Enjoy cultural attractions

in towns, villages and a

flourishing city
Experience the majesty
and wild beauty of
the Banffshire coast,
Royal Deeside and the
Cairngorms National Park
What to See & Do 2014-15
Explore: Aberdeen
City and Shire
Fascinating History
Inspiring Landscapes
City Culture
Aberdeen City
and Shire
04 06 08 12
01
Explore over 100 miles
of stunning coastline
Discover royal connections on
the Victorian Heritage Trail
Indulge in sumptuous
local food and drink
02 03 04 05
Disclaimer VisitScotland has published this guide in good faith to reflect information submitted to it by the proprietor/managers of the premises listed who have paid for their entries to be included. Although VisitScotland has taken reasonable steps to confirm the information contained in the guide
at the time of going to press, it cannot guarantee that the information published is and remains accurate. Accordingly, VisitScotland recommends that all information is checked with the proprietor/manager of the business to ensure that the facilities, cost and all other aspects of the premises are
satisfactory. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation contained in the guide and excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in the guide. VisitScotland also cannot accept any liability for loss caused by the
bankruptcy, or liquidation, or insolvency, or cessation of trade of any company, firm or individual contained in this guide. Cartography: Collins Bartholomew Ltd 2014: The contents of this publication are believed correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publisher and copyright owner
can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions, changes in the detail given, or for any expense or loss thereby caused. The representation of a road, track or footpath is no evidence of a right of way. Quality Assurance awards are correct as of January 2014.
For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com
Welcome to...
02 City, coast and countryside
04 Cultural delights in the Granite City
06 Discover Scotlands Castle Trail
08 Explore a dramatic coastline
10 Adventures in the great outdoors
12 Homecoming Scotland 2014
14 Whats on
16 Getting here and around
18 VisitScotland Information Centres
19 Quality Assurance
20 How to read the listings
21 Great days out Places to visit
29 Great days out Leisure activities
34 Great days out Shopping
35 Great days out Food & drink
36 Great days out Tours
37 Great days out Transport
48 Aberdeenshire area Map 1
49 Aberdeen city Map 2
Contents
Credits
Photography: Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint, Iain Sarjeant
(inc. front cover), Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership/Lyn MacDonald,
Walter Hislop/Newmachar Golf Club, Lorne Gill/SNH, Sam Brill/Aberdeen
Convention Bureau, Aberdeen International Youth Festival, Aberdeen City
Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Balmoral Estate, Chris Robson, The Ship
Inn, Go Ape!, Castle Charter Marine Services.
Design: APS Group Scotland | www.theapsgroup.com, Shaw Marketing
and Design | www.shaw-online.com and THK Design | www.thkdesign.com
This brochure is printed on recycled content paper. VisitScotland is
committed to ensuring that our environment, upon which our tourism
is so dependent, is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
Cover: The majestic ruins of Huntly Castle in
Huntly, Aberdeenshire.
01 Picturesque Crovie on the Banffshire coast.
02 A performance during Aberdeen International
Youth Festival.
03 Drum Castle, near Peterculter.
04 Common and grey seals, Sands of Forvie.
05 The Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony, Stonehaven.
06 Stonehaven Golf Club, Stonehaven.
07 Provost Skenes House, Aberdeen.
Make the most of your break in Aberdeen City and Shire and
uncover a diverse region full of history, culture and inspiring
natural beauty.
With all the delights of a modern city, Aberdeen
boasts award-winning restaurants, fantastic
shopping and a vibrant nightlife. Aberdeen offers
a wealth of history and culture including fantastic
galleries, museums and historical buildings,
as well as a superb beach a short walk from
the city centre.
Head out of the city to rural Aberdeenshire, home
to ancient castles, idyllic villages, wonderful wildlife
and miles of clifftops, coves and beaches that make
up the rugged and spectacular coastline.
Discover the epic Banffshire coast, beautiful
Royal Deeside and the stunning Cairngorms
National Park, the largest National Park in the
UK. Explore the unique history of 17 castles
along Scotlands Castle Trail and get active
with a wide range of leisure activities such as
golf, hillwalking, sea kayaking and skiing.
Get a taste of the region by sampling delicious
local produce, including Aberdeen Angus beef
and a dram from one of Aberdeenshires many
distilleries.
06
1
4
A
B
E
R
Explore history along
Scotlands Castle Trail
06
Get active with some
outdoor adventures
10
Find out whats on
in the area
14
07
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire go to www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire 01
www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire
Explore the cosmopolitan city of Aberdeen with its bustling streets,
award-winning restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Outwith the city, discover
the picturesque villages spread along the coast or explore the majesty of
Royal Deeside and the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.
Huntly
This historic town, in the heart of Aberdeenshire,
is home to beautiful Huntly Castle, lovely Leith
Hall, a picturesque town square and a viewing
gallery, where visitors can watch tasty Deans of
Huntly shortbread being made in the factory.
Visit nearby GlenDronach Distillery, which has
been producing rich sherried single malts in
quality casks for almost 200 years. Enjoy bird of
prey demonstrations at the North East Falconry
Centre, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local
Deveron Arts scene.
Inverurie and Oldmeldrum
Inverurie is a thriving market town set amid
rolling countryside with a variety of independent
shops and a popular monthly farmers market.
The town is surrounded by some wonderful
Pictish history with stone circles such as Easter
Aquhorthies and Loanhead of Daviot, and the
Maiden Stone, a 3 m high Pictish symbol stone.
Nearby Oldmeldrum is another historic town
and it is home to one of Scotlands oldest
distilleries, Glen Garioch. Oldmeldrum is also
home to a prehistoric hill fort, Sheldon Stone
Circle, the impressive Tolquhon Castle and
stately Haddo House.
City, coast and
countryside
01
Aberdeen city
Aberdeen is one of Scotlands most striking
cities. Its granite architecture and seaside setting
are well worth exploring.
There are historic cathedrals and college
buildings, wonderful museums and art
galleries, beautiful parks and gardens, superb
shopping opportunities, great restaurants
and a lively nightlife.
Balmoral and Braemar
Balmoral Castle, the Royal Familys summer
residence in Scotland, and Crathie Kirk, near
Balmoral, are two must-see attractions.
Uncover the fascinating history of Braemar,
an attractive village in the heart of the
Cairngorms National Park.
With 24 Munros in the area (mountains over
3,000 ft) there are plenty of opportunities for
hillwalkers to burn off some energy.
Ballater and Banchory
Many shops in the delightful Victorian town
of Ballater bear Royal Warrants as suppliers
to Her Majesty the Queen.
Banchory is a charming town, just west of
Aberdeen. Crathes Castle is nearby, as is
the Royal Deeside Railway, a fascinating
heritage railway.
Banffshire coast
This region is dotted with quaint towns and
cliff-hugging villages such as Gardenstown,
Crovie and Pennan.
Explore the coastline and spot incredible wildlife
including bottlenose dolphins and gannets.
Fraserburgh
Fraserburgh is home to award-winning sandy
beaches that are some of the best places in
Scotland for surfing and kite sports.
Explore the Deeside Way from
Aberdeen through to Ballater
Enjoy some of the UKs finest
golf at Cruden Bay Golf Club
Did you
know?
Braemar is the perfect
place to experience the
sounds of the autumnal
red deer stag rut.
Aberdeen City and Shire
02 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com
04
Peterhead and Cruden Bay
Peterhead, the most eastern point on
mainland Scotland, is a major fishing port
and the bay is great for sailing, kayaking
and wildlife watching.
Cruden Bay, a picturesque coastal village with
over 1.5 miles of sand and dunes, boasts one
of the finest golf courses in the country.
Stonehaven and Fettercairn
Uncover the popular coastal town of
Stonehaven, which features a fantastic
harbour and the nearby dramatic ruins of
Dunnottar Castle.
Inland is pretty Fettercairn with its main
square, market cross and the white-washed
buildings of Fettercairn Distillery. The Royal
Arch erected in 1864 is one of the villages
most distinctive features.
Turriff and Fyvie
Turriff is a bustling town with a historic
market square, and is the home of the Turriff
Agricultural Show, the largest annual event
in Aberdeenshire.
The fairytale Fyvie Castle lies in the parish of
Fyvie and the nearby St Peters Church contains
three carved Pictish stones and a cross.
03 02
Explore Gardenstown, Crovie and
Pennan on the Banffshire coast
Discover links with the sea
at Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Visit Glen Tanar NNR and the
ancient Caledonian pine forest
05
Highlights
Royal Deeside explore the villages
in this beautiful part of Aberdeenshire
and visit Muir of Dinnet National
Nature Reserve, where youll uncover
a beautiful mosaic of woodland, heath
and open water.
Scotlands Castle Trail immerse
yourself in the regions rich history
with a visit to the 17 castles on this
fascinating trail.
The Banffshire coast visit unique
coastal villages such as Portsoy with
its stunning 17th century harbour.
01 Glenbuchat, Aberdeenshire.
02 Descending Mither Tap OBennachie.
03 Pictish standing stone, Muir of Dinnet NNR.
04 Gardenstown, near Banff, on the
Banffshire coast.
05 Union Street, Aberdeen.
Dont miss...
Formartine and Buchan Way this
53-mile walking and cycling route extends
from Dyce in Aberdeen out to Fraserburgh
and Peterhead.
Woodend Barn, Banchory enjoy
music, theatre, dance and more at this
fantastic arts venue.
Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven
one of Scotlands most iconic sights.
Bennachie, near Inverurie witness the
views from the summit of Mither Tap.
City, coast and countryside
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire go to www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire 03
Take a stroll around the cobbled streets of Old
Aberdeen and discover the magnificent Kings
College, part of Aberdeen University. The UKs
fifth oldest university was founded in 1495.
Nearby is St Machars Cathedral, one of the
oldest granite cathedrals in the world, and the
Old Townhouse, the focal point of Old Aberdeen
and the gateway to both the university and its
charming medieval campus.
Make the most of Aberdeens coastal location
and grab some fresh sea air at the citys
beachfront esplanade. Enjoy attractions
including Aberdeens Beach Leisure Centre,
Codonas Amusement Park, and the Queens
Links cinema and leisure complex.
Uncover a wide range of free attractions
including Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Aberdeen
Maritime Museum, Provost Skenes House and
the Tolbooth Museum.
Get active at the Aberdeen Sports Village,
the premier sports facility in the north east
of Scotland.
Have an adrenaline-fuelled day at Transition
Extreme, an urban sports hub with a variety
of activities including BMX biking, climbing,
skateboarding and inline skating.
Feel the chill at Aberdeen Snowsports Centre,
where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding,
tubing and a variety of major snowsports events
regardless of the weather.
Aberdeen has a reputation as a superb shopping
destination with a variety of luxury shopping
centres including Union Square and the Bon
Accord and St Nicholas centres. Theres also a
great selection of independent and boutique
stores in Rosemount and the citys West End.
Pay a visit to the Granite City with history and culture in abundance, as well as
beautiful green spaces and a superb beach. With its distinctive skyline, sparkling
granite buildings and great attractions, Aberdeen is the perfect city break
destination. Check out the wide range of events taking place, as well as the
citys buzzing nightlife and fantastic food and drink.
01
02
Cultural delights
in the Granite City
Visit the David Welch Winter
Gardens in Duthie Park
Enjoy musicals, opera, ballet and
drama at His Majestys Theatre
Spot bottlenose dolphins in the
mouth of Aberdeen harbour
Aberdeen City and Shire
04 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com
03
07
Highlights
Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference
Centre hosts the biggest names in music
and comedy.
The David Welch Winter Gardens at
Duthie Park are one of Europes largest
indoor gardens and Scotlands third most
visited gardens.
The Aberdeen Country Fair is a monthly
market on Belmont Street, in the heart
of the city, which showcases the best of
the regions local produce. It is one of the
largest markets in Scotland.
01 A view of Union Street from the Castlegate
in Aberdeen city centre.
02 Sampling the range of whisky on offer
in Aberdeen.
03 Sculpture at New Kings, Old Aberdeen.
04 Aberdeens city beach, a short walk from
the city centre.
05 Statue of Robert the Bruce outside
Marischal College, Aberdeen.
06 A performance during Aberdeen
International Youth Festival.
07 Christmas decorations at the Bon Accord
shopping centre.
Dont miss...
The Gordon Highlanders Museum
this 5-star visitor attraction is committed
to preserving and sharing the legacy of
the world-famous regiment.
The Lemon Tree an intimate
venue for contemporary music and
cutting-edge drama.
06
04 05
Did you
know?
A new state-of-the-art
Aquatics Centre is set
to open in Aberdeen
in 2014.
Cultural delights in the Granite City
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire go to www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire 05
Crathes Castle, a few miles from Banchory, is
one of the most beautiful and well-preserved
properties in the country. This fairytale castle
is a favourite for families and has a graceful
tower and beautiful walled gardens. A packed
events programme at Crathes Castle includes
the Enchanted Castle, a spectacular light and
sound show.
Castle Fraser is an atmospheric baronial castle
that dates from the 15th century and features an
impressive Great Hall, exquisite period furniture
and classic paintings. Stroll through the secluded
walled garden, enjoy a woodland walk or stop
for refreshments in the tearoom. There is also
an adventure playground for children with a
bamboo snake walk and giant xylophone.
Duff House in Banff is one of Scotlands finest
architectural masterpieces with work on display
from the National Galleries of Scotland and
various events and tours throughout the year.
You can also enjoy a round at nearby Duff House
Royal Golf Club.
Discover royal connections at Balmoral Castle
and Estate, near Ballater, the Scottish home of
the Royal Family in the heart of Royal Deeside.
Its easy to see why the fairytale castle of
Craigievar, near Alford, is said to have inspired
Walt Disney.
Follow in the footsteps of William Wallace
and Mary Queen of Scots at the evocative
ruined clifftop fortress of Dunnottar Castle,
near Stonehaven.
Explore Tolquhon Castle which is recognised for
its ornate gatehouse and stunning Great Hall.
Head to Huntly Castle which sheltered Robert
the Bruce in the 14th century. In its majestic
location next to the Bogie and Deveron rivers,
the heraldic sculptures and stone friezes make
this castle an unmissable attraction.
For more information on Scotlands Castle Trail,
go to www.visitscotland.com/castletrail
01
02
Discover Scotlands
Castle Trail
With over 300 castles, there are more per acre in Aberdeen City and Shire than
anywhere else in the UK. Follow Scotlands only Castle Trail which takes in 17
of the worlds most magnificent castles. Follow the distinctive white-on-brown
Castle Trail signs and youll find everything from striking clifftop ruins and grand
fortresses to royal residences and stately homes in the countryside.
Aberdeen City and Shire
06 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com
01 Duff House, Banff.
02 Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven.
03 Drum Castle, near Peterculter.
04 Balmoral Castle, near Ballater.
Highlights
Drum Castle, about 10 miles west of
Aberdeen, has magnificent views of the
surrounding countryside from its
battlements. Dating back to the 13th
century, this is the oldest intact building in
the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
Haddo House, near Ellon, has beautiful
terraced gardens with rose beds and
fountains, along with a period tearoom.
See reconstructed barrack rooms at
Corgarff Castle and feel the atmosphere
of barrack life in the castles striking
moorland setting.
03
Dont miss...
Delgatie Castle, near Turriff
admire some of the finest painted ceilings
in Scotland.
Spynie Palace, near Lossiemouth
explore the mighty tower house of Davids
Tower set amidst beautiful surroundings.
Balvenie Castle, near Dufftown
witness the striking curtain wall at one
of Scotlands oldest stone castles.
Kildrummy Castle, near Kildrummy
uncover the impressive stronghold of the
once powerful Earls of Mar.
A stained glass portrait
of Sir Robert Burnett
of Leys at Crathes Castle,
east of Banchory
04
Uncover the ghosts, legends and
folklore at Fyvie Castle, a stunning
800-year-old fortress. The castle is
said to be haunted by the ghost of
Dame Lilias Drummond, who has
been seen walking through the
halls of her former home.
Take a fascinating guided tour of
Braemar Castle, Scotlands only
community-run castle and hear
historic tales of Jacobites, the
Farquharson clan and ghosts.
Did you
know?
You can enjoy a fantastic
treetop adventure
with Go Ape! at
Crathes Castle.
Discover Scotlands Castle Trail
To find out more about Aberdeen City and Shire go to www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire 07
01
Did you
know?
The Banffshire coast is
known as Scotlands dolphin
coast thanks to its resident
population of bottlenose
dolphins.
Discover the magnificent north east coastline
by following the Coastal Trail. Why not journey
along miles of continuous clifftops, coves
and beaches? Along the way visit harbours,
lighthouses and stunning seaside villages.
Take to the water and choose from a wide
range of wildlife boat trips for a chance to
see dolphins, porpoises and even whales.
Explore a dramatic
coastline
Aberdeen City and Shire
08 For further information on accommodation and exploring Scotland, go to www.visitscotland.com