Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
No recommended Eating & Drinking found within 30 miles of this property.
Fun Days Out
No visit to Speyside would be complete without a trip to the Speyside Cooperage, the only cooperage in Britain with a Visitor Centre. Here you can watch coopers make and repair the barrels for the whisky industry. There's also a gift shop and tearoom.
Hear about the history of Major James Grant, his impact on whisky and sample of some of the famous Glen Grant for yourself, before taking a a stroll through the beautiful grounds to see the plunging waterfall.
Battle Grounds Paintball Aberdeen is a premier gaming venue located in beautiful woodlands on the outskirts of Aberdeen. There are a choice of activities to choose from including Archery, Airsoft, Laser Tag and Paintballing each is thrilling and exciting. The facilities here are excellent well maintained and the arena designs for the games is excellent, the new Trench Warfare zone is fantastic, really realistic, the surroundings are perfect for these activities. They provide all the equipment which, again is maintained to an excellent standard. Safety is paramount here and they have an unblemished safety record, before any activity a full safety briefing is given, with clear and concise instructions. The staff throughout are great, so friendly, professional, patient and encouraging. The facilities are faultless with changing rooms, lockers, seating and catering onsite, it has everything you need for a superb day out. Battle Grounds Paintball Aberdeen are open Saturday and Sunday from 8.00am to 5.00pm, they offer a range of deals and packages so worth checking out their website for these, overall the activities are great value for money. If you are looking for an adrenalin rush and a day packed with adventure and fun then you need look no further than Battle Grounds you are assured a fantastic time and will leave wanting to return.
A world renowned attraction home to the Old shop museum and speciality shops. There are also culinary demonstrations and tastings, a children's adventure playground and family terrace.
Situated in the heart of Speyside and the Malt Whisky Trail, the Spey Valley Smokehouse explores the fascinating history of Scottish Salmon, not only produces the finest smoked salmon but also offers visitors the opportunity to see the process in action.
A wonderful aquarium on the stunning Aberdeenshire coast. Marvel at the Moray Firth marine life and get up close and personal with some of the hundreds of invertebrates and fish who live there. A great way to delve into their underwater world and learn about the rich local ecosystem without taking a chilly dip in the North Sea!
Beach
No recommended Beach found within 30 miles of this property.
Biking & Hiking
Amateur and professional mountain bikers alike will love these cycle routes. There a 3 independent sites covering 18 miles (30 km), which can be coordinated in whichever way you desire. The most athletic will love all 3 sites from Fochabers to Craigellachie.
Golf & Sports
Ballater Golf Club is in a prime location in the beautiful countryside of Upper Deeside. It is an 18 hole, par 70, blend of parkland and heathland, medium length golf course, that is slightly rolling. There are a number of natural hazards with a number of the holes being near to the Rover Dee. It is a picturesque course with stunning views. The course is beautiful and in superb condition with fast fairways and lovely greens. The course will offer challenges to all level of golfer. It is a very warm and welcoming club and they extend a true Scottish welcome to all visitors. The Clubhouse has excellent facilities, it is roomy and has a warm and inviting atmosphere and they have a diverse menu that offers a great choice of dishes that are tasty and great value for money. Ballater Golf Club offers a good round of golf with lovely scenic views for an excellent price.
A beautiful course with some excellent facilities. From experienced golfers keen to work on their games, to novices looking for lessons; this golf centre caters for all. Set on the stunning Banffshire coastline, the area is a golfers haven and well worth a visit.
Nature Reserves
Housing an exhibition about the Moray Firth, dolphins and local wildlife, this wildlife themed visitor centre's location on the edge of a nature reserve affords frequent sightings of dolphins, seals, otters, osprey and wildfowl. There is also a shop and cafe.
Cambus o'May is a stunningly beautiful natural forest that is located in the Deeside Way. It provides an escape from all the everyday hustle and bustle, the forest is so tranquil and peaceful. Every season brings its own appeal and enchantment from the wildflowers in the spring to the beautiful autumnal colours and crisp leaves in autumn. There are a choice of trails that you can follow, they are well sign posted and range in length, there is even a wheelchair accessible route. You can stroll through the Scots pine trees and silver birch whilst, watching for the native wildlife including red squirrels, dragonflies and black grouse. Admire the views of the forest from bridge that spans the lochan, it is a popular spot in the warmer months to plunge from the bridge and swim in the fresh waters, this beautiful suspension bridge is also the highlight of the walk here in Cambus o'May. Cambus o'May is an important location for ground nesting birds like capercaille, it is also home to a disused granite mine. There are plenty of opportunities to take a picnic where you can enjoy the views across Strath, Ballater and Craigendarroch. Cambus o'May is ideal for those who want to enjoy a walk in the countryside that is not too strenuous but still has stunning scenery.
Situated one mile from Nethybridge, this is the largest native Scots pinewood in Britain. Abernethy is well-known for its many rare northern insects as well as being home to breeding birds such as capercaillie, crossbill, crested tit, osprey and goldeneye.
Gardens & Woodlands
No recommended Gardens & Woodlands found within 30 miles of this property.
Local Attractions
World famous working distillery still owned and managed by the Grant family. Glenfiddich is unique in the fact that it is the only Highland Single Malt that is distilled, matured and bottled at its own distillery.
With its distinctive pagodas, cobbled courtyard and picturesque buildings, Strathisla Distillery is arguably the most beautiful distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1786, it is also the oldest operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
Revered by connoisseurs, The Glenlivet can only be made in one particular spot, in a single glen, in the heart of Scotland's malt whisky-making country. Delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling — and of course, sample the golden magic that is The Glenlivet.
The Braemar Gathering is a popular Highland Games event that always takes place on the first Saturday in September, and is hosted in The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. It is an extremely popular event that has taken place for the past 900 years and are attended by members of the Royal family. It is not surprising that the event sells out quickly with tickets going on sale almost a year in advance. There are a choice of ticket options available. There are lots of different games and activities taking place including, international athletes participating in the heavy and track events, pipers and dancers, a tug of war, hill race, bagpipe competitions, childrens sack race and lots more. The Braemar Gathering is world renowned for its friendly and hospitable welcome it extends to all visitors. It is a day long event and the weather cannot be depended on so it is best to dress to cover all eventualities. The Braemar Gathering is a brilliant community event with a friendly and bustling vibe and loads of entertainment and fun, a fantastic day out for everyone.
Loch Muick Reserve forms part of the Balmoral Estate. Loch Muick is located at the base of Lochnagar, one of Scotlands best mountains. The area is stunningly beautiful and the panoramic views are amazing, it offers wonderful photo opportunities. There is a real sense of calm and tranquillity about the area it offers the perfect escape from it all. The region has a number of marked walking trails that vary in length and difficulty, you can in fact walk all the way around the loch. If you choose to walk around the loch, you will pass Queen Victoria's hunting lodge where a waterfall cascades down the hills, beautiful. It is also home for a lot of native wildlife including grouse, deer, hare and various birds. The visitor centre is very helpful, it has lots of information and the staff are most helpful and very knowledgeable. It is recommended that you wear suitable footwear and warm clothing as it can get quite blustery here. Loch Muick Reserve is simply stunning and should not be missed if you get the opportunity to visit.
Take the tour and enjoy a dram at Glenfarclas, one of the few independent distilleries left in Scotland. It has been owned by the Grant family since 1865.
Woodend Barn is a multi-arts venue located in a charming converted barn in Banchory amongst lovely surroundings. It is a lively and vibrant cultural centre in the middle of Deeside and is extremely popular within the community. It has a comprehensive programme schedule with everything from live music events to exhibitions, theatre productions and films, opera and ceilidh nights, you are spoilt for choice. The Barn being the main performing space is highly equipped with all modern technologies for the customers benefit. The gallery is located in a converted byre, and is the sole independent contemporary art gallery in Aberdeenshire, it is modern and bright and displays a varied selection of local, national and international artists. The cafe is bright and spacious whilst maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere, it is open throughout the day serving light snacks, lunches and dinner as well as a choice of beverages, the food is locally sourced, home cooked and delicious and is great value for money, service is excellent too. You also great wonderful views across the hills just outside Banchory. Relax in the Wild Garden and enjoy the delights of nature as you sit amongst the wild flowers or down by the small pond and savour the peacefulness. The venue is run by a team of staff and volunteers, who you will find to be extremely friendly and helpful. Woodend Barn is a great place to meet and socialise either with a coffee or at one of their events, it is a gorgeous venue and well worth a visit.
Go Health and Beauty are a mobile service that bring the spa to your home, workplace or wherever you choose. They offer a great choice of Alternative and beauty treatments with emphasis on Eastern and Western Holistic procedures. Each service is adapted to your personal needs and requirements and all treatments are discussed with you prior to your treatment starting. The therapist Natalia is a highly qualified and trained therapist who has many years experience and uses high quality products. The ideology is that rather than being a treat that some of these treatments form part of your regular health care. Whatever treatment you choose you will receive the best service and will feel refreshed and relaxed at the end of your treatment.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is positioned beside Balmoral Castle and offers the ideal opportunity to find out how Scottish Whisky is manufactured. Still made to traditional methods, with the original type of equipment you will see the process from start to finish, barley to bottle. Water is taken from the local Scarnock Springs and local barley is also used in the process. The tour guides are very good they are friendly, knowledgeable and passionate in explaining the history of the distillery as well as the process of how the whisky is made. You are given the opportunity to smell the aroma of some of the older casks which, is interesting. At the end of the tour you are rewarded with a testing session of their award-winning Royal Lochnagar 12 year old single highland malt. Unfortunately children under 8 are not allowed in the production areas of the distillery. The tour is very interesting and informative nad there are a choice of tour options, they all offer excellent value for money.
Located on the Scottish borders is Johnstons of Elgin, they have had a presence here since 1797 and are craftsmen in the craft of cashmere and fine woollens. The tours are free and the guides are excellent, convivial and knowledgeable and make the tour interesting and informative, you get a detailed tour where you learn about the complete manufacturing process, from how yarn is produced to how fabric is woven, many of the processes still remain the same as when the mill originally opened. There is an Interpretive Centre that is well laid out and again has lots of information. Tours generally take place between 10am and 3pm and only during mill working hours, it is probably best to book in advance. The shop has a lovely selection of their goods, they may appear to be expensive but once you are aware of the quality and craftsmanship then you can justify them, other items are also for sale including homewares and furnishings. The restaurant is lovely and has a varied menu and a good selection of beverages and the prices are very reasonable, and the quality excellent. Johnstons of Elgin Mill Tour is a thoroughly enjoyable tour, you get so much from it and the guides are superb, don't miss if you have the opportunity to visit this lovely mill, highly recommended.
The Gordon & MacPhail family have occupied and traded on these premises on Elgin Street since 1895, and are somewhat of an institution here in Glasgow. Walking through the doors of this historic house, you are meet with the most delicious smell of home cooked local gammon, also stocked here is the biggest choice of the best cheeses in North East Scotland and the shop is packed with high quality groceries and artisan produce, a truly wonderful deli. The highlight of this delightful store is the Whisky Room, stocked here are more than 1,000 varying single malt whiskies, it is not surprising that it attracts clients from all over the world to see this spectacular selection of whiskies. It is a treasure throve of whiskies, some are extremely old and extraordinarily rare. It is the ultimate stop for a whisky connoisseur, samples are available from a wide selection of the whiskies. The staff are both friendly and helpful and will offer advice on choosing a whisky. Gordon & MacPhail is a wonderful deli and even if you aren't looking for whisky it is worth going to the store just to wander around, you will love all there is to see.
aMazin! Adventure Park is a fun filled day out for all. They are located just outside of St Peter's Village and there is plenty of parking, as well a bus service. The park is clean and the equipment is well maintained. Admission includes all activities and there is no restrictions on how often you can use them. There is lots of activities to keep everyone entertained with jumping pillows, tractor rides, pedal go-karts, water fun, slides, walkways, rope walks, zip wires, cannons, farm animals and much more. It is the perfect day out regardless of the weather with the heated indoor barn you can visit throughout the year. There is a snack bar and the Snack Shack where there is a good choice of hot and cold dishes, snacks, cakes and drinks available. The staff are very friendly and helpful. They are open daily throughout the year and the admission prices are very reasonable, they offer a number of ticket options as well as annual membership, full details are on the website. aMazin! Adventure park offers a safe and fun environment where both children and adults can have loads of fun and with more than thirty activities available you can easily spend the day here, a great place for children and real value for money too.
Glen Moray Distillery has been producing their fine single malt whiskies on the banks of the River Lossie since 1897, and to this day they continue to use the traditional ingredients and methods in producing their fine whiskies. A tour of this fine, small and casual distillery will give a real insight into this craft that has been handed down through generations, the knowledgeable tour guides are actually distillery craftsmen so know exactly what they are talking about, they are interesting and insightful, you will be told about the whole process. They will talk you through the process of how the local malted barley and pure river waters are converted into their highly acclaimed single malt whiskies. Their location also plays an important part in the process. Their whiskies are available to purchase and you can choose from a choice of ages and vintages there is something to appeal to all whisky drinkers, from novice to connoisseur. They are open for tours Monday to Friday throughout the year, and on Saturdays May to September, there are various tour times so do check the website to see what times are available. The cafe is lovely with a great selection of beverages and snacks to choose from, and is very reasonable. A visit to Glen Moray Distillery is interesting and informative and will appeal to all ages, admission is only £5 and this includes tasting and under 18's are free so it is very good value, a first class visitor attraction.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Another of the castles visited by Mary Queen of Scots, Balvenie is a fine 13th century castle of enclosure with a curtain wall, first owned by the Comyns and added to in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Old Royal Station is beautifully restored with lots of its original features and is a reminder of a time gone by when the railroads were the main mode of transport. The station itself has a nice selection of Victoria and Albert history, with interactive displays and some activities for the children. The waiting room is beautiful so ornate and luxurious a real reflection of the grandeur of that time. The Royal railway carriage is an exact replica of the one that would have been used by Queen Victoria and her family and gives a real insight into how royalty travelled and what it would have been like when the Queen and her entourage arrived to holiday in Balmoral. The exhibition is very well done with lifelike figures all in period clothing. The entrance fee is only nominal and represents great value for money. The station itself has a long and interesting history and this is dealt with as well at the Old Royal Station. Old Royal Station is a lovely museum that gives a true reflection of life during that period, it is both interesting and informative and will appeal to all ages.
Located on the banks of the River Ythan, Fyvie Castle is a fascinating 13th century fort. The childhood home of Charles I, the site of one of the many battles of Robert the Bruce and a family home this impressive castle was originally built by William the Lion in 1211. See if you can spot any of the ghoulish wanderings of the resident ghost!
This 16th century castle, family home of the McPherson-Grants, lairds of Ballindalloch since 1546, offers (self-guided) tours, an audio-visual presentation, tearoom, shop, gardens, river walks, electric trains, an observation beehive and famous Aberdeen-Angus cattle herd.
Banchory Museum is a compact museum but still manages to pack a lot in, it has quite an eclectic collection of items and lots to interest everyone. It is conveniently located in the centre of the town not far from the high street. The museum narrates the local history of the town through displays, photographs and artefacts, in particular it centres on the life of local resident James Scott Skinner - the Strathspey King, a musician and composer. Other displays include Deeside's royal connections, 19th century tartans, Victoriana and Deeside's natural history and archaeology, from Mesolithic through to Bronze Age. There are both permanent and temporary exhibits here so always something new to see. The Museum is open throughout the year from but on specific days in winter and summer, best to check the website for full details, there is no charge for admission. A number of events are organised during the year and again details are on the website. Volunteers run the museum, you will find them to be very friendly and helpful and also knowledgeable on the history of the local area and items on display. Banchory Museum is the ideal place to go if wanting to get the local history on Banchory, a small but interesting and informative museum and certainly worth a visit if in the area.
The museum contains many artefacts and archives relating to the lives of the local people over the past century and displays information about the Glenesk area. There is a tearoom and gift shop.
This award winning museum has something for everyone, including internationally important fossil reptiles. The impressive general collections include Pictish stones, archaeology, social history, natural history, art and science.
Impressive remains of a majestic and beautiful 13th century cathedral, with magnificent views from the NW tower. Apart from the towers and the Chapter House, the Cathedral is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
Elgin Cathedral is a stunning medieval building, although it is a ruin it still remains an impressive and important architectural legacy. Another name adopted by Elgin Cathedral is the "Latern of the North", it has a varied and interesting history and there has been a church on this site as far back as the early 13th century. Much of the cathedral still stands today including the amazing west front, edged by two tall towers, the personal entrance thought to date to 1270, the east end is mostly complete, and a highlight of the building are the choir and beautiful presbytery again dating to 1270. The exceptional stone vaulted octagonal chapter house, is perfectly maintained and allows you to fully appreciate the craftsmanship of this era. There are also stone statues of former bishops and knights, and the graveyard is worth a walk around, the gravestones are beautifully carved and the inscriptions are interesting. The views from the tower are amazing you get uninterrupted 360 degree views of the city, definitely worth the climb. There is a lovely atmosphere about the cathedral, and the grounds are kept immaculate. There is a shop that is very nice and the staff are great, friendly and helpful and ready to impart their knowledge about this lovely ruin, in addition there are plaques around the building explaining what the different ares would have been used for. Elgin Cathedral is highly recommended it is a stunning example of a bygone era, with lots of history and interest.
