Things to do in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is a frequently overlooked region of Scotland despite covering a vast area which includes some of Scotland's most iconic mountains, castles and a stunning coastline.
It is home to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family situated in the magnificent Royal Deeside. If the region is deemed worthy of an annual visit by royalty each year, it should definitely feature on your travel list too. It is actually home to over 300 castles, stately homes and ruins and even has its own Castle Trail. There are 19 impressive castles dotted along the route and I'm proud to say I've visited nearly all of them, just a few more to go!
If, like me, you are drawn to the coast then the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail is a spectacular road-trip that is still very much under the radar. I've driven it twice now and I can highly recommend the route which features diverse scenery, wildlife and history. It was even voted as one of the most scenic coastlines in the world by National Geographic Magazine so don't just take my word for it.
If you are after a city break then Aberdeen offers a very different experience to other cities in Scotland and is famous for its granite buildings and sculptures, earning it the nickname 'The Granite City'. There are plenty of hidden gems to discover including street art and the quirky buildings of Footdee.
Aberdeenshire also encompasses part of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest park in the UK which is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers. If you're feeling energetic you can bag some Munros, the region includes four of highest mountains in the UK. The Deeside Way is a 41 mile route that can be walked or cycled if you want to explore more of the area at a slower pace.
If you need more inspiration, I have written a range of blog posts about things to do in the region.
It is home to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family situated in the magnificent Royal Deeside. If the region is deemed worthy of an annual visit by royalty each year, it should definitely feature on your travel list too. It is actually home to over 300 castles, stately homes and ruins and even has its own Castle Trail. There are 19 impressive castles dotted along the route and I'm proud to say I've visited nearly all of them, just a few more to go!
If, like me, you are drawn to the coast then the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail is a spectacular road-trip that is still very much under the radar. I've driven it twice now and I can highly recommend the route which features diverse scenery, wildlife and history. It was even voted as one of the most scenic coastlines in the world by National Geographic Magazine so don't just take my word for it.
If you are after a city break then Aberdeen offers a very different experience to other cities in Scotland and is famous for its granite buildings and sculptures, earning it the nickname 'The Granite City'. There are plenty of hidden gems to discover including street art and the quirky buildings of Footdee.
Aberdeenshire also encompasses part of the Cairngorms National Park, the largest park in the UK which is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers. If you're feeling energetic you can bag some Munros, the region includes four of highest mountains in the UK. The Deeside Way is a 41 mile route that can be walked or cycled if you want to explore more of the area at a slower pace.
If you need more inspiration, I have written a range of blog posts about things to do in the region.
MY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THINGS TO DO IN ABERDEEN ON A RAINY DAY
As I discovered on my latest visit, there are even plenty of things to do in on a rainy day in Aberdeen. I should add that there are even more things to do if the sun is shining which it did on my last visit.
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EXPLORE FOOTDEE - A QUIRKY FORMER FISHING VILLAGE IN ABERDEEN
Footdee or 'Fittie' as it is pronounced locally is one of Aberdeen's hidden gems although it actually sits in plain sight.
It sounded like the kind of place I definitely had to explore. |
THE ABERDEENSHIRE COASTAL TRAIL - EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
There is so much diversity along this small edge of the country from stunning beaches to historic castles. I recommend setting aside 3 - 5 days so you can experience as much as possible.
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EXPLORING BURN O'VAT - A NATURAL GEOLOGICAL WONDER IN ROYAL DEESIDE
Arriving at the entrance feels a bit like an Indiana Jones moment, with the possibility of ancient treasures or a forgotten civilisation hidden beyond the giant moss covered boulders.
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THINGS TO DO IN ABERDEENSHIRE THIS WEEKEND
I thought it was time to share some of my favourite things to do in Aberdeenshire either during a day, a weekend or on a longer visit. This is a list that will no doubt grow after every trip.
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VISIT PETERHEAD PRISON MUSEUM - SCOTLAND'S ANSWER TO ALCATRAZ
When the Victorian built HMP Peterhead finally closed in 2013, it was a stroke of genius to turn the old jail into a museum, and open up Scotland's own version of Alactraz.
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SPENDING THE WEEKEND AT THE SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL
The festival was founded after successful celebrations were held to mark the 300th anniversary of Portsoy harbour in 1993. It was decided that an annual festival should take place.
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A GUIDE TO THE HISTORICAL BRAEMAR GATHERING HIGHLAND GAMES
Braemar has been the ideal location for various 'gatherings' throughout the centuries. The current Braemar Royal Highland Gathering is just the latest in a long list of local meetings.
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My recommended accommodation in the area
A handy map of all my Aberdeenshire blog post locations
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