Things to do in Ballater

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.

Departing from Edinburgh, our small group tour will travel across the iconic Forth Bridges, spanning 3 centuries of development, we continue through the Kingdom of Fife towards Dundee. Famous for its publishing industry, Dundee is home to the V&A Museum (optional extra). First opened in 2018, the V&A is Scotland’s first design museum and is also the first Victoria and Albert museum outside of London. With ever-changing exhibitions celebrating design from Scotland and around the world, it makes for a fascinating visit. After a short stop at the seaside village of St Cyrus we continue to the spectacular Dunnottar Castle, one of the most famous sights of the northeast. Sitting on a rocky headland and surrounded by water, not far from the village of Stonehaven, stands the castle. Following our stop at Dunnottar Castle, we will head towards the picturesque town that sits below it - Stonehaven. Here, there will be time to explore the seaside towns’ streets and shops. Our final stop of Day 1 is Aberdeen, also known as the "Granite City" for the abundance of granite buildings, which you may notice will appear to sparkle in the sun. Here, you will check in to your overnight accommodation and have plenty of free time in the evening to explore the city. Day 2 We will begin our second day by checking out of our accommodation and heading westwards out of Aberdeen towards Crathes Castle. Enjoy views of the Granite City and its surrounding areas as you leave. With magnificent turrets, gargoyles and a beautiful walled garden, Crathes Castle is a fantastic place to visit. Spend time here taking in the history of the 16th century castle and explore its spectacular grounds which go back to the 18th century. We continue westwards, through scenic towns like Banchory and the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, towards Ballater, where we will stop for a lunch break. Our next stop is the world-famous Balmoral Castle, the much-loved Highland home of the British Monarchy. Here, we will spend time and you will be able to see the exhibitions. As well as this, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular grounds on which the castle lies. After our tour of Balmoral Castle, we head south towards Edinburgh. On the way, we will stop at the Devil’s Elbow viewpoint. It offers spectacular Highland views and is still part of the massive Cairngorms National Park. Keep an eye out here for much of the wildlife that is known to inhabit the area. As we continue further south, our final stop before we reach Edinburgh will be the city of Perth. After a comfort break here where you will have a short time to explore the historic city, we begin our journey back to Edinburgh. There will be another chance to get a look at the magnificent Forth Bridges as we cross the Forth for a 2nd time before arriving back in Edinburgh.

On collection from your accommodation in Edinburgh, we shall head out from the City and our first stop will be to admire the fantastic engineering of the Forth bridges, three bridges, three different centuries!! Heading northwards over the Queensferry crossing we shall pass loch leven castle, famous as both a refuge for Robert the Bruce and a holding prison for Mary Queen of Scots. Arriving in Perthshire, our next stop shall be the magnificent Scone Palace and gardens, home to the Murray family, the Earls of Mansfield, this was the ancient crowning location for all the Monarchs of Scotland and the original home of the "stone of destiny" The magnificent collection of exotic trees in the gardens are a particular highlight. Please note Palace/ gardens are open from 1st April to 31st October. (Entrance tickets not included in tour, tickets are purchased on arrival at Palace, no booking required) As we continue northwards through the town of Blairgowrie the roads opens up to some stunning highland Scenery as we drive up higher towards the Glenshee Ski area, time and weather permitting a ride on the chairlift may be an option! We then stop at the lovely highland town of Braemar, here you may visit the Highland games museum or perhaps the stunning Braemar Castle. As we drive alongside the river of "Dee" we then arrive at Balmoral Castle, the world famous Scottish holiday home of the Royal family, a beautiful highland getaway enjoyed by generations of the country's Monarchs. (Please note Castle and gardens open from April 1st until the 10th August) Here you can walk through the fantastic gardens and visit the Ballroom inside the Castle, it's a peaceful and tranquil place, a fascinating place to visit. ( Please note entrance tickets not included , these will be pre booked for you and can be reimbursed on the day of the tour) Time permitting there are other place close by to Balmoral that are also worth exploring, there is a distillery close by which is open to visitors, or perhaps the delightful town of Ballater, with its railway station museum, where Queen Victoria used to alight on her visits to Balmoral. This tour is sure to delight, a great mix of history, culture, nature and fabulous scenery!! Please note this tour runs until 31st October. Scone Palace is open until then, Balmoral closes on the 11th August but we shall alter the itinerary to take in the the various attractions in the local area.

Start your day at the Port of Aberdeen, where you’ll board your transport at South Harbour. As you leave the bustling port behind, get ready for a day filled with stunning views and fascinating stops. Your first destination is the Falls of Feugh, a short drive from Aberdeen. Here, you'll stretch your legs and take in the breathtaking scenery. The falls are famous for their natural beauty, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some salmon attempting their upstream journey. Even without the salmon, the sight of the cascading water is sure to impress. After leaving the Falls of Feugh behind, you'll journey to Balmoral Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland. The magnificent grounds of this royal residence are yours to explore at your leisure. If you wish, you can enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Balmoral Café, where you can savour delicious Scottish fare. After lunch, take a walk through the estate, visit the 2025 exhibition in the grand Castle Ballroom, and immerse yourself in the royal history of this majestic location. Whether it’s the serene gardens or the opulent interiors, Balmoral Castle offers a truly royal experience. From Balmoral, you’ll make your way to Ballater, a charming Victorian village nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside. Known for its scenic beauty and local character, Ballater offers the perfect opportunity to explore. Wander through the village’s quaint streets, pop into the local shops, and perhaps find some handmade crafts or local produce to take home. The stunning backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park adds to the village’s allure, making it an ideal place to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. After a leisurely afternoon in Ballater, it’s time to head back to Aberdeen. You’ll enjoy a scenic drive as you return to the Port of Aberdeen, where your journey comes to a close. Take a moment to reflect on the beautiful landscapes, royal heritage, and small-town charm that made today a memorable experience.

Discover the enchanting allure of Queen Victoria's "paradise in the Highlands" on a guided tour of Balmoral Castle and the surrounding area. Explore what makes this stunning region so beloved by the Royal Family and how its rich history and heritage continue to influence our culture today. Hear from one of Aberdeen's legendary kilt experts how tartan is a symbol of Scottish heritage and pride, originally serving both practical and cultural purposes. Peruse the different tartan patterns, learn about the differences between tartan and tweed, and how traditional Highland dress is worn today. See the majestic River Dee, one of Scotland's most scenic and significant rivers. Learn how the river's pure waters support a rich diversity of wildlife, including otters, freshwater pearl mussels, and various bird species like ospreys and dippers. Stop for refreshments at the Potarch Cafe before visiting the country estates of Aberdeenshire, renowned for their stunning landscapes, featuring rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and expansive moors. See how land management on these estates is crucial for preserving the environment and maintaining the area's biodiversity. Stop at the Glen Tanar estate for a short walk and a toast to Aberdeenshire and Scotland. Visit the charming village of Ballater, known for its strong royal connections. Enjoy some leisure time for lunch or refreshments while soaking in the ambiance of the community, or a browse in some of the shops. Finally, visit Balmoral Castle, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Royal Deeside, the beloved Scottish retreat of the British Royal Family. Explore the castle, with its distinctive Scottish Baronial architecture, and the gardens, featuring beautifully manicured lawns, and vibrant flower beds.

Day 1 Embark from Edinburgh, journey north, and cross Queensferry Crossing to the historic Kingdom of Fife. Explore Falkland Palace, once a royal hunting lodge, where Mary Queen of Scots played tennis on the world's oldest court. Wander the medieval village seen in Outlander. Head to St Andrews for lunch and discovery of its cobblestone streets and ancient university. In the afternoon, venture further north to Dunnottar Castle, a majestic cliff-top ruin featured on travel magazine covers. Capture breathtaking views and sharpen your photography skills. You spend your night in Aberdeen. Day 2 Explore Royal Deeside, renowned for its castles. Begin at Castle Fraser, a grand Scottish tower house. Enjoy a stroll in the 18th-century walled garden. Head to Ballater, a royal-associated village, for lunch. Afternoon at Crathes Castle, a fairytale-like fortress with a haunted history. Wander freely through the house and gardens. Marvel at the June Borders for stunning castle views. You return to Aberdeen for another overnight. Day 3 Venture north to Fyvie Castle, dating to the 13th century, housing a remarkable collection of arms, armor, and 17th-century tapestries. Travel through scenic landscapes to Elgin for lunch. Explore the intricately carved Pictish stone at ruined Elgin Cathedral. Afternoon visit to Culloden Battlefield, the poignant end of the Jacobite Rising. Walk the tragic landscape, honoring those who fell in the last battle on British soil. You continue to Nairn for your overnight stay. Day 4 Travel south through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes. Visit Cardhu, the pioneering distillery by Helen Cumming. Pass Kingussie for a quick stop at Ruthven Barracks. Explore Blair Castle, rich in history and adorned with a ballroom featuring 175 antlers. Wander the 9-acre Georgian garden and enjoy lunch. Journey through Perthshire's lush woodlands, pausing in picturesque towns. Return to Edinburgh over the Firth of Forth in the evening.