the village was named by historian Charles McKean as having ‘one of the finest viewpoints in Scotland’.

This small fishing village on the Banff coastline is now popular with holidaymakers. Built into the cliffside, this charming village is best enjoyed with a walk along the coastal path, where you can spot dolphins in the waters below.

With a history dating back more than 800 years, Fyvie Castle and Gardens was originally built in the Baronial style. Since then, it’s become a thriving hub of art with an enormous collection of portraiture. The castle was once visited by royal guests, including Robert the Bruce, and a guided tour will take you through its myths, legends and ghost stories.

It’s worth visiting just for the atmosphere. Named a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice for 2022, they aim to bring contemporary, delicious coffee to Banchory. Enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold drinks and food upstairs or browse the outdoor shop downstairs for all your outdoor apparel needs.

Indulge in some trainspotting at the Royal Deeside Railway, a heritage line 14 miles from Aberdeen. Running along its namesake river, it was the line most regularly used by the Royal family and other VIPs on their travels up to Balmoral and is now managed by a team of volunteers.

An extensive complex of independent retailers on the banks of the River Dee, Milton of Crathes is the perfect place to shop and support local creators. Have a bite to eat at the brasserie, explore the creations at the art gallery and (most importantly) stop by Hidden Scotland’s shop and use our journey planner to get the most out of your Scottish holiday.

Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, this beautiful castle stands on grounds gifted by Robert the Bruce. With a walled garden that’s been standing for more than three centuries, the castle is the perfect place for a nature walk, where red squirrels are sometimes seen.

One of a handful only found in this region of Scotland, the Tomnaverie Stone Circle can be traced all the way back to the Bronze Age. A recumbent circle on a hilltop, a short walk will take you to this magnificent piece of history, where some believe the Bronze Age people used to chart the movement of the stars.

Considered to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle with its distinctive pink exterior, Craigievar Castle has something of the fairytale about it. Built in the Scottish Baronial style in the 16th century, you can still tour its interiors and see dozens of artefacts, art and weaponry collected over the centuries.

Though only the ruins remain of this 15th-century castle, Dunnottar is notorious in Scottish history. It was here the Crown Jewels were hidden from Oliver Cromwell and where anti-royalists were kept prisoner before being shipped off to America. Now, what remains can be accessed and explored.

130,000 seabirds arrive on the cliffs of Fowlsheugh during the spring and summer. Maintained by the RSPB, cliff walks will give you the best view of the visiting birds – as well as local dolphin, grey seal and porpoise populations.

An easy 1.4km trail leads to the Crawton Waterfall. Find a little solitude and tranquillity here, where the waters dramatically tumble down into the North Sea. The walk is best enjoyed in dry, calm conditions as it can get slippery when wet.

St Cyrus and its beach are part of a larger national nature reserve. It protects the seabirds that call the cliffside home, and the beach is a good place to spot them, as well as local butterflies.

Championing sustainably caught, locally sourced fish, Stonehaven’s The Bay are a multi-award-winning fish and chip shop. They have a spot on the Lonely Planet’s ‘Ultimate Eatlist’, and their classic fish and chips have been named the best in the UK twice since they opened in 2006.

Aunty Bettys is a highlight on the Stonehaven promenade. Made using only the freshest, high-quality produce, their ice creams are sustainably made and packaged, with plenty of exciting – and classic – flavours to choose from.

The picturesque edge of the fishing town of Stonehaven is a harbour that was destroyed and rebuilt not once, but three times. The largest recreational harbour in the region, it’s a popular docking spot for fishing boats, as well as a starting point for the walk up to Dunnottar Castle nearby.

Popular in town for its artisanal deli and food selection, Park Shop showcases some of the best local produce around. Try one of their delicious pies or a slice of homemade cake and wash it all down with an artisanal coffee or glass of wine, carefully selected by their knowledgeable team.

Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Sitting at the base of the Cairngorm mountains – and just a mile from Balmoral Castle – Royal Lochnagar Distillery uses the clear waters of the Scarnock Springs to create its distinctive malts. With the royal seal of approval, they offer tours of their distillery, alongside guided tastings and chocolate pairings.

Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve

Covering 1,166 hectares of land out to the River Dee, the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve was created to protect the wide variety of flora, animals and natural landscape found here. Highlights include the pink granite underfoot, Scots pines growing in the forests and lochs where wildfowl travel to for the winter months.

Castle Fraser

One of the largest tower houses in the country, Castle Fraser can trace its roots all the way back to the 14th century. A fascinating estate lived in for more than 400 years by the Fraser family, the castle, the traditional walled garden and the extensive grounds have dozens of fascinating stories to tell.

Come and visit us in picturesque Banchory, where we’ve created a space for inspirational travel. Built in a former sawmill, you can plan your journeys on our specialist Planning Station or explore the wide selection of gifts and goodies we sell, all handmade by Scottish artists and creators.

Loch Muick

Just five miles south of Braemar is Loch Muick, a freshwater loch within the boundaries of the Balmoral Estate. Surrounded by a steep hillside, the loch is a popular walking trail and is the only place to get a visible glimpse of the famous ‘Widow’s Lodge’ built for Queen Victoria in the 19th century.

Haddo House

A luxurious country escape built in the Palladian style, Haddo House is an elegant paradise with more than 400 years of history. Tour the beautiful interiors and visit the extensive art collection with more than 85 exciting pieces on display by artist James Giles. The Haddo Arts Festival takes place in the autumn.

The Dinnie Stones at Potarch Cafe

As well as serving delicious cakes and coffees, all made in-house on the Ballogie Estate, you’ll want to stop by this café to see the famous Dinnie Stones. Made with granite, they’re named for the strongman who managed to lift these stones in 1860 at a combined weight of 332kg. Only 106 people have been able to lift them since.

A remarkable feat of Georgian architecture, Duff House was built in the Baroque style in the mid-1700s. Now home to one of the National Galleries of Scotland, this Category A listed building offers house tours, gallery viewings and its very own on-site golf course.

Finzean Farm Shop

Established in 2006, the philosophy of Finzean Farm Shop is all about promoting local creators and artisans. Help support the local community by picking up fresh produce, creating your own hampers stuffed with Finzean favourites or picking up a souvenir from a local painter or designer.

Forest Farm The Organic Dairy

Scotland’s oldest organic dairy makes its home in rural Aberdeenshire, where its award-winning gelatos and ice creams are produced on-site. Each of their flavours is made by hand and best enjoyed in a homemade waffle cone at their gelato garden or under the twinkling lights in their heated glass domes.

The beating heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is a charming, lively village set among the mountains. It’s a natural playground for the outdoorsy types. Come for the Braemar Gathering – which is regularly attended by the Royal Family – or enjoy hiking and hunting in the nearby hills.

Ballater

Considered one of Scotland’s most scenic locations, Ballater sits at the east of the Cairngorms. In Royal Deeside, with the River Dee flowing alongside it, it’s famously close to Balmoral Castle, the royal summer retreat. Queen Victoria even once said that the area was her ‘dear paradise in the Highlands’.

Pitmedden Garden

Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, Pitmedden Garden is a glorious landscape paradise recreated in the Scottish Renaissance style. Colourful topiary and floral designs from the past sit alongside natural trails, autumnal festivals and a sustainable garden created by celebrity garden designer Chris Beardshaw.

Tolquhon Castle

Considered one of the finest ruins in the chateau Renaissance style, Tolquhon Castle is still a sight to behold centuries after being abandoned. Cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, the house is believed to have been occupied from the 15th to the 18th century, until the family fell on hard times.