Things to do in

Aberdeen

Balmoral Castle & Estate *Balmoral Castle & Estate is closed from the 12th of August to 1st of October 2024. This tour stop will be changed to the National Trust for Scotland's- Crathes Castle during this time. When the Balmoral Estate reopens as a country park, we will resume a visit to Balmoral in October 2024. Balmoral is a treasured family home for the Royal family since 1850, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert chose this beautiful region to create their great escape. A landscape with stunning views of the hills and mountains, fields of heather and the majestic river Dee that flows through it. The estate was the late Queen Elizabeth's private country retreat in Scotland and a beloved home. King Charles III has a great affection for the castle and grounds and often spends time walking through the estate. We highly recommend listening to the audio tour. The audio will share stories and guides you around the estate. (Pre-booked Balmoral entry tickets will receive the audio tour free!) The Ballroom is only room open to visitors within the Castle. The objects in the Ballroom are from within the Castle, and are all objects that belong to the Royal Family. Village of Ballater The Victorian village of Ballater sits in the heart of Royal Deeside, at the eastern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. A stroll around the village reveals an interesting range of specialty shops and good selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy some of the local food & drink. Be sure to visit the beautiful Victorian Railway Station and the tourist information centre which has more information about the village. Cambus O’May Suspension Bridge The Cambus O' May suspension bridge spans the river Dee and is a legacy from the estate of Alexander Gordon. Built in 1905, the footbridge is 50 m long and carries visitors to the other side. Footpaths from the bridge lead to Torphantrick wood and the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve, popular spots for visitors who enjoy woodland walks and wild swimming in the river. Tomnavarie Stone Circle Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a kind of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. Relatively little is known about why we have these structures, there are several theories which you’ll discover on your visit. The Queen’s View Just outside the village of Tarland is the Queen's View. 'The Queens View' gained its name from Queen Victoria who fell in love with the view of the lower valley of the Howe of Cromar which includes a view of the peak of Lochnagar.

After leaving Aberdeen, our first stop is in the village of Aberlour in the heart of Speyside. Surrounded by forests and hills you might catch the seductive smell of whisky or shortbread on the breeze, depending which way the wind blows. You continue through the heart of Speyside and arrive at Loch Ness for al boat trip*. Onboard the ship, you travel over the widest and deepest part of the loch and get a fine view of Urquhart Castle. Back on dry land, it’s time to travel deep into the past at Clava Cairns. This spot is situated in a gorgeous green grove and boasts well-preserved ancient burial tombs. They even say this spot was the inspiration for Outlander’s Craigh na Dun. You then continue to Culloden Battlefield, the location of the final Jacobite Rising. It’s an eerie, flat, tragic landscape that can put the history of Scotland into perspective. You have a comfort break within the gorgeous Cairngorms National Park before you reach Aberdeen in the evening. This route may be reversed on some occasions. *The Loch Ness boat cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice. ** Jacobite Cruise on Loch Ness included in the tour price

Explore the scenic cliff-top Dunnottar Castle and the beautiful scenery of the Cairngorms National Park on a guided day trip from Aberdeen. Enjoy plenty of photo stops and admire the scenic vistas. Depart from Aberdeen and first travel to one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Dunnottar Castle. Enjoy the views and surroundings at this stunning fortress, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Continue to the Falls of Feugh and marvel at the mesmerizing cascades. Keep an eye out for salmon jumping up the river. Enjoy a stop to purchase some lunch in Braemar, a charming little village in the Cairngorms National Park Next, head to the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve and enjoy a relaxing stroll in the beautiful surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like otters, birds, and adders on a quintessential woodland walk. Finally, relax on the return journey and arrive back in Aberdeen in the early evening.

We will wander through the beautiful fishing villages and discover their maritime past and present. From working harbours to abandoned castles and tall cliffs, this tour will immerse you in the heritage of the northeast and its connection to the sea. Gardenstown & Crovie The first part of our journey, we drive through the Aberdeenshire countryside, to the villages of Gardenstown and Crovie. From the lovely harbour and beach, you can look out over the Moray Firth and perhaps catch a glimpse of the dolphins in the bay. On the quayside, you can see men preparing their lobster pots, as well as the Salmon House which contains the Heritage Centre. We encourage you to walk along the coastal path which take you to Crovie, dating from the 18th century. Crovie is the smallest and most remote of Buchan cliff-foot fishing villages, it comprises a single row of houses, most gable-end to the sea. Pennan The people of Pennan were dependent on the sea and most families had small boats. With a pebble stone beach and smart houses with colourful windows, there is a charm and peacefulness in the village that tempts you to linger and listen to the waves. Pennan became famous in the 1980s for being one of the main locations for the film Local Hero. Film enthusiasts have come from all over the world to make a phone call in the red telephone box which featured in the film. Fraserburgh The town name means, 'burgh of Fraser', after the Fraser Family who bought the lands of Philorth and built the family castle at Kinnaird Head. Fraserburgh is an active harbour town, and you have time to walk around the headland to see the lighthouse and foghorn while making your way past the busy harbour. Bullers of Buchan The name Bullers of Buchan refers both to a collapsed sea cave and the little hamlet nestled beside. The collapsed sea cave and the cliffs surrounding the Bullers provide nesting sites in spring for colonies of seabirds, including kittiwakes, puffins, along with herring gulls and great black-backed gulls. Cruden Bay & New Slains An iconic feature at Cruden Bay is New Slains Castle, perched on the edge of the cliffs. We will walk from the village, along the path visitors to the castle would have taken for centuries. The castle is a blend of several different architectural styles and periods. The castle fell in in ruin in the late 19th century, stripped of all contents and abandoned in the 1920s. Alternatively, you can take a more leisurely walk along the stunning beach. Cruden Bay beach is a vast expanse of soft, pale coloured sand. Why not try dipping your toes in the North Sea and feel the waves washing over your feet. Collieston Collieston provides the first safe harbour in over fifteen miles of beaches and dunes stretching north from Aberdeen. The numerous sea caves and small coves with shingle beaches provided ideal terrain for smugglers. Learn about notorious smuggler Phillip Kennedy and his exploits while trying to outrun the exciseman.

You leave Aberdeen and head for Spey Bay. Here, you have time to learn about the area and try to spot dolphins. You then journey to Bow Fiddle Rock, one of our favourite coastal sights in Scotland. Its unusual shape being battered by waves offers an epic photo and an awesome experience. In Cullen, you have a chance to taste Cullen Skink soup in its hometown. But don’t spend all your time savouring the flavour, because there are lovely little strolls to take around the village. After lunch, you travel the short distance to Portsoy. This archetypal Scottish seaside town boasts the oldest harbour on the Moray Coast and shops selling unique jewellery made from ‘Portsoy Marble’. From Portsoy, you journey to Bullers of Buchan. Here you try to count how many species of sea birds you can spot or simply admire the glorious sea scape of caves and cliffs. Slains Castle is the next stop of your day. This grand coastal castle had its roof removed to avoid taxes. You have time here to get a photo and learn about how the octagonal room inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In the early evening, you arrive back in Aberdeen. This route may be reversed on some occasions.

The tour will depart at 08:00 and return to Edinburgh at approximately 18:15. Leave Edinburgh at 08:00 and your first stop will be in North Queensferry, where you will be able to contemplate the famous bridge over the Forth River. Then arrive at Glamis Castle, where King Duncan was murdered by Macbeth. As you watch its amazing outline of towers and pinnacles, you will listen to its ghost and mysterious legends and stories. Continue to Stonehaven, where you will have time for lunch (not included) and enjoy the landscape offered by the county of Aberdeen, with its farming fields on one side and the coastal route on the other. Afterwards, you will arrive at Dunnottar Castle. It was a key place in the dark years of the Independence wars in the 14th century. Robert Bruce conquered it and it has been an inspiration for painters, writers and film directors, because of its dramatic position on the cliffs of the Scottish coast. Your last stop will be in Dundee, from where you will catch a glimpse of the RRS Discovery, the wooden three-masted ship that carried Captain Scott on his first, successful journey to the Antarctic. Before heading back to Edinburgh, at 18:15, pass through the Silicon Glen, the Scottish Silicon Valley, where the high tech companies are mingled with the barely fields and the lakes, in a region that is of vital importance for the economy of the country.

Here's hoping you get a sunny day because today you're going to get to know the coastline pretty well. Sun shimmering off Scottish water. Believe it or not, we do get sun here. But even if it's a cloudy day, the Scottish coastline is as stunning as it is dramatic. You leave Aberdeen, 'The Granite City', and head south along coastline and through countryside towards Dundee. Your driver-guide will drop you near the waterfront, which is perfect for you not just because of the views, you'll also be close to the V&A Dundee. This international centre for design showcases the best of Scottish creativity, and design from around the world. Or, if you prefer, you also have the Royal Research Ship Discovery to explore. Built in Dundee, it was the first purpose built Antarctic Survey vessel and at the beginning of 20th century, it took the first British expedition of the modern era to Antarctica, including Irish explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Enjoy the Discovery's extensive galleries, videos and films, interactive displays and artefacts. Or perhaps exploring the city and waterfront is at the top of your list. The time is yours to do as you please. After your visit to Dundee, we journey over the Tay Road Bridge with views over the Firth of Tay. We then enter one of the remaining ancient kingdoms of Scotland... the Kingdom of Fife. The home of golf, a hub for outdoor-enthusiasts, and landscapes spotted with history, Fife is a world of its own. We continue south to the medieval town of St Andrews. St Andrew is the patron Saint of Scotland and according to legend his remains were washed up on the Fife coast. St Andrews is also home to the third oldest university in Britain and is proud of its dramatic cliff-perched castle ruins. Not to mention, St Andrews is the home of golf. Golf-fanatics will love getting to know the Grand Old Lady, also known as the Old Course at St Andrews, considered the oldest golf course. You have around two and a half hours to explore this fascinating town. After St Andrews, we take a pleasant drive through the rolling countryside back to Aberdeen.

Visit Aberdeen, known as "The Silver City by the Golden Sands". Enjoy a tour of Glen Garioch Distillery with a whiskey tasting, discover Aberdeen's ancient history on a visit to the East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, make a stop at Castle Fraser, and enjoy a sampling of local food. Visit the Glen Garioch Distillery for a taste of Scotland's whisky. Enjoy the option to participate in a guided tour to learn more about creating a perfect single malt whisky. Take part in a guided tasting of Highland whisky at the end of your tour. Next up, learn about Scotland's ancient history. Visit one of Aberdeen's largest stone circles at East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, a recumbent stone circle – a type of circle only found in north-east Scotland. Finally, explore Castle Fraser, one of the many charming castles that dots the area. Discover the walled garden, wind your way down spiral staircases, and explore the rooms of the Fraser family who inhabited the castle for hundreds of years.

Join us on a Discovery Tour of Aberdeen's Distillery. Upon arrival you will be offered a double Gin & Tonic with alternative mixers available upon request. The tour is led by the Head Distiller who will take you on a journey back in time to uncover Aberdeen’s lost distilling heritage, guided exploration the distillery including the restricted production area, take part in a Q&A session and even find out how you can make your own gin - either at the distillery or at home. With over 100 botanicals to choose from to make your own gin - you'll learn about the various gin botanicals and how they can be used craft a tasty gin. Finally, enjoy an introduction to the range of locally distilled Aberdeen Gins, including samples from the range of both London Dry and Fruit gins. The event concludes with an opportunity to browse the range of true Aberdeen Gins at the distillery shop - featuring a range of different bottle sizes and tasting boxes. The Discovery Tour also includes a goodie bag and a 50ml miniature to take home.

Falls of Feugh Where the tributary joins the river Dee, the waters rush over a jumble of boulders and rock steps to form an attractive set of cascading rapids with an old stone road bridge over the top. These are the Falls of Feugh, and while not particularly high, they’re a popular beauty spot. The falls have a reputation for being an ideal spot to watch salmon running upstream. Cairn O’Mount Cairn o' Mount is the name of a prehistoric round cairn in Aberdeenshire. The scenic and winding road takes us through National Forestry Woodlands to heath land and heather covered hillsides. The route passes along Clachnaben and its granite Tor, to the top of the hill we you are treated to spectacular views over the Aberdeenshire countryside. We like to call it our highlands in miniature as it offers similar landscapes and views only on a smaller scale. Fettercairn Distillery Sir Alexander Ramsay, the founder of the distillery, was one of the Scottish landowners who campaigned to license Scotch Whisky distillation and in 1824, he was one of the first to apply for a license. Fettercairn lies in the heart of rich farming land and is in a beautiful rural setting which has always attracted visitors. This distillery has a unique still shape, which creates their iconic character, and it works closely with local barley producers and using their own spring water. This visit will include a tour of the distillery as well as a tasting of two of their whiskies in their visitor centre. Stonehaven Stonehaven was originally a fishing village south of Aberdeen but has evolved into a Victorian resort town in the 1800s. You will be taken on a short, guided walking tour of the harbour area and old town before having free time to explore the village and enjoy a delicious lunch. Be sure to walk along the boardwalk and Stonehaven beach and admire the sculptures created by artisan Jim Malcolm, who for years, was dubbed the Stonehaven Banksy for the maritime themed structures he created anonymously. Dunnottar Castle Easily one of Aberdeenshire's most iconic castles, Dunnottar is an impressive site. For over 1000 years Dunnottar Castle played a crucial role in Scottish history. The Castle played host to several of the nation's historical figures including William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots and for its role in saving the Honours of Scotland from Oliver Cromwell's army. The castle ruins are extensive with many rooms and buildings to explore. Most of what you see are buildings dating from the 16th & 17th century, but earlier structures can be found. Imagine what life would have been like as you walk through the settlement, part military barracks and part stately home for the Earls of Marischal. There are a lot of steps/stairs up to the castle, so this is not suitable for people who have mobility issues. There are some wonderful photo opportunities along the coastal path and a great walk over to the war memorial on Black Hill above Stonehaven.