Aberdeenshire is a area that’s usually surpassed by vacationers in favour of the Scottish Highlands, which is shocking as a result of there are some totally incredible issues to do in Aberdeenshire.
From quaint mountain villages, haunted castles and atmospheric ruins, to hip breweries, estate-to-plate delicacies, and seashores teeming with wildlife- this area is riddled with hidden gems.
I lately frolicked travelling this lesser-explored area, and so I’ve put collectively this text on a number of the greatest issues to see and do. In addition to the favored must-sees, I’ve included a few of my private favourites that are a bit of off the overwhelmed monitor.
I hope you take pleasure in exploring this bonnie area as a lot as I’ve!
Should-Go to Castles In Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is called Scotland’s citadel nation and is residence to The Fort Path– a scenic drive that takes you to a number of the area’s most spectacular castles. Listed below are my private suggestions for the most effective castles to go to in Aberdeenshire, together with a bit of little bit of historical past to entice you to go to!
Kildrummy Fort
Kildrummy Fort was constructed for the Earls of Mar within the mid-1200s as a stronghold, and performed a task within the Scottish Wars of Independence and The Jacobite Rising of 1915.
When Robert the Bruce was defeated on the Battle of Methven in 1306, he despatched his spouse (Elizabeth de Burgh), daughter (Majorie) and two sisters to Kildrummy Fort beneath the safety of his youthful brother, Sir Neil Bruce.
His actions enabled the ladies to flee, nonetheless, Sir Neil was captured by the English forces. He was sadly executed for treason- and was hung, drawn and quartered at Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
You may really see this scene play out within the Netflix movie, Outlaw King, though a special citadel was used within the movie.
Kildrummy Fort was besieged many instances throughout its lifetime, and was beneath the management of Edward, Hammer of the Scots, at one time- so the historical past right here is mind-blowing.
Why I adore it: Kildrummy Fort is among the largest citadel ruins I’ve explored in Scotland- it’s definitely spectacular! An data board on the citadel exhibits what it as soon as would have regarded like, which makes it simple to grasp why Robert the Bruce despatched his household there for defense.
Crathes Fort
Pronounced ‘crath-iss’, this citadel is an totally beautiful tower home well-known for its spectacular Scottish Renaissance painted ceilings.
The land that Crathes Fort stands on was gifted to the Burnett household by Robert the Bruce. The citadel was constructed later, in the course of the Sixteenth century.
Right this moment it’s within the secure fingers of the Nationwide Belief For Scotland– and a go to to the citadel and grounds is the proper household time out.
Set inside 530 acres of woodlands and fields, there are considerable nature trails, and a Wild Wooden Journey Playground for the youngsters!
As you wander via the citadel, admire the painted ceilings and unique items of furnishings owned by the Burnett household.
There may be additionally a beautiful walled backyard with yew bushes that date again to 1702! You possibly can simply spend the day right here basking within the historical past.
Canine are allowed on the grounds and within the cafe, however they don’t seem to be allowed contained in the citadel.
Why I adore it: The citadel appears to be like like one thing out of a fairytale, and in sure mild it has a pinkish tinge. The inside of the citadel can be beautiful; the painted ceilings definitely make it a bit totally different, and apparently one of many earlier house owners had verses from the Geneva Bible painted on the ceiling.
The Geneva Bible was the primary mass-produced bible, and by 1560 it was adopted by the Scottish Kirk. By 1579, the Scottish Authorities made it a requirement that households above a sure revenue needed to buy a replica. The Laird went one step additional and had it painted on his ceiling!
Scotland Journey Tip:
I like to recommend buying a membership with the Nationwide Belief For Scotland in the event you plan on visiting a couple of of their sights. They take care of most of the castles in Aberdeenshire, together with Crathes Fort, Fort Fraser, Fyvie Fort, and Drum Fort. Should you go to 3-4 of their properties, this pays for the move. You additionally get free parking at their properties.
Fort Fraser
Fort Fraser, for my part, has one of the vital gorgeous exteriors of all of the castles in Scotland.
The citadel started as a tower home within the Sixteenth century and was added to over the centuries. In consequence, the citadel is an amalgamation of kinds that match collectively timelessly to create a novel and hanging citadel.
The most effective view is from behind the citadel, which is definitely the aspect you strategy the citadel from the automotive park. Contained in the courtyard, there’s a tea room with out of doors seating- a beautiful place to take pleasure in a cup of espresso and a sandwich earlier than touring the within of the citadel.
The citadel was constructed by the sixth Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser. The historical past of this citadel is a bit more delicate than different castles in Aberdeenshire, nonetheless, one of the vital fascinating shows is Main Smiley’s Room, that includes artefacts from World Warfare II.
In 1946, the citadel was gifted to Main Smiley and his spouse, Lavinia Smiley, by her father. Main Smiley was captured early in the course of the struggle and spent most of WWII as a prisoner in Nazi struggle camps.
Contained in the citadel, you may see the letter that was despatched to his spouse to inform her that he was lacking. Think about receiving that sort of letter- it’s simply mindblowing.
On his return from the struggle, working the 3600-acre property was his day job. Lavinia Smiley additionally had an enormous half in restoring the citadel, which took her 30 years. When her work was full, she gifted the citadel to the Nationwide Belief For Scotland, in order that it could possibly be loved by future generations.
Why I adore it: Fairly simply- it’s a ravishing, homely citadel and I might fairly fortunately transfer in tomorrow! My favorite room is the Corridor, which was restored to its unique model in the course of the 1900s. Fort Fraser is a superb citadel to {photograph}, and consuming lunch within the courtyard is a really particular expertise.
Slains Fort
Slains Fort (often known as New Slains Fort) is famously often called the inspiration for the citadel in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Right this moment it’s a spectacular cliffside break overlooking the North Sea. Constructed within the seventeenth century, Slains Fort as soon as belonged to the Earls of Erroll, the title given to the Hay clan.
Slains Fort has a historical past linked to the Jacobite Rebellions of the 18th century.
Nathanial Hooke was a undercover agent despatched on behalf of Louis XIV of France to instigate a Jacobite Rebel in Scotland in 1705. He used Slains Fort as his base on a number of events, touring Scotland gathering navy intelligence for a French/Jacobite invasion of Scotland. The proximity of the citadel subsequent to the North Sea made it an excellent base for conducting top-secret enterprise.
This citadel appears to be like incredible from the sky, and is well-liked with drone lovers (please observe all guidelines and tips from the CAA in the event you fly a drone in Scotland).
Why I adore it: After studying The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley, Slains Fort shot to the highest of my bucket checklist. The e book is predicated at Slains Fort in the course of the 18th-century, in the course of the Jacobite Rising of 1708. This e book brings the citadel to life- so I like to recommend studying it earlier than visiting in the event you can!
Learn extra: 70 Books About Scotland You’ll Love
Fyvie Fort
Constructed someday in the course of the thirteenth century by William the Lion, Fyvie Fort served as a royal stronghold earlier than being bought on to numerous Scottish clan families- 5 in whole: the Prestons, Meldrums, Setons, Gordons, and Leith households. It’s mentioned that every household constructed a tower- though the accuracy of that is debated.
Fyvie Fort is among the most haunted castles in Scotland, and has a number of the most ugly tales to inform.
There’s a dying masks of a hanged assassin on show within the library, and a earlier resident buried within the citadel partitions.
There have been quite a few ghost sightings within the citadel, together with the Inexperienced Woman (aka Dame Lilias Drummond) who was betrayed by her husband for not producing a male inheritor, a trumpet participant who died of a damaged coronary heart after he misplaced his lover, and an outdated butler.
There’s additionally the chilling story of The Weeping Stones of Fyvie.
You may solely discover the citadel by guided tour; you’ll want to verify on the Nationwide Belief website for tour instances. In addition they run ghost excursions round Halloween.
Fyvie Fort additionally has the most important assortment of Raeburn work outdoors a museum or artwork gallery.
Why I adore it: Of all of the castles I’ve visited in Aberdeenshire, Fyvie Fort has essentially the most fascinating tales! The guided tour is fantastic- the most effective I’ve skilled in Scotland. This citadel is a must-see.
Drum Fort
Drum Fort is one in every of Scotland’s oldest tower homes, and has over 700 years of historical past together with hyperlinks to the Jacobite rise up and Robert the Bruce.
The Royal Forest and unique tower have been gifted to the Irvine household by Robert the Bruce. You may see the final remnants of the oak forest that Robert the Bruce gifted the household right now.
A Jacobean mansion home was later added, and the decrease corridor was reconstructed right into a library that comprises 4,000 books!
Please notice entry to the citadel can solely be completed by way of tour– these run all through the day with the final tour at 3.15 pm. Extra data might be discovered on the Drum Fort web page on the Nationwide Belief For Scotland web site.
Exterior the citadel, there’s a Sixteenth-century chapel tucked within the woods. The Backyard of Historic Roses is a must-see for backyard lovers, and you may spot pink squirrels, badgers and deer within the historic oak forest.
That is one other Aberdeenshire citadel you may simply spend the day at- pack yourselves a picnic or order one thing to eat from their tea room and take in the majestic ambiance of the citadel and grounds.
Why I adore it: Drum Fort is a hidden gem that many individuals miss on their travels round Scotland. A spotlight is that the tearoom is situated within the historic kitchen, so you may take pleasure in a meal in a stunning historic setting!
Dunnottar Fort
Dunnottar Fort is an enormous, tumbling break set upon a cliff- and arguably essentially the most well-known citadel within the area of Aberdeenshire.
It’s situated in Stonehaven, simply south of Aberdeen, and in addition to entertaining vibrant sunsets, it additionally has a vibrant historical past. Well-known guests to Dunnottar Fort embrace Mary Queen of Scots (who as soon as visited together with her son, the long run James VI), William Wallace and King Charles II.
William Wallace as soon as captured the citadel from the English. The English garrison took refuge within the church and Wallace set fireplace to it, killing all of them and destroying the citadel.
Throughout the seventeenth century, a small garrison held out in opposition to Oliver Cromwell (who was Lord Protector of England) and his military for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels from destruction. The jewels had been lowered down the cliffs to an area girl pretending to be gathering seaweed. She escaped with the crown jewels safely intact!
Dunnottar Fort can be one of the vital romantic locations in Scotland and is a well-liked location to get wedding ceremony images taken in Scotland.
Why I adore it: This citadel appears to be like spectacular at dawn and sunset- particularly when considered from the southwest looking in direction of the ocean. It additionally has a reasonably cool historical past, and never many individuals know this however you could find Scotland’s oldest Pictish fort simply north of the citadel!
Cragievar Fort
Craigievar Fort is at the moment closed for a large conservation undertaking, however is ready to reopen in 2024 (date pending). The grounds are nonetheless open, nonetheless!
Referred to as the ‘pink citadel’, this citadel is well-liked with Instagrammers.
Building on the citadel began within the Sixteenth century, and was later accomplished by William Forbes in 1626. It stays just about unchanged since then, so stepping inside this citadel actually is like stepping again in time!
It was a household residence till the Nineteen Sixties, and now it’s within the care of the Nationwide Belief For Scotland.
Why I adore it: Cragievar actually is the fairytale citadel of Scotland- it’s simply gorgeous and a lot enjoyable to {photograph}.
Balmoral Fort
Balmoral Fort has been the Scottish vacation residence of the Royal Household ever because it was bought for Queen Victoria by her husband, Prince Albert.
Every year the grounds and gardens, in addition to exhibitions, confide in the general public. It’s essential to notice that you just can’t tour the whole castle- the ballroom is the one room open to guests.
Should you e book on-line prematurely you additionally obtain the audio tour complimentary. Should you purchase tickets on the citadel the headset prices £5 to rent. Reserving prematurely is beneficial, as tickets do promote out, particularly in the course of the summer season.
A singular tour which you can e book is a tour of the Balmoral Highland Pony Stud. For a gaggle of as much as 8, it prices £600- definitely not the most cost effective of excursions however you’ll have the distinctive alternative to find out about this uncommon breed and their life on the property. You’ll additionally get to satisfy the property’s foals and mighty stallions- a once-in-a-lifetime expertise for horse lovers.
Why I adore it: It’s the historical past of this citadel that makes it particular. It was clearly one in every of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite locations, as she selected to spend her last days right here.
Extra Issues to Do in Aberdeenshire
Discover Braemar
Braemar is a ravishing and charming mountain village situated within the coronary heart of the Cairngorms Nationwide Park. It’s residence to the Braemar Highland Gathering, one in every of Scotland’s most well-known highland video games.
Issues to do in Braemar embrace:
- Have lunch or dinner at Farquharsons Bar and Kitchen
- Go to the Braemar Chocolate Store
- Buy groceries on the Braemar Gallery, Braes O’Mar Present Store and McLean of Braemar
- Braemar Fort (at the moment closed as a result of conservation work however scheduled to reopen in August 2023).
- Deal with your self to an expensive keep at The Fife Arms
Why I adore it: It’s the proper instance of a mountain village- surrounded by thriving nature, effervescent brooks, cute wee cottages, and cozy pubs. It’s the proper place to spend a couple of days to get away from it all- whether or not you might be searching for a tranquil winter escape or visiting in the course of the hotter climate. After all, the Braemar Highland Gathering is a must-see in the event you’re visiting in September!
Discover Ballater
Ballater is a mountain city well-liked with vacationers and snowboarding lovers.
I like to recommend having brunch or lunch at Orka Artisan Cafe, which is dog-friendly and has a yummy, mild lunch menu, and scrumptious baking. Then go for a stroll across the city. Deeside Books is a must-visit for e book lovers, and there are many present and homeware retailers in the event you wished to do some purchasing.
Why I adore it: It’s a small city and simply accessible on foot. There are many beautiful present retailers, and the bookstore is nice!
Potarch Cafe & Dinnie Stones
Potarch Cafe is situated on the Ballogie Property, which is residence to most of the elements they use on their menu.
We ate breakfast right here as soon as, and it was SUPERB. I had the Ham, Egg and Tatties (Pomme Anna, pork stomach, blended home pickles, poached egg, hollandaise) and the Haggis had the Rarebit (Two items of sourdough bread, Scottish cheese, Scottish beer, blended home pickles, aspect salad).
Situated simply outdoors the cafe you’ll discover the Dinnie Stones– a pair of lifting stones, made well-known by strongman Donald Dinnie.
They’ve a mixed weight of 332.49 kg (733 lbs/52 stone) and solely 7 folks have been profitable on the ‘bridge problem’- carrying one stone in every hand throughout the width of the Potarch bridge (5.22 metres).
Why it’s price visiting: You’re fairly actually consuming meals off the estate- elements are recent, ethically sourced, and scrumptious! This can be a incredible spot for foodies and the Dinnie Stones are one other fascinating cause to go to.
Watch a sheepdog demonstration
Do you know that Border Collies originate within the borders of Scotland? I didn’t- till we watched a sheepdog demonstration at Aberdeenshire Sheepdogs!
Thought-about to be the neatest breed of canine, it’s unimaginable to see these canine at work, herding a gaggle of Hebridean Sheep via cones and into pens.
Aberdeenshire Sheepdogs is run by Gary and Michelle Bruce. At their farm, you’ll meet their crew of dogs- Kim, Floss, Teeick, Shep, and Kye, the cutest wee collie pup!
Why I adore it: That is such a novel expertise and the place higher to see a sheepdog demonstration than the delivery nation of the Border collie?
Discover the historic fishing village of Footdee
Footdee (pronounced ‘fittie’) is a historic fishing village stuffed with quirk- and a must-see when visiting the town of Aberdeen.
From the colorful gardens to the jumble of backyard ornaments, humourous indicators, and repurposed home goods hanging from the bushes; Footdee appears like a deeply private village, stuffed with character and cheer.
The residents are all so lovely- they’ll offer you a pleasant good day while you move by. They take nice pleasure of their vibrant neighbourhood, and are welcoming to those that discover it.
Why I adore it: This village is a chunk of residing historical past. It’s each quirky and charming, and enjoyable to only wander via the squares and take a look at the colorful gardens and cheeky indicators.
Finzean Property and Farm Store
Simply after we visited the Finzean Property Farm Store it was named the most effective 32 cafes and eating places for breakfast by The Guardian– which is properly deserved!
The meals, two phrases = recent and INCREDIBLE. The Haggis cherished his Stornoway black pudding and free-range poached eggs; my granola, yoghurt and honey was scrumptious.
Not solely have they got a mouth-watering menu, however additionally they have a big store crammed with artisan presents, native beer and gins, books, and groceries. We ended up buying some recent produce and elements to have a home-cooked meal at our lodging that night time.
There was even a canine pen for Angus to run round in whereas we loved our breakfast!
Why I adore it: I’m obsessive about this wee farm store, which has a superb menu, present store, and collection of produce.
Tomnaverie Stone Circle
Tomnaverie Stone Circle surrounds a burial cairn courting to round 4,500 years in the past.
It’s one in every of two stone circles that contains a recumbent stone (a stone mendacity on its aspect) in Aberdeenshire. Nobody is aware of for positive what stone circles have been used for in Scotland, nonetheless, if I hazard a guess, they might be used for rituals- significantly at dawn or sundown, for the frequent cause that most of the stone circles in Scotland seem on hills.
Why I adore it: This stone circle is spectacular in comparison with many different stone circles I’ve seen in Scotland. The recumbent stone can be interesting- it’s enjoyable to theorise why it was positioned on its aspect.
Newburgh Seal Seaside
As you might have guessed, Newburgh Seal Seaside is a incredible seashore for seal-spotting! Situated simply 20 minutes north of Aberdeen, this seashore is residence to a colony of round 400 seals.
From the automotive park, observe the trail up over the sand dunes for spectacular views of golden cream sand and wild sea. Maintain your eyes peeled for seal heads arising and down within the waters!
I can’t wait to carry Alex again to this seashore when he’s older- it’s an incredible seashore for youths and canine, with sand dunes to discover and the proper spot for a picnic!
Seize some goodies from Trellis Cafe (their Rolo Brownie- O.M.G) and head on all the way down to the silky sands with bonnie views.
Why I adore it: This seashore has a number of the loveliest sand dunes I’ve seen in Scotland. There’s additionally quite a lot of birdlife for twitchers.
Bullers of Buchan
The Bullers of Buchan is a collapsed sea cave, 30 metres deep, the place the ocean runs via a pure archway. Should you’re visiting between Might and July it’s possible you’ll be fortunate sufficient to identify a puffin! They nest excessive within the cliffs- you’ll want to carry some binoculars with you to offer you a greater likelihood at finding them.
The Bullers of Buchan is situated simply off the A975, north of Cruden Bay. Park within the Bullers of Buchan automotive park (it’s free) and stroll the well-defined path towards the coast. The Bullers of Buchan is situated near Slains Fort, so you may simply mix these two actions.
Why I adore it: On a pleasant summer season’s day, there’s nothing higher to do than sit on the grassy banks and watch seabirds mull concerning the cliffs and breathe within the salty sea air.
Discover whisky distilleries
A terrific wet day exercise (or basic exercise), Aberdeenshire is residence to a small variety of distilleries that provide excursions, together with:
- Fettercairn Distillery
- GlenDronach Distillery
- Glen Garioch Distillery
- and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Remember to e book excursions properly prematurely as a result of they do are inclined to promote out!
Do a brewery tour
Scotland is understood for its whisky distilleries, however do you know Aberdeenshire additionally has a thriving brewery tradition? The area is residence to a number of breweries and microbreweries that provide excursions and/or tastings, together with Brew Toon, BrewDog in Aberdeen, and Burnside Brewery.
Should you’re not excited about doing a tour however want to pattern these native brews, many supermarkets and farm retailers will promote the native ales.
Scotland Journey Tip
The Haggis and I’ve enjoyable sampling the totally different beers and gins from every area once we journey round Scotland. We make it a sport that each time we go to a brand new space, we’ll go to a farm store or native grocery store to see what native gin and beer they’ve on the market. We then take pleasure in them again at our lodging!
