Portsoy, Scotland - Where to stay and what to do

This post is part of a paid partnership with Scotland's Best B&Bs to showcase what makes their members so special

A short break in Portsoy, Scotland, with 3 suggested itineraries

Where to stay in Portsoy

Brandon Lodge Bed & Breakfast

​I spent 2 nights at Brandon Lodge Bed and Breakfast, located in a quiet rural setting, just 3 miles from the historic harbour town of Portsoy in Aberdeenshire. Check out my recommended itineraries below to discover some of the best things to do in and around Portsoy.

THE ACCOMMODATION
​​Once comprising three linked stone cottages, Brandon Lodge has been converted into a beautiful and spacious home that reflects its heritage and coastal location. Surrounded by tranquil countryside, extensive views, bird song and curious deer that wander up the driveway - it is the perfect place for a relaxed getaway. 

Despite feeling a world away from the stresses and noises of modern life, it is only a short detour from the main road and only a few miles from the picturesque harbour town of Portsoy, one of my favourite villages on the east coast. I could quite happily spend hours at the 17th century harbour watching the tide ebb and flow, an experience enhanced by some local ice-cream or a fish supper!

I need to give a special big shout out to owner, Lorna, for going above and beyond to meet my gluten free diet, not only did she put some gluten free biscuit bars on my hospitality tray to enjoy with my tea, and sourced items for my breakfast, she also baked some gluten free pancakes to welcome me on my arrival. Not only is this the first time a host has went to that extra effort for me, it turned out it was the first time she had ever made them which I would never have guessed as they were totally deeeeelicious - there was not a crumb left!

FRESHLY BAKED GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES - YUM!

Lorna has created beautiful guest accommodation filled with gorgeous artwork and decorated in cool coastal colours - I LOVED the design of my room which was modern and light with shades of the ocean. I was also delighted to find the en-suite stocked with my favourite toiletries from The Scottish Fine Soap Company - Sea Kelp scented - the ideal products to complete a sea-themed stay.
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Big fluffy towels and a plump mattress added a touch of luxurious comfort and I had no problem falling straight to sleep in my serene Aberdeenshire retreat.

Although the rooms don't have a TV, there is one in the guest sitting room where you can catch up on your favourite programmes or chill out in front of the fire with a book. There are only 2 guest rooms at Brandon Lodge so there is plenty of space for everyone.

THE BREAKFAST

I always let hosts know in advance that I’m gluten free as this lets them prepare some breakfast options which meant Lorna was able to offer me berries and yoghurt followed by a good choice of cooked items and toast.

I could tell you about how good my breakfast was – and it was! - however, the thing I appreciated the most was Lorna quickly getting to work in the kitchen to make sure I was well fed when I had to leave earlier than anticipated in the morning due to a family emergency. She also offered to cancel a dinner booking I had made at a local hotel that evening so I had less to worry about. Her genuine efforts to find ways to reduce my stress and keep me on an even keel when I was in a total tizz helped more than I can express in this blog post.

I've said it before but I feel the need to mention it again, my experience of the bed and breakfast accommodation on this trip was seriously impressive, every host went the extra mile to provide a high standard of personal service which is one of the reasons they are all handpicked members of Scotland's Best B&Bs. But it went beyond that, every host showed genuine warmth and I left every property feeling like I had made a new friend.

​If you're planning a trip to Portsoy, I can absolutely recommend a stay with Lorna at Brandon Lodge.

Book a stay at Brandon Lodge

​What to do around Portsoy

​Now you have your accommodation sorted, you might be wondering how best to spend your time in Portsoy so I've suggested 3 road trips that include some of the best scenery in the area.

​THREE ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES

Using Brandon Lodge Bed and Breakfast as your base, these routes are all easy to follow. I have included all the highlights so you can personalise each route to your own interests. It is unlikely you will have the time to to visit every place listed so I suggest picking a few places that you definitely want to include and adding in more attractions if you have time left over.

​OPTION 1 - COASTAL VILLAGES
​BEST FOR - SCENERY

This route stops by some of the prettiest coastal villages in Aberdeenshire, including Pennan, which features in the movie, Local Hero, and its neighbour, Crovie, hemmed in between the sea and the cliffs.

HIGHLIGHTS

Portsoy - Stroll around the 17th-century harbour, watch traditional boats being made at The Boatshed and try some Portsoy ice-cream

Whitehills - Take a detour to this traditional village now popular with leisure crafts, stop by The Galley Waterfront Cafe for fresh seafood

Duff House - Take a tour of the artwork housed in a magnificent Georgian mansion

Macduff Marine Aquarium - Find out more about the sea creatures that inhabit the Moray Firth and meet some of them face to face

Gardenstown - Take a walk around this picturesque harbour settlement set on a hillside and visit the historic St John's Kirkyard once known as the 'Kirk of Sculls'

Crovie - Leave your car in the car park and walk down to this picturesque village built on a narrow ledge between the sea and the cliff base

Troup Head Nature Reserve - Follow the trail along the cliffs to view the resident seabirds, including Scotland's only mainland gannet colony

Cullykhan Beach - Escape the crowds at this hidden gem of a beach located below the cliffs and the remnants of an ancient fort - look out for the giant cave known as Hell’s Lum'

Pennan - Famous for its starring role in the movie Local Hero, this pretty village makes a worthwhile photo stop

​OPTION 2 - RETURN TRIP TO FORRES VIA ELGIN
BEST FOR - HISTORY & HIDDEN GEMS

Head west to discover some of the fascinating history of the area, taking in some incredible attractions and a few hidden gems along the way - from a sea arch shaped like the tip of a fiddle bow to a mysterious well, to the only medieval British monastery still being used for its original purpose and much more. It is not possible to visit everything on this list in a day so choose wisely!

HIGHLIGHTS

Cullen - Home to the famous Cullen Skink soup, try some in the local eateries, wander past the historic seaside cottages or visit the 'Three Kings' - rock stack formations at the beach

Bow Fiddle Rock - The sea arch shaped like the tip of a fiddle bow is a popular photo stop

Elgin - You could easily spend a few hours exploring the town - don't miss Elgin Cathedral and its wonderful collection of carved stones, visit Elgin Museum which has been around since 1843, making it Scotland's oldest independent museum or take a tour of Elgin Mill and watch local craftsmen produce sought after knitted cashmere goods

Pluscarden Abbey - Admire the ornate abbey and striking stained glass windows while the resident monks silently go about their business in a scene unchanged for centuries

Forres - One of the oldest small towns in Scotland, Sueno's Stone is a highlight - a 7m tall Pictish slab which is the tallest and most complete piece of medieval sculpture in Scotland

Kinloss Abbey - Make a quick stop at the ruins of what was once one of the finest and wealthiest abbeys in Scotland

The Findhorn Foundation - Wander around the eco-homes in this spiritual community and stop in at the café for lunch

Burghead - Reputedly once the largest Iron Age fort in Britain, it is now a great place to spot marine wildlife and the village is also home to a mysterious well worth visiting

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OPTION 3 - THE WHISKY TRAIL
BEST FOR - WHISKY LOVERS

Speyside is the heart of Scotland's whisky country with numerous distilleries open to the public for tours and tastings, this route also takes in some other whisky themed attractions in the area making it the perfect itinerary for lovers of Scotland's national drink. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Strathisla Distillery - Take a tour of the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands located in the town of Keith

Dufftown - Known as the 'Malt Whisky Capital of the World' - take a tour of Glenfiddich or Balvenie Distilleries, visit The Whisky Shop with over 600 whiskies and explore the ruins of Balvenie Castle

Keith and Dufftown Railway - Leave the car behind and book a ticket on the heritage railway along the 'Whisky Line', don't miss their café in a railway carriage in Dufftown

Speyside Cooperage - Watch the coopers work on casks for the whisky industry and find out how casks influence the taste of the end product in a 4-D cinematic presentation

The GlenAllachie Distillery - Book a tour of one of the few independently owned and managed distilleries in Scotland

Dallas Dhu Distillery - They no longer produce whisky here so there is a unique opportunity to get your hands on the machinery and equipment during a self-guided audio tour

Benromach Distillery - Join a tour of this traditional Speyside distillery owned by a family of whisky-lovers

You might also like to read this blog about my recommended whisky-themed activities in the Portsoy area

​Hopefully this has given you some ideas for a trip to Portsoy, a brilliant base for exploring Scotland's North East coast and whisky country. To discover more fantastic bed and breakfasts around the country, pop over to Scotland's Best B&Bs website.

I hope my latest Adventure Around Scotland has inspired you

Susanne x