The 49 best views in Aberdeenshire

What an amazing castle! Definitely worth the visit. The views are stunning and a great day out. You can walk on opposite hills and get great views of the castle and surrounding monuments. There are a lot of steps to get to the castle, but there are rails and enough passing places when busy. There are no dustbins in the castle, so you need to take your goodies back with you. I would recommend taking some food with, as the gardens are so peaceful, its a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the peace. One of my top 10 castles in Scotland!

This is a must see Castle if your in the area. Well maintained by the staff that is friendly and informative. Be mindful that if your mobility is limited that there are several areas of stairs and steps that are irregular and steep. There are also some cobble stone walk ways that might be difficult for some. Loved our visit here and the views are spectacular.

This place is beautiful. I did not go inside as had other prior commitments. If you go give yourself several hours to explore as wonderful trails on cliffs and several stairs to get to castle. A must see if in Scotland!!

Dunnottar Castle is honestly one of the most breathtaking places in Scotland. Perched high on the cliffs above the North Sea, it feels like stepping straight into history. The ruins are full of atmosphere, and the views from every angle are just stunning. The walk down and back up can be a bit steep, but totally worth it for the experience. It’s usually peaceful early in the morning, and watching the waves crash below the castle walls is something you’ll never forget. A must-visit near Stonehaven!

Wonderful castle ruins overlooking the sea! The walk down to the castle is easy however there are quite a few stairs leading up to the entrance. Ticketing was easy and clear directions on the route you should take to see everything. We also hiked along the beach and took a small trail which wrapped back around to the castle. Lovely shots along the way.

Very well kept castle and quite a lot to see and on a large site. A lot bigger than expected with lots to read and some great history and story’s to catch up on. Could be a bit exposed on a wet day. Toilets on site and well worth the £13 entrance fee. Well worth a visit.

This castle is AMAZING! It is so worth the trek to get there! It has so many ruined structures still remaining and you can easily imagine what the inhabitants may have been doing going about their daily lives. You can still see where timber beams would have been to support the floors above and one great hall in a newer section has been restored to what it may have looked like when it was being used - so neat! The views of the ocean are also spectacular! I have been to many ruined castles (my favorite kind!) and this is one of the best - don’t miss it!

Easy to get to. Knowledgeable guides. Beautiful castle and grounds. Very interesting history. You can’t take pictures inside.

Gorgeous pink castle, about 45 mins by car west of Aberdeen. The tour guide was lovely and informative and very energetic which was contagious! Sadly no photos are allowed inside of the castle during the tour but it was very much worth it. Two points to note: The tour is about an hour and involves lots of climbing tight spiral staircases and there is no where to sit during the tour so best avoided if you have limited mobility or are easily fatigued! There is only a small hatch takeaway spot with some drinks, snacks and ice cream. It does not have a proper cafe some other castles. But... the Alford Bistro is a lovely spot just ten minutes drive away and their food is top notch. Also recommend checking out Corse Castle ruins which are a short 8 minute drive away, there is a small path under the trees accessible from the road, and it was owned by the same family, the Forbes as Craigievar is. The ruins is small but free and accessible at any time.

Beautiful castle! Paul was a great tour guide. It was a little difficult going up and down the stairs wearing a baby, but we made it. Worth the tour! The weather was nice so the wait wasn’t too bad - they were limiting to 10 adults per tour so may want to consider this when planning your visit! Great little kiosk with snacks while you wait.

This castle is truly unique, with its striking pink exterior and distinctive architecture — it really stands out and is quite a sight from the outside. Visits are only possible via guided tours, and groups are kept very small. That means it’s best to arrive early or right at opening time, otherwise you may face a long wait. We arrived at 13:30 and had to wait a full hour before joining a group. Our guide wasn’t the most enthusiastic we’ve encountered during our travels across Scotland, but she was informative and shared interesting insights into the castle’s history and the family who once lived there. Compared to other castles we visited, this one had fewer rooms and more modest interiors. Also, unlike most other castles we visited, photography inside is not allowed. Another downside was the paid parking. Considering there’s no reason to park here other than to visit the castle (and you’re already paying for entrance), it feels a bit unnecessary. Still, the castle’s unique charm and beautiful setting make it worth a visit if you’re in the area — just plan your timing carefully

Wonderful day to visit, a very sunny and hot summer's day 😎 the only down side that there wasn't available tour to fit in to our schedule as we were short on time. Hopefully on another occasion we can do the tour of the pink castle.

Beautiful history and the grounds are full of a range of magestic trees. The staff is more than accommodating for visitors no matter what the interest level may be.

What a wonderful castle surrounded by beautiful scenery. The gentleman who did our guided tour was very knowledgeable and humorous, which suited well to the younger members attending.

Went to this castle/fortress, on a quiet Sunday. Was a great day out. Walked here from Bullers of Buchan along the coastal path, scenery was amazing throughout the walk I did, although I'd personally recommend bringing suitable footwear. As for the castle inside it's a nice ruin, there are signs which say do not enter. But looked safe enough.

Best ruined castle I've visited in Scotland. And free to roam by yourself using common sense. Kept the kids away from the cliff tops and a close eye on them. Car parking was ample. Wee walk to reach the grounds. Absolutely the best part of our holiday, for me and the kids!

Ask me which was the best place I have seen in all Scotland and I will probably answer "Slains Castle". The visit here was just pure magic. I don't know why but this was NOT in the list of best castles in Scotland. I don't know if it is the "best" one but I am sure it is a must see. Because of the previous aspect, there are VERY FEW (if any) tourists. You have this magnificent place possibly all for yourself. The ruins are majestic, glorious and... big! It is free! You can reach it by car but also, and this is crazy, by BUS from Aberdeen! The seagulls, the waves, the cliffs, ...everything here helps making it an unbelievable place. My Scotland heart lies here.

What a cracking find! This ruined castle is a fantastic place to explore with care. It's massive, many rooms, windows, doorways to pop in and out of, it's fascinating and beguiling. It's a shortish walk, ten minutes or so from the car park over some rough ground and small inclines. It's not a challenging walk but it's not all smooth. It's totally worth it though because this is a gem of a place. Beautiful views of the coast all around it, it's intriguing to see the parts of the castle that were original and the parts that were added in the 19th C. It's a wonder that such a beautiful castle fell into ruin so quickly, it was extensively refurbished in 1836/7 but I guess that within a few years electricity, gas and flushing toilets had left it redundant. So what you're left with is a ruin that's in remarkably good condition and looks like a bit of tlc and a few quid spent on it could bring it back to a livable state!

Lovely walk along a creek up to the castle. There are breathtaking views over the sea and can see quite a lot of the ruins. Not too crowded either. Would recommend.

Car park not very big and full of big pot holes. About half a mile walk to castle. It's free to look around but be careful it is crumbling in places but enjoyed the walk around.

Nice walk through woodland to spectacular ruins on Scottish coast. Ruins are in disrepair and there is a small warning sign but obviously lots of people visit. Plenty of great photo opportunities and there is a little bit of information at the carpark about the ruins. Supposedly the inspiration for Dracula?

Took me about an hour to walk from the Visitor Centre up to the top of Mither Tap. Good fitness required, but it's a pleasure to get amongst the stone ramparts of the Pictish fort, and enjoy 360 degree views from the top.

Great walk, paths in ascent and decent are very well kept! Fabulous views of Grampian and you always come across super friendly locals that say hi to you 🙏🏻🥰💞 Thank you Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄🇬🇷

Google maps takes you directly to car park. Lots of parking spaces, only £2 for upto 3 hours. Nice climb for a walk - not too challenging and suitable for all age groups. Lovely views too. Very popular location!

Easily accessible and great trails for walks/run through the forest and to the summit of Mither Tap. Easily extend hikes to include other peaks with well marked trails. The remains of a Pictish fort near the summit. Awesome view of the surrounding countryside.

Fantastic experience, my 1st climb with my daughter who thoroughly enjoyed it, definitely a must go to place for anyone who likes a trek

Absolutely spectacular views. You can see for miles on a clear day.

Nice and easy walk with a good view at the top.

The sun was splitting the sky today so we decided to visit Crathes Castle & Estate. The location was very busy as there were extra activities on in the grounds, bouncy things of several shapes and sizes, face painting, arts and crafts etc. It Is a self guided tour through the castle going up one set of very tight circular stairs and returning back down to ground level on a second set of stairs. You do need good mobility to manage these stairs. All the rooms were temperature and humidity controlled to try and preserve the fabrics and furnishings within each room. All the items were most interesting to see but not as old as those in Glamis castle. One advantage of this castle Is that you may take photographs except for one small area. After we completed the tour the heat from the sun guided us to the nearby ice cream vendor followed by a walk around the gardens. The gardens are large and are the home to many exotic plants, trees and shrubs. It Is a full time job for five volunteer gardeners to keep the gardens and grounds in such a wondrous condition. We finished off the day with a quick snack in the cafe. Soft drinks, cakes and cappuccino were enjoyed at a leisurely pace. A great day out, highly recommended.

What a great castle, so well kept and the staff are so full of knowledge The gardens are fabulous and I would suggest a while day, half day at least in the castle if you want to read all the details and do it justice, then a good couple of hours minimum in the gardens. Also great walks around the area also and. A lovely cafe.

This was an absolutely lovely location to come for a day out. The place was really busy due to a family fun day event being on, but there was still so much open space that you never felt hemmed in or on top of other visitors. The lady in the gift shop, and indeed all of the staff we encountered, were very friendly and happy to help us out. The only sad thing was that, whilst the garden was amazing, me and my wife couldn't go in together because we brought our dog. I feel that it should be the case that as long as your dog is kept on a short lead, is well behaved, and they are picked up after (which should be the case on the whole estate anyway) then they should be allowed in the gardens too. Overall a lovely site to visit.

i absolutely loved this castle ...the painted ceilings are just amazing ...Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle provides a memorable experience with its towers, turrets and stories of its resident ghosts. King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323: the ancient Horn of Leys, which can be seen today in the Great Hall, marks his gift. Inside you’ll find a labyrinth of cultural history, from family portraits to fine antique furniture. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable a sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702. Crathes Castle Estate was once part of the Royal Forest of Drum. Today there are a range of waymarked and clearly signposted trails. Look out for wildlife along the way – you may see red squirrels, woodpeckers and herons.

We are having a family holiday in Crathes. My wife and I have spent the last two days driving to here, so were pleased of a quiet day. After breakfast, we walked along the Deeside Way, a relatively flat walk from Aberdeen to Ballater, which was as far as the Deeside Railway went. Queen Victoria didn't want the railway to spoil the countryside around Balmoral. We soon came across Crathes signal box now a private residence and the remains if the platforms. Walking on, we came to a fork, with the Deeside Way going left over a pack horse bridge or right, under the road. Little did we realise what a difference taking the right fork would make. Continuing on our walk we came across the Milton of Crathes, a selection of independent shops. From here, we passed some railway carriages and still no signs directing us to the castle. Eventually, we came out beside the main road at Banchory, nearly four Mike's away. It was a very day and would get hotter as the day went on. We asked a local lad which way to the castle and he directed us up a road. It was not the main entrance but one used countries ago. It was a long uphill climb through the welcoming shade of huge trees of all descriptions. Eventually, we arrived at the castle and it looked very different to other castles we have visited. The castle is steeped in history, the one notable thing being it was lived in by the same family for centuries. We had a walk around inside, partly to cool off and partly to find out more about its history. We had a fascinating journey throughout most of the castle. The most fascinating were the painted ceilings, especially the Room of the Nine Nobles, based on great heroes from the past and the Muses' Room, with paintings of nine Muses and seven Virtues. From here, we walked to the cafe to get refreshments, but could believe the scores of wasps making most families lives a misery. In all my years, I have never so many wasps in one place. We drank up and departed for the welcoming shade of a hirse chestnut tree where we ate our lunch. From here, we walked down to the garden where a token allows families access to the gardens. The tokens can be collected from the main desk. The garden is a place of wonder, as with every turn, you see something different and interesting. You can see the castle from different angles which is a treat. Considering the hot sommer we are experiencing, the gardeners have produced a magnificent show for everyone. It seemed every colour was on view, depending on the flowers and which garden beds we were at. We even passed a couple getting married in a centre piece of the garden. We were intrigued by two large bushes close together at the side nearest the castle. It was while we were sat in the gsrden entrance building that we found the answer. The trees were planted in the 1700, and clipped in what we would describe as small urns. (They obviously had some meaning!!) Today, one is an egg sitting on a eggcup and the other is waiting for an egg. We much prefer the latter version. From here, we walked down the main path, the white trail, to the main entrance , stopping to look at the Highland cattle. We came across a bridge which I guess would have been part of the old road. Underneath, water from the large pond flowed down to the river. We followed a path and lo and behold came out at the road bridge we saw earlier on. We were no walking home knowing we didn't have as long a walk as this morning. By now, the heat was building, so a shorter walk was very welcome. Crathes Castle is an interesting place to visit, with lots of space to run around. There is a children's play area and well behaved dogs are welcomed. Crathes Castle has a cafe catering for all tastes and a great gift shop, selling a range of gifts and food.

We didn't go to the castle but WHAT a garden! We went twice and even in the space of 10 days there were different things to see. Absolute must for garden enthusiasts, whether you enjoy the formal topiary or the amazing themed borders. We chatted for a long time with the volunteers, who were very informative. Will happily come back again and again.

It was very nice on the outside, but it was quite expensive to go in (I paid €17), it didn’t really feel like a castle on the inside, felt maybe too modernised? I was expecting something a little bit more medieval with more rooms and corridors to explore, but that’s my fault for not reading about it first! Staff very friendly though, and the gardens were very nice! lots of grass to sit on and relax.

We enjoyed our visit to Drum Castle. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly and we found the information interesting. Unfortunately, it was pouring cats and dogs when we finished, so although we did make our way to the gardens it was hard to enjoy them with the weather. That said, you could tell that the walled rose garden was a special place and the water garden we passed was quite peaceful. The only reason I’m rating this a 4 vs a 5 is because there are a few other walled gardens that are larger with more variety for the avid gardener. My only recommendation would be for the tour guide to end the tour with more info about what we could find outside. The walled garden is a short walk from the castle and could easily be missed. We just happened to ask about it.

This castle is definitely worth a visit. The gardens are beautiful, blooming with flowers on our visit in August, and humming with bees and lovely butterflies. The access to the interior is by guided tour only, but it is well worth doing the 45 minute tour. Our guide was informative, and entertaining. Entry and parking is free for NT members.

Very cool. Like all national trust for Scotland castles in the North East it’s a beauty in some of the best looking land in the world. This was has a few extras that make it a bit more special mostly the private chapel and the wood play ground. But has the usual stunning architecture, interesting owners, fascinating history, great furniture, walled garden, gift shop and great staff. A beautiful drive to get there as well.

We had a wonderful tour led by Cameron. Humorous and educational. Engaging and just long enough without dragging on. We would’ve liked the ability to go self-guided; however, this was a great experience overall.

Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. there 700 years of history in one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses. Drum Castle has something for everyone, from the medieval High Hall to modern art exhibitions. The original 13th-century tower of Drum Castle has been suggested as the work of medieval architect Richard Cementarius, who built the Brig o' Balgownie, the first Bridge of Don, in Old Aberdeen....this was one amazing castle to visit...definitely worth a visit

An amazing place to visit. Highly recommended. The grounds are idyllic. You are guided around the Castle by an informative guide who made the whole experience entertaining. The grounds are amazing and such a joy to explore.

Beautiful castle, nice driveway in, and lovely gardens. The guide, who tells the history of the castle, explains everything perfectly. One can imagine its construction and expansion over time.

Done the Lochnagar and Loch Muick circuit on 09/03/25, was a good trail

As of now my favourite mountain in the Cairngorms, route up is not tricky and can be done in 2 hours. The route is beautiful and the top has a stunning panoramic view. Wild camping here is fantastic with nice soft ground and flat as well!

We were not very lucky as the summit was covered in fog, but still enjoyed the walk and views mostly on the way down. Took us about 6 hours to go up and down, long but not too challenging, except for one brief rocky scramble near the top. Beautiful waterfall on one of the routes down. I would definitely climb it again with clear skies.

We recently hiked the White Mounth Munros and had a great experience. The car park fee was £5, which was reasonable. The hike itself was relatively easy if you're in good physical condition, and there is a well-defined path all the way up. The highlight was the breathtaking views from Lochnagar. For those interested, there is also a plane wreckage to explore on Carn an t-Sagairt Mor.

Brilliant place to visit with very well defined tracks, so you shouldn't get lost.The views are breathtaking anx in parts very dramatic but of course you have to be lucky with the weather.

Epic place! Instead of following the usual route we climbed down to the Loch, be careful tho, theres huge boulders you need to jump from or go around and there's quite a few holes covered in mods, my mate got his leg stuck in one and almost twisted his ankle, so take care. We went around the loch and climbed up the other side of Lochnagar and went to all the peaks and back down the normal route. Even if its nice and warm down at the car park, make sure to take a hoodie and a jacket with you as it can be extremely cold and windy up there. The first time I went there on spring time the wind and cold was that bad that my hands got sore from cold in 20 seconds, and gloves barely helped at all.

Not the best weather up the top on the day we went but what do expect for November. Awesome walk. Will definitely be back

Bought an interior tour ticket way in advance which means you get priority parking at the castle too which was really handy- was able to leave things in the car (jacket, umbrella etc) and picked them up in the afternoon when needed. Arrived in advance and was let in for an early start. Overall such a calm, incredibly beautiful estate with flowers, lawns, a river, outdoor buildings and enjoyed the interior tour too. Albert‘s pyramid / cairn is a separate walk outside the grounds which I hadn‘t realised. Great cafe next to the castle.

Such a wonderful experience to walk around the grounds and view the Castle. It was so beautiful. The Restaurant was amazing with excellent quality food. The Shop was beautifully stocked and the displays where awesome. Just a fantastic experience ✨️ Thank You

I enjoyed my visit and it was very interesting to see all the new planting taking place, especially the trees and maze. You do need to go when the weather is fine because there would be few places to shelter in the rain. I would recommend asking for an audible guide. This wasn't offered when I purchased my ticket and I believe it would have made my experience more interesting.

Thank You to HRH King Charles III for the new wonderful, colourful flower, tree & shrub displays. The best in the country, such Vision. Our 4pm house tour was incredible, historic and we felt much closer to the Royal Family. Well done also to your team of hard workers.

One of the best places you can visit in Scotland. It is still used by his majesty the King and his family but as you might guess visitors are not allowed to get inside the castle. Only one room is included for visitors which is “ball room” that you can find many beautiful details carved and painted inside. Gardens are amazing. Especially the river walk trail is calming and relaxing with the sweet sound of river Dee. If you are interested in distillery tours keep your Balmoral Castle ticket so that you can get %15 discount on Royal Lochnagar Distillery which is located nearby.

I have a special attachment to this castle since my grandmother and grandfather worked and met. I brought my grandson here to show him. The grounds are large, and the gardens are well maintained. We were only allowed into the ballroom, but that was impressive. There is a restaurant where you can have tea or lunch. I was surprised on how good the food was and how reasonable the price was.

Very quiet and tranquil place to visit. The grounds are extremely well presented and amazing views. Only 1 room which was a hall you visit which had an interesting display for the history of the castle. There are nice walks around the castle and on site cafe. It's a long drive to get there but great day out.

Brilliant experience. Well recommend to visit. Staff were so helpful and amazing. There was no problem at all to leave my stuff save with them. Lots to see and learn. I’ve just went myself with audio headset and enjoyed everything. There is so much to see, but I’ll not be spoiling it with photos. Thank you !

A really great museum with helpful and friendly staff. The audio tour was interesting and kept my kids, aged 7, entertained for about an hour and a half. They have short attention spans and get fed up easily, so this was a good achievement!

This was a surprisingly fantastic venue to visit for all ages of the party from 7 years old to 67 years! You can go at your own pace, the route is clearly marked out and the extra kids puzzle kit kept them engaged with their surroundings. Definitely recommended as an easy way to kill a few hours with the family.

Very interesting visit. Audio guided tour gave insight as to how prisoners were treated and the way they were treated. The cells were spartan to sat the least, allied to a very tough regime I felt claustrophobic after the 90 minutes tour!

What a unique museum to visit with fantastic staff. David,our guide, was a prison guard a few years after the infamous riot. His dry humour and Doric twang was great. Seeing the prison was such an interesting experience, I am really glad I went along. You can choose to have a tour with a guide which is slightly more expensive or an audio tour. I would recommend paying for the guide as they will be able to answer your questions about daily life within the small group they take around. After they have given you the tour you are allowed to explore the prison yourself after being left at the Cafe at the end. I would leave yourself some time after the tour to go around and take it all in. There are a lot of newspaper cuttings and various things the prisoners and guards have put together after doing further research of the prison's history. If you are in Aberdeenshire go and see it, not many other places like it.

Loved it... Have been before but its really great to go and look around so did the tour with some italian friends had a really nice day really pleasant and friendly staff too 😊 great 👍

Great guided tour! The tour guide was very knowledgeable (great being toured by someone who worked there when it was in use as a prison). Really educational and fascinating! Entrance toilets were lovely and clean and the staff were all really friendly and helpful! Highly recommend visiting here as a tourist or as a local!

Spent a couple of hours exploring this gallery and was most impressed. While the collection is naturally focused on Aberdeen and Scottish art, it does have a diversity of art, including sculptures, paintings, modern, eclectic, and also works by the French Impressionists (Renoir, Monet). The galleries are well laid out, and the artwork is well presented in a family-friendly way. This is a definite gem in Aberdeen’s cultural and heritage portfolio. Well worth visiting when in Aberdeen. Highly recommended.

Beautiful gallery with so many incredible features. The building itself is gorgeous, along with all the fascinating artwork 🖼️ exhibitions and the roof terrace is an added bonus. The gallery is full of interesting exhibitions, some interactive - from Aberdeen history to suffragette movements. It is absolutely worth a visit, it’s free and I definitely recommend the stunning views from the roof terrace too. Fo not miss this place. Thanks to all the tinder staff for galleries like this ❤️

I make it a point to visit an art gallery in every city I go to. These days many galleries focus on modern art which is not really my thing so it was great to see Aberdeen Art Gallery still showcasing traditional styles that clearly remain valued by the public. There are some incredible pieces here and I even discovered a few new favourites. Special shout out to Joseph Farquharson and Ken Currie in my opinion two of the most amazing artists with paintings on display. The staff are very welcoming and do not pressure you into donations which is appreciated since the gallery like many others is free to explore. It is on the smaller side which is a bit of a downside but for its size it packs in a great variety of work. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Aberdeen.

Huge art gallery with interesting interactive display in the ground floor explaining the history. Good mix of styles and eras. Highlights: Fascinating room on McBey Interesting comparison of English/ French styles in impressionists. The Aberdeen/ Doric room Shocked to come across my young doppelganger, painted by Dorothy Johnstone. Nice shop Helpful staff. A jewel for the region and well beyond P.S. What happened to the bodies under Gallery 4?

Enjoyable, friendly and easily accessible visit. Just a shame about the disabled parking outside. The number of people without badges sitting, waiting in their cars is a real slight on the city. Hopefully the gallery is doing what they can to get this changed so their visitors can actually get close to the place.

Gorgeous building, displays, and cafe. People are beyond helpful here - absolutely made visiting an amazing experience ❤️

Impressive building, lots of interactive opportunities, very helpful staff, impressed with the curation of the exhibits, lots of variety- something for everyone.

This museum has a fantastic collection of lighthouse lenses and is filled with all sorts of information. Included with your admission is a guided tour of the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and the view from the top is great. We even got to see the mechanism that turns the light on action. This museum was a highlight of our trip.

I visited the museum with my wife a few weeks ago and it was a great experience. There is so much to see in the museum and whether you're into lighthouses or not, you'll definitely find it interesting! The tour is a must, our guide Sam was brilliant, made everyone feel welcome, encouraged questions and really knew about the lighthouse and it's history! I'm sure we'll be back again one day :)

This museum was amazing. The best part was the guided tour inside the lighthouse itself. Thanks to the guide’s explanation, you learn a lot of interesting information. Seeing how the lighthouse works with your own eyes fascinated even our children. We definitely recommend a visit.

Great museum. Paid for tour of lighthouse which was very imfomative and you were able to climb the stairs and see the light turning. Did not buy tickets in advance and luckily turned up just in time for a tour starting.

I did not go to the museum as it was shut However I parked the car and went a wee wonder Amazing views and great to see the light house Spectacular views along the cliffs which you can walk Bench area for enjoying the views Larger car park

Amazing! Michael gave us the tour of the lighthouse itself, fascinating and joyful experience throughout. Absolute must do for anyone that ever wondered what goes on inside a lighthouse, absolutely brilliant couple of hours spent here

It was an amazing visit, the tour was really interesting and it's amazing to see how a castle got to be a lighthouse. Our tour guide was incredibly nice and she knew a lot about the lighthouse, it's history and overall lighthouses.

Had a great couple of hours looking around the museum. We especially enjoyed viewing the Top Gear and Guy Martin exhibitions - Guy's world record bicycle and the crazy (smashed up) go kart are particular highlights. There's a lovely cafe with a good selection of gluten free lunches. It's all dog friendly and the staff were super friendly, even giving the dogs a gravy bone on arrival. It's well worth the fee to enter.

Great outing with kids. made more special by the classic cars show.. how many left? . Thoroughly enjoyed nice sunny day to go along with it as well.

My partner and I visited the Grampian transport museum and was thoroughly impressed by its excellent presentation. It's a must see attraction for any car enthusiast, Top Gear or Guy Martin fan. It almost goes without saying but it's the Top Gear cars that brought me to the museum. I had only found out about it just days prior to my trip when Drivetribe (a popular YouTube channel) had released a video on the indestructible Toyota Hilux that Grampian are now the proud owners of. However, it doesn't stop at just the Hilux, they own many of the iconic TV cars such as the Rambulance, the P45 and even the amphibious vehicles that the legendary trio of Clarkson, Hammond and May tried crossing the English Channel in. Explaining the history of each vehicle was a passionate volunteer Finlay McHardy who really made the day for us. Listening to him talk about the episodes each vehicle was featured in and sharing knowledge not found on the information boards. He even shared some details about what the future may hold for the vehicles... Meaning, if you're thinking they might try and start the Hilux. You may be right. The team at Grampian are sent on courses and trained to try and preserve the exhibits they have on display. The Hilux being no exception. If the pickup truck does indeed still run after time has been added to the concoction of death it's had to endure then it'll be because of the amazing team at Grampian and not the Smallest Cog as many suspect. Moving away from the Top Gear exhibit the museum also features trams, bikes in both push and motorised varieties as well as historic 'transportation of the future' such as the Sinclair C5 a vehicle that I believe was ahead of its time. The museum really is a treasure trove of information with the sheer diversity it has to offer and with plenty to read for those that wish to do so. It's very clear a lot of care has gone into making the exhibits as enjoyable and informative as possible. If all of this sounds tiring or perhaps you're not as passionate as a partner, child or any other acquaintance that you may be travelling with is. Then not to worry there is a lovely café located inside the museum called Motorbites which I feel is a worthy pun. It offers a great range of food and drink at what I found to be a very reasonable price, making it the perfect spot for lunch or just a break! The only negative I can draw from my visit is the behaviour of a school group. The children seemed to treat the museum like a playground, running around without much supervision or respect for the exhibits. While this didn't entirely detract from my experience, it was a minor disruption. However, this is not Grampian's fault and more so the lack of supervision from the responsible adults of the school trip. Overall I had a great time. So much so that if you look hard enough you may find my name, Finlay's name or many others dotted around the exhibits as the museum offer a vehicle adoption scheme for a one of fee of £25. This goes towards running the museum and the upkeep of the exhibits as Grampian is owned and operated by a registered charity of which I was more than happy to support. So on that bombshell, it's a 5/5 from me

Delightful small museum which I’ve visited several times over the years but never taken my granddaughter so decided to go yesterday & support local. Some new items since last time there. Top gear really good as you remember it from seeing it on tv & good to see their creations in real life. Sadly what let’s the place down is the cafe as my granddaughter wanted the kids lunch box which is a sandwich, juice, etc. they couldn’t do a tuna sandwich at 2.12pm ?? However said we could have egg /bacon? how difficult would it have been to make a wee tuna sandwich ?? So we didn’t have lunch. I mentioned this at desk on way out as a suggestion to do sandwiches at any time of the day but he didn’t seem very interested to hear what I had to say. Outdoor play area is disappointing- not kept well not clean. They used to have a super bit for kids to go round small circuit in cars in the play area but that’s not there anymore. So all in all they happy to charge £27 for 2 adults 1 child but clearly doesn’t go into maintaining the kids area.

The visit was great, there was lots to see while the top gear exhibit was on, it was like meeting my childhood heros 🤣

£13 entry, reasonably priced gift shop and a great selection of cars to see, including the top gear special cars.

Fantastic day out. The museum is outstanding, and then the car event on the track at the rear was awesome

Nice cafe, lovely scones. Gorgeous grounds and gardens and lots of different woodland walks, walk-around the lake etc. Good variety of birds andv wildlife. Tours around the House are guided so held at certain times each day. Limited guides on the day I visited so only every two hours. Will definitely return for a tour at a later date.

Haddo House is a stunning stately home in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, offering a blend of history, elegance, and natural beauty. Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, this late Victorian mansion is known for its fine furniture, paintings, and beautifully maintained gardens. Beyond the house itself, the Haddo Country Park offers scenic walks, lakes, and monuments, making it a perfect destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike as well as great photography locations ..

One of our family's favourite places for a day out - beautiful scenery, sheltered walks, ducks, geese, and fab play parks. Top notch

Very pretty house. Excellent tour guide who was super enthusiastic. I really enjoyed learning about its history and that of the family who occupied it for so many years. Highly recommend if you are in the area!

Haddo House is a wonderful place to visit. The house and grounds are beautiful, and full of history. Our tour guide, Andrew, was excellent — very knowledgeable, engaging, and brought the stories of the house to life with humour and enthusiasm. He made the tour both interesting and fun. Highly recommend a visit!

An excellent location in lovely grounds. The house is interesting, and our guide was very well informed on its history. The cafe was welcoming and the scones were fresh.

An absolutely beautiful setting. Haddo House has plenty to offer, from weddings to family walks, from bike rides to playing in the park. The chapel is lovely. The grounds are stunning. The pathways are better than expected. A great place to visit, make sure you've got plenty of storage because you'll take loads of pictures!

Lovely clifftop walks, as long as you're careful. A couple of paths to choose, one of which is a bit trickier underfoot than the other. Great seabird nesting place between March and the end of July. Puffins in burrows towards the tops of the cliffs. Always a delight. There is a big car park and easy access with just a short walk to the first decent views of the cliffs, and you can walk for much longer if you wish.

Really cool to be able to walk out onto the points… there’s quite a few and the circuit loops around through a tunnel… instead of tracking back the way we came we just walked along the road to make it back to the car. Worth the visit! Views 10/10

Stunning. My husband is a bit scared of heights so we didn't go to far along the path as it does get close to the edge but it was amazing views! The water was so green. Definitely stay on the path like the signs say!! But 100% worth a look.

Came all the way from Edinburgh and it was absolutely worth it. The area isn’t crowded, which made the experience even more special — just beautiful, peaceful scenery all around. If you’re here to see puffins (and you should be!), make sure to take the path to the right and keep following it along the cliffs. You’ll eventually reach a spot where you can see tons of puffins nesting and flying — it’s magical. For those taking the bus back to Aberdeen: the stop is on the opposite side of where you get dropped off. Make sure to wave at the driver when the bus comes. Highly recommend the trip — nature, birds, and a little adventure all rolled into one.

A stunningly beautiful place! I don’t have a car, so I took the X63 Stagecoach bus from Aberdeen Erroll Street, and it dropped me off right at the Bullers of Buchan car park, super convenient! The walking trail was really fun, and one would feel like stopping at every other step just to admire the beauty around. The sunny weather made the whole trip more enjoyable. I was lucky enough to spot some puffins—though there were way fewer of them compared to the razorbills and kittiwakes around. Also from there, it’s just about a 20-minute walk to New Slains Castle, and then just a few minutes more to Cruden Bay. I ended up covering the whole area on foot, and it wasn’t tiring at all. Overall, it was a fantastic experience!

Very nice place for a walk with stunning views over the cliffs and coast side. Highly recommended. There is free parking on the side with plenty of spaces.

Absolutely stunning! I highly recommend the hike from here to Cruden Bay (although heads up that there are no bathrooms in between whatsoever). You can take the 61 or X63 Stagecoach buses to and from Aberdeen, which run quite regularly. We also stopped to see Slains Castle, but it is very decrepit, there is a lot of garbage around, and no plaques with info about its history.

My daughter always enjoys this 20 minute ride on the steam train at Milton of Crathes. There were two carriages for the first ride of the day at 11:00am. Refreshments and light snacks sold onboard and they do take cards. The station Is well maintained as Is the lovely steam train. There are also rides at 13:00 and 15:00 and if you have paid already at 11:00 no further charge. Now has a new 45 minute drive a steam train experience available, See website for details.

It’s always amazing to see these places and so much history is such a small area. It’s amazing how long there Trains and carriages last ! Talk about built to last.

A credit to the very hardworking enthusiastic volunteers . Thank you for your endeavours, a credit to you all. Best of luck with your future plans.

We only stopped to take photos. The platform is accessible from the car park so taking pictures was really straightforward.

Superb Steam Train Afternoon Tea Joined the train for an afternoon tea (which comes from Milton of Crathes) for a family birthday, it was delicious and something unique and different to do for a special occasion in Aberdeenshire, and we were able to stay on the train for multiple trips until we finished all our goodies. Scones, clotted cream & Jam Raspberry tart Lemon sponge Victoria sponge Millionaire shortbread Selection of sandwiches Tea or coffee Book in advance

Used to be less than £5 pp but now almost £8 however great location and fabulous experience for kids and grown ups equally. Very much recommended operational coal fired steam train experience. 30 mins drive away from Aberdeen and drive is through beautiful countryside.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Royal Deeside Railway. I have been following the Railway on Facebook and it was great to have the opportunity to see it in the flesh!

Ohh, good for younger, but of course for elderly is well, so good for walking and nice Gym - stone steps, yass. 😍 and seasonal berries and mushrooms.

We went up the ‘gentle’ way which was still quite tough for me as it was an uphill walk through the quiet woods. Loved the amazing view from the top of Scolty Hill and the Burnett monument. The descent was quite steep but thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. Paid parking here.

A lovely walk with a great view from the tower. Got to stuff ourselves with lots of wild blueberries, too!

You can drive up the hill and hike the last 30 minutes to the top, or you can park your car near Feugh falls (free parking) and enjoy the walk all the way to the top through a beautiful forest. Depending on which route you choose once your up on Scolty Hill, it'll take 2-3 hours in total. Apart from an amazing view, Scolty Hill offers a tower with a narrow staircase for braver souls than me to climb up.

Nice practice of walking. There are three walks to take, each has different difficulty of walking to get to top. I took 3rd one, violet, it has quite steep upwards path, be prepared, take water. Very nice views all around. If you can't get to higher hills or mountains, this is very good to catch a feeling that you're on top of high hill.

Scolty hill located in Banchory is a nice forest walk for people of all ages. At the top of the hill is a tower and the views are great all around, though it gets very windy. The heather is in full bloom at the moment which gives a purplish view all around and in a month's time with the fall colours the landscape views will be breathtaking.

Despite trying this on a really hot day we enjoyed this outing. Knees can tell the story as it's steep with rocky path but I am getting old so no problem to Munro baggers or younger folk. Well worth it for the fantastic view from the top. We walked in from banchory but carparks are available at start of forest walks.

Unity with nature, the sea and of course, a wonderful lighthouse. The road to the lighthouse by car is a bit complicated, narrow. In bad weather and rain it will not be easy to drive.

I recently visited Rattray Head Lighthouse near Peterhead and absolutely loved it! The drive to the car park is along a narrow, rutted track—tough in those potholes unless you have a high-clearance vehicle—so take it slow and steady  . After parking, we walked through rolling sand dunes to reach the shoreline. Even at low tide you can walk out to the lighthouse via its submersible causeway, which is only visible briefly when the sea retreats . The view when you spot the lighthouse peeking through the dunes is simply magical. The beach stretches widely, protected by dunes, and it’s mostly deserted—perfect for photography or a peaceful stroll  . We even spotted some seals off the shore and lovely birdlife in the dunes. Built in 1895 by the Stevenson brothers, this striking granite-and-white tower stands 120 ft tall. It even survived a wartime attack when a German bomber flew over, dropped bombs, and machine-gunned the structure—yet it stayed fully functional

This is a perfectly peaceful spot. Road a but rough to reach but worth it. Small light house a great photo oppurtunity, as is exploring the sand dunes with its fauna and flora. It is wilderness so pack a picnic and enjoy.

We went on a very beautiful Scottish sunny day, so lots of blue clear skies and golden beach. We walked quite a long way along the water edge, the Grey Seals kept a constant eye on us. Great for beach combing as all sorts had washed up there.

There is a small car park behind the old keepers' accomodation. From there it is an easy, short walk to the beach and the lighthouse

Great location , beautiful lighthouse on the sea and even more beautiful beach and dunes . Awesome for a walk. It good for someone who like to hunt for a treasures. There is lots of stuff left by the sea from crab cages , Fishermen ropes, buoys ,pice of wood and many many more . Unfortunately these means as well that there is a lots of rubbish on the beach . But still beach is wide sandy and beautiful. Definitely worth a visit

Stunning place to visit, great for a walk and few pictures! The only downside is the road to the beach car park, it’s a single track dirt road littered with deep potholes. if you’re worried about your car on this bad road, park at the old church/cemetery that you will pass on your right, from there it’s roughly a 25-30min walk to the beach to see this lighthouse.

Easy access from the car park .took me 4 hrs with stops to admire the view. Should take a good Walker 3hrs.. last section is stepped and a tad steep so a bit tiring for my worn out knees..the views make it all worth while. Waterproofs and good shoes are always handy.

Small car park but a very enjoyable walk on good paths with great views from the rocky summit.

Nice half day walk with beautiful views

Clachnaben is a great place to have a decent outdoor walk, access is on the cairn o mount Road.

Lovely walk rewarded with stunning scenery

It was freezing up top, shouldn't have claimbed in the spring time, but worth all the effort anyway! The view from the top is just breathtaking, made it with my lads. Better go there in the late summer day....might find little or no snow at all.

If you're new to hiking give yourself 4hrs or so, take a packed lunch with a bag to take your rubbish back with you. Stop here and there to enjoy the scenery and just enjoy it. You probably will get a big change in weather between the top and the bottom so take a spare layer.

Very nice well kept castle. Well worth the entrance fee to help with the upkeep. Very friendly and helpful team who welcome you in from the outside. You can walk around yourself or pay for a guide. We chose to just take our selves around. Lots of interesting rooms and history ! Well worth a visit !

It was a nice surprise. We did not plan to visit it but you cannot miss it from the road. The tour is about 30mn , but you can easily spent 1h. You will find a lot of history details about Scotland, and the clan living here. I loved the room about the clan with all the weapons and rocks.

I've been to many historical sites on my Scotland visits but the staff and volunteers here are amazing. The presentation given by the staff for people unable to make the tour were phenomenal! A special thanks to ol' Morris for keeping the castle safe and an even bigger thanks to the community that makes this site accessible for anyone. The rich history of the site is amazing and the knowledge of the staff and volunteers is an absolute treat for any visitors.

We had a wonderful tour with Doreen through the castle. She told us so much that we probably would not have known or noticed on our own. We love that the castle is run by the local community.

Beautifully restored castle and fantastic visitor experience. Excellent self-guided tour with the aid of the Bloomberg Connects mobile app, which has floor plans, audio and video guides to each of the Castle's sympathetically restored rooms. It's worth downloading the app and multimedia content before you visit. I recommend bringing your own personal headphones to listen to the audio on your mobile device as I wasn't sure if they provided equipment. I thought the admission price was quite reasonable considering the entry and parking fees go towards the vital upkeep of the castle, which is under community care. The staff guides are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

Stepping into Braemar Castle is like turning the pages of a captivating history book. We were taken on a journey that showed us how this impressive structure transformed from a no-nonsense redcoat garrison into a glamorous high-society escape. The stories of its Royal visitors and the many colorful characters who lived within its walls are brought to life by the knowledgeable guides. If you want to get a true feel for the history of the area and the people who shaped it, a visit to Braemar Castle is an absolute must. It's a truly memorable experience. There is a paid parking area outside the castle entrance.

Beautiful castle, easy walk from the carpark, plenty information along the walk. Unfortunately didn't get inside the castle, but was. Great to see the set up, and the garden.

Lovely house steeped in History. Lovely staff. There are a lot of stairs, but there is a lift. It looks like they have a wee cafe on site. But sadly it was closed.

Fabulous house restored to contain wonderful art from the national collection. Glorious 2 floors telling the story of how not to deal with your architect even if it is William Adam! Top floor is exhibition space currently recounting story of Polish war time residents. Staff fabulous and keen to share passion for an amazing site. Closed over lunch and no cafe but sustenance is available in Banff walking distance away

This place is super cute for a quick walk. If you want to go inside, mornings are best. It's less crowded then, so you can really enjoy it. I highly recommend checking it out! Just make sure to go early if you want to head indoors.

Highly recommend a visit to Duff House. Staff are highly knowledge and happy to have a good chat. The artwork inside is stunning, floor to ceiling paintings from many famous artists.

Loved this place . Very helpful, welcoming and informative staff. Thank you for making our visit enjoyable and accommodating with access for my daughter as she is unable to walk up stairs they helped with the use of the lift. Highly recommended x Morag

This was good, however I felt cheated knowing most of the paintings and furniture are on loan from National Gallery etc, and there isn’t much to do with Duff House. However I do understand that it may be difficult finding original items, it felt off. Also the staff are nice but do follow you around, ready to pounce with facts and talking when you just want to look at areas. Although this may be informative to some people, I just wanted to look at everything in peace.

Very rarely leave reviews. But we have just left Duff House and I couldn’t not. Not only is the house beautiful with a wonderful selection of art and antiques. But the staff are so passionate and informed and couldn’t do enough to ensure we enjoyed and got the most out of our stay. They really made us feel welcome on our visit today (Friday 31st Oct 25). I really do hope that any of the management team see this and can feedback to the staff that we’re working today, especially the two blonde Older ladies that were on the second and third floor and then served me at the till in the gift shop as we left. Both were brilliant and you could tell truly passionate about the House and its collection. We were looking for something to burn an hour and ended up staying for 2.5. Really is a must visit if you enjoy art antiques, architecture or history in General!

Wonderful Castle! Very unique castle in comparison to many we had toured. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had. The walled garden was enjoyable to walk thru despite the rain. The fruit we purchased in the garden hut was very delicious after our tea!

Great time had, while they went inside for the guided tour, myself and the dog enjoyed the outdoors. The guided tour took about 2 hours, while we sat outdoors on picnic benches at the cafe. They loved the tour and the guide knew her stuff. Very impressive castle inside and out. Disabled parking right at entrance or your in the main car park 5-10 mins walk down a hill

I wasn't sure about our tour guide at first, honestly. But wow, they were amazing! The whole tour was hilarious thanks to their sarcastic and charming personality. Definitely made the experience 100% better. Beautiful castle inside and out.

Amazing place. Great tour of the castle. Tours run every 45mins. Nice cafe and shop. The gardens are nice to walk around.

What a beautiful castle! And the guided tour was amazing! It was totally worth it and I definitely recommend a visit!

Great place to visit you can only go round the inside of the castle as part of a guided tour witch we didn't mind because you get to understand the history of the place instead of just walking around looking at things our guide was very knowledgeable and great at telling us all about the castle through the years I definitely recommend a visit

Great place to look around. Dog friendly. Great coffee in the little cafe. Attended the distinguished gentleman ride 🏍️ Great starting point for the charity ride. Stunning place

A car park big enough for over 6 vehicles. Short walk to entrance building with small shop selling gifts and treats. Entrance fee payable. The castle is big and an outhouse also exists to explore. The main castle has some restrictions to access and intricate details have been protected from the weather. Still an impressive size with prison, cellars, great hall, kitchen, bedrooms etc. Outside is a building with a bakery and a brew house. Part of the original medieval road exists just outside.

The castle ruins is incredible. The size is quite impressive, between the cellars, the prison, the living rooms and the different rooms you will spent 1h . All the explanations are really good, the story of it is fascinant. Highly recommanded.

Enjoyed a lovely family day out. Admission was reasonably priced. Walked around the ruins had inside and outdoor areas. Some pebbled areas, steps to climb and different levels to negotiate but not to much for the young children in the party aged between (3 and 6) Disabled access is limited to the surrounds as climbing stairs inside the towers may present difficulties. There was parking facilities outside and a nice park with play area and picnic area close to the river which was very picturesque.

Went first thing it opened, the older gentleman we chated with inside the castle was super happy to be there, he felt like a personal tour guide and you could tell he loved what he was doing.

this is a wonderful castle ruins and so definitely worth a visit...the site is home to a number of castles during its history ...a medieval road lays next to the current ruin as well ...Once a magnificent, sumptuous and ornate building, Huntly Castle is a large and ruinous old stronghold and palace in a pretty wooded location, long the seat of the powerful Gordon Earls and Marquises of Huntly and with a long and violent history, just north of the Aberdeenshire town of Huntly.

Huntly castle is a must see castle whilst visiting aberdeenshire for all its a ruin there is still allot to see and you can use your imagination to fill in the blanks. There is a well stocked shop that sells everything from books to souvenirs to fridge magnets the people who run the site are very friendly and welcoming and happy to answer any question that you might have. There is decent parking next to the castle so no issues there also toilets are avaliable. The views from on top of Huntly castle are well worth the effort. 10/10

A very beautiful Castle, I spent hours exploring and there are beautiful walks and praks in the surrounding area. A fantastic day out. 🤩🤩

The Cairngorms National Park is simply breathtaking — one of the most beautiful places in the UK. The scenery is stunning year-round, from snow-capped peaks in winter to lush greenery and wildflowers in summer. There’s a perfect mix of outdoor activities: hiking, wildlife watching, cycling, skiing, and even just peaceful walks along lochs and forests. What makes it special is the feeling of space and tranquility — you can truly disconnect here. The locals are welcoming, and there are plenty of charming villages, cafés, and whisky distilleries nearby to explore after a day outdoors. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just looking to unwind in nature, the Cairngorms is an unforgettable experience. A must-visit for anyone in Scotland!

Wonderful place to visit with or without kids. You can have a whole day out and see animals you may never see again.

Beautiful views. Fun funicular. Looks like it would be great for skiing. Nice restaurant and bar area to fill up and warm up in winter or cool down and fill up during summer.

The Cairngorm Massif is a true Mountain region much of it over 900 m and average windspeed in excess of over 28 mph; with Arctic weather, challenging hikes, skiing, Summer sunshine and Munros aplenty. The ancient Caledonian forest covers the lower reaches of the slopes with lochs and rivers to follow. From Braemar in the East to Aviemore in the West this challenging area can be crossed using the old cattle droving roads and Military roads round the edges. There are famous paths to follow like the SE to NW Lairig Ghru and now on the Cairngorm Mountain itself from the top of the lifts. There are watersports on the River Spey or Loch Morlich and National Mountain centres at Glenmore Lodge and Lagganlie Outdoor centre. Rothiemurchus Lodge is also a charity run centre for the Armed forces and educational organisations located at the N Western end of the Lairig Ghru set amidst the Caledonian forest.. Parking is good everywhere you might want to start your walks from though if you are not a good navigator walks can get very long if you miss your exit return route! The main parking area is at the base of the funicular to the top of Cairngorm Mountain itself.The local Mountain Rescue teams are very experienced and friendly if you need advice. Do your research before arriving and you will enjoy this haven which will show you a new face to the mountains every time you return.

Really nice route for ppl new to mountains like me. There are buses to the base almost every hour. Very good scenery. PLZ WEAR SUNSCREEN IF IT IS A SUNNY DAY. And CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST because it can get very windy sometimes

Very beautiful and very big park to explore (one of the biggest parks in whole UK) it have many: mountains, walking trails etc. Many beautiful nature all around you from: creeks, valleys, forestry, small lakes etc. If you are true outdoor, or hiking enthusiasts you will love it. My mission in there, was to climb on the 2nd highest mountain in UK (Ben Macdui 1,309m) and Cairn Gorm 1,245m. And the 3rd and last mountain was Meall a' Bhuachaille 810 meters. Ben Macdui was the most challenging... from car park to walk, hike, climb and reach Ben Macdui summit we needed about 9 hours in total back and forth... was challenging, plus a lot of snow, in some places even rain as well... and slippery on snowy places... so yeah quite a serious physical challenge. My verdict - 10/10 a serious, and amazing park! For outdoors enthusiasts...

Been holidaying in Aviemore and Glenmore for years. Love both low level and high level walks.

Situated near north of Montrose is spectacular costal reserve from its rocky shore lines to dramatic cliffs, beautiful coast line to walk starting from Visitor centre. Free car park.

Fantastic views, easy parking ❤️. A steep but scenic walk down to the beach. A beautiful long sandy beach.

A beautiful and almost empty beach. The kids loved it, and found jellyfish, crabs, sea anemones, caves, climbing rocks and lots and lots of bunnies. A lovely day out, all round.

Beautiful beach , lovely cafe at the beginning Little gallery Toilets Big car park

A lovely day made it outstanding. If you are in the area then take the time to visit and walk along the beach. Chill time

What a stunning place. The sea was fiece when we visited. Lovely visitors centre, great walks. Good parking, motorhomes can stay overnight and they have an elsan point.

Beautiful view, lots of wildlife and wildflowers. You'll meet lots of dogs, rabbits and find blooming thistles within the bushes. The cliffside is very sudden so don't allow your child or dog run off. The trail is very easy if there's no mobility issues.

Lovely harbour, recommend The Ship Inn for a tasty meal. The sculptures along the beach path were great and a nice feature. My kids enjoyed them, especially when they spotted SpongeBob and Stick Man! A free car park and public toilets was an added bonus.

A great place to fish or to hang out on a nice day. Plenty of food and drink establishments and public toilets nearby and the harbour front bars don't mind you taking your drinks outside, even across the road, to sit on the wall and enjoy the sunshine. Easy and cheap train ride from Aberdeen - about 15 mins. Great day out!

Stayed for one night with my wife & had a wonderful time! Located right near the Dunnottar Castle, a must see location if visiting. Stonehaven can get busy during the day, but is perfect for an early morning walk. Stonehaven beach is beautiful!

Really cute and quaint fishing village harbour. Don't let the drive through the town put you off... keep going! Lovely pubs on the harbour side where punters sit with drinks enjoying the view. At the of the visit there was a Crab shack in a horse box at the end of the harbour arm... great lobster rolls.

First time visiting Stonehaven. What a beautiful place. The walk around tge promenade is just lovely. The sculptures are absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to visit again.

Beautiful spot, free car park (though it gets busy). Plenty of seating to just sit and watch the world go by, or, if you are feeling energetic, start your walk to Dunnottar castle (very steep from the harbour.)

Stonehaven Harbour is a lovely, traditional Scottish seaside town that’s well worth a visit. We had a great time strolling around the harbour and exploring the quaint high street, which has a nice mix of traditional shops and places to grab a bite or a coffee. The harbour itself was peaceful and relaxing, with a quiet atmosphere that made for a pleasant walk. It’s fairly easy to get around, and there’s plenty of parking available – including a great tip: you can often find parking right on the harbour front, which is incredibly convenient. The public toilets on the harbour front were also clean and well maintained, which was a nice bonus. If you're visiting Dunnottar Castle nearby, it’s definitely worth popping into Stonehaven afterwards for a coffee, some food, and a bit of a wander. A relaxing, scenic stop with a classic coastal town feel.

This was amazing we walked over the sand dunes and along to the sign where the seals are. (My phones zoomed in you can't get that close to them which is good) there's loads of signs and information plus wild animals need their space. Just make sure you don't park at the car park with the information centre as that's a different walk, we ended up doing an hour walk there before realising. Was nice but we drove 3hours to come to this bit

Beautiful estuary and dune system with walks and views. Areas roped off to protect nesting birds and seals - hurrah! Parking difficult, some car parks had height barriers, one had width barriers , but a small area had been left for larger vehicles, the easiest parking was at the reserve building ( even a £10 night stay for campers!) The wildlife was wonderful - so many seals - safely lolling on the beach , but then several swam up to the accessible part of the beach and had a good stare at us odd creatures!! Birds and butterflies, flowers…. A stunning place.

Forvie National Nature Reserve, nestled in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a coastal gem. Its 1,000 hectares of shifting sand dunes and dune heath create a landscape akin to the Sahara Desert. Birdwatchers delight in eiders, terns, and wildfowl. In winter, seals with pups dot the estuary. Beneath the sands lie historical layers, including Forvie Kirk. Explore marked trails, admire cliff flowers in spring, and witness seals from Newburgh beach. Nature thrives here, leaving visitors awestruck.

Lovely little car park. Walks marked with paths easy to follow. Beautiful area and surprising coast views.

A fine place to visit if you enjoy a good countryside nature walk , take your camera as there is plenty to capture, magnificent scenery, wildlife , blue sky’s with signposts along the way to help you manoeuvre the well walked paths . A small car park is at the entrance with the Forvie Centre building available for visitors though it was closed due to Covid on the day that we visited . The walk is enjoyable though sadly the path is not best for anyone with walking disabilities or indeed suitable for a wheel chair, I have posted a few photos so that anyone preparing to visit can make a judgement before they arrive. It was a bright sunlit day with a wind blowing when we arrived, it certainly felt as if we had completed a good bit of exercise, the dog loved her walk that day too , meeting a few others out with their owners along our journey. In summary , plan ahead if you have not visited before , good parking, a facility to use on site ( closed during Covid lockdown) , signposted well, paths to follow , great scenery, wildlife to watch , dress appropriately as it is out in the country , wear good walking boots or shoes , my iPhone could not receive a signal during various parts of our walk .

A wonderful place for a walk to blowaway the winter cobwebs , the VC was open when we visited last weekend so could use the toilets with the usual covid precautions , the car park isnt very big so will get crowded during the summer months . Theres quite a few very well maintained paths leading south from the centre onto the reserve , we chose the path through the main part of the inland dune system where there were herons in some of the small lochs and lots of other birds judging by the amount of birdsong we heard , we made for Hackley bay and then came back up the coastal path back to the carpark . This is a place we always come back to for a lovely walk in peacefull surroundings

Lovely day for a walk

Easy and nice trail. Car park is ski centre. Cost £3 for all day in August 2025.

Walk was nice and not too difficult, although there was one part where there wasn’t a clear path. weather was fantastic, saw some deer on the way there which was cool. Would recommend smidge or a midge net, the midges will eat you alive for the first 20-30 minutes if there is no wind.

Not as challenging as I’ve read online , the navigation is quite straight forward and if you’re starting at the cairngorm ski car park , there’s only 600-700m to climb. It is 17 km to the summit so fair distance.

Nice view and a fantastic hike here and back. If not to windy the flat land next to the lake half way down to the glen was a perfect place to pitch your tent.

A wild and lonely peak still. Great views of Cairn Toul, Braeriach and down the Lairig Ghru. It's several miles from Cairngorm on a very clear path, but further away than you think.

Glorious hike to the top of the second highest peak in the UK, in the September sunshine! From the Cairngorm Base Station to the summit took us 2.5 hours, back down also 2.5 hours with half hour stopping time, total 5.5 hours. Very easy path to follow, only slightly more difficult pathfinding is on a boulder field about 3/4 of the way up, but there are lots of cairns to follow. No scrambling/climbing involved, only hiking with some steeper sections that we found a bit gravelly and slippery on the way back down- poles would help in this section. Several crescent moon shelters at the top allow for a beak out of the wind for a well deserved snack. A really great hike!

I started at the Linn Of Dee carpark, which was £3 for 24 hours, and had an amazing time walking up to the top of Ben Macdui. It was a long walk, but you are surrounded by beautiful scenery, it would be a great place to camp out. I was a solo traveller, but it would be good for couples or families to do. A great day out.

My love, where have you been? I missed this you And who are you now? I can't even see You through this fog. It has changed you, my love, And your portrait looks twisted callously Through the person you had to become. Don't Worry, love. I forgive you. I see who You were so clear, as if it were now. Don't Believe it, though, love - yet there will ensue A triumph so strangely earned that you'll doubt All you know and so within turns without.

Monday morning hike,Leaving from the Sugarbowl carpark in the Cairngorms a short walk through the top of Glenmore forest Park across a bridge and up onto the top,excellent views, great path heading towards Chalamain Gap,plenty of stepping stones.Steep large boulder field,a real knee breaker once on the top gentle path before a series of steep decents and ascents ,skirting Lairig Ghru,the trail carried on over boulder fields, Coire Bhrochain trail is very close to the edge,misty conditions,cloud causing visibility issues,so staying on the right side of the cairns helped me to navigate upto Braeriach .Phew! Now I had to retrace my steps,passing some wreckage from an aircraft that crashed many years ago,the trail back was quicker,the sun came out,soon became very warm,the views are stunning.Having decided to return a different way as my knees wouldn't be able to take another battering on the Chalamain Gap,so taking the Lairig Ghru trail towards Rothiemurchus ,meeting some residents along the way,turning off onto a track to the lodge,skirting the bottom of castle hill,finding a slightly overgrown track,passing an old helipad,heading up towards the saddle what a climb,boggy,very steep,little used trail,knee breaker,lung buster,eventually getting to the top,another boulder field, nowhere near as bad as the others I had crossed today.I stopped an perched myself on a massive boulder looking towards the ski centre,the end wasn't too far,but I need to rest a bit,fuel up give my legs time to recharge,then off I trudged again,tracing the edge of a stream running through this valley ending up back on the main track,wouldn't be long before I would be back at the car. 7hrs 16 mins 19 miles and boy did I know it,that night old man cream(heat rub) and paracetamol helped to ease my pains,but it was worth it,the 3rd highest peak in the uk and I've already done no.2 .

Very hard and tough, must bring winter appropriate clothing, ice axe and crampons. Make sure to bring a map and gps if the weather is extreme. Overall enjoyable experience

Stunning views of the top of Scotland, bot really 1 for first timers but totally worth the effort

Fantastic peak that can be done as part of the Braeriach traverse, views are stunning and there is a tiny bit of rock shelter on top away from the wind.

Braeriach is one of the classic Scottish mountains. High, remote and offering exceptional views of one of Europe's last unspoiled wilderness areas. An ascent of Braeriach is a great target for a fit hillwalker. Care should be taken as the route is significantly longer than most munros, at least seven hours for most experienced walkers. The summit is remote, so parties should ensure they have essential survival skills. The Cairngorms present significant navigation problems in bad weather due to their scale and large featureless areas of desolate upland, so good navigation skills are a must. Weather in the Cairngorms can be genuinely Arctic even in summer so take foul weather gear. Only experienced mountaineers should consider Braeriach in winter as it offers a long, serious challenge in extreme conditions. But if you have the skills, this area offers mountain days equal to anything in the Alps or beyond. Braeriach can be climbed together with Cairn Toul, Ben Macdui and other remote peaks in a single day or by staying in the Garbh Coire or Corrour huts. If you want real adventure away from the signs, paths and guided tours, this is it.

Perfect for picnicking and a good stop to break up the trip north on a long A9 drive.

4th highest mountain in the UK, great views on a clear day. Final ascent is over boulders which makes it harder than could be expected.

Long approach , very rocky . Great views

Spectacular views from the summit.

Big hill

I really enjoyed my visit to the museum. It was a great way to learn about not only maritime facts such as oil rigs and ships but also Aberdeen history. All the displays were done with great care and the exhibitions were very informative. The view to the port was also splendid and the gift shop selection was nice.

An excellent experience. An easy walk from the Railway Station. This museum is free, but you can donate by card or cash. Very friendly staff and an amazing space over five floors and three buildings. The museum features the maritime history of the area as well as the oil and gas industry. It also features exhibits on occasion. A reasonably priced gift shop featuring local souvenirs. I would visit here if you have an interest in maritime history, but is interesting for those who aren't.

Lovely museum, lovely architecture. The cherry on the cake was the free guided tour tough, offered by knowledgeable and utmost kind Robert who made it special by picking a particular parts and making his lecture around these. Learned a lot and in a very friendly atmosphere, many thanks!!

A visit worth taking while in Aberdeen (or if residing here). Deployed in 4 floors, illustrates the history of Aberdeen shipbuilding and UK offshore drilling off Scotland coast. The abundance of wood all around creates a really cozy environment. Allow >1 hour to tour as it’s really interesting.

Free to enter and explore. A well maintained museum. Plenty of stuff to see and learn about. Don’t forget to take a copy of ‘things to do on your visit’. It’s a fun activity to do with kids/family.

Can’t believe this amazing place is free! 😍 I love museums...they always take us back in time and make us feel part of history. The displays, ship models, and harbour views here were just beautiful. 🌊⚓️ The Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located on Shiprow overlooking the harbour, is one of the city’s most fascinating free attractions. It’s housed in a blend of historic and modern buildings, including Provost Ross’s House, which dates back to 1593. The museum beautifully showcases Aberdeen’s deep connection with the sea — from shipbuilding and fishing to the modern North Sea oil and gas industry. One of its main highlights is the impressive 9-metre model of the Murchison oil platform, along with intricate ship models, artefacts, and interactive displays spread across four floors. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the harbour from the upper galleries, making it a perfect mix of history, culture, and coastal charm. 🌊⚓️

Lovely area, a good way to undertake the deep history of Aberdeen trading and oil exploration, week preserved pieces of history, kept in good viewing condition, a good place for visitors on sightseeing and exploratory training.

Very nice ruin. Well maintained. Very nice staff at main entrance who gave us a snippet of what to see and expect. Lovely view of Elgin from the top. The stairs up were well maintained, not too narrow, not a hard climb either. I do recommend. We used explorer pass to enter.

Signed up for annual Historic Scotland pass. Visited the cathedral while touring the Moray Firth area. Found the site to be well kept with loads of informative information on it's history. Staff were great and answered my questions. Recommend

remarkable abbey ruin ...would've been amazing to see in its day as what's left is looks pretty amazing ...lots carvings as well. . Even as a ruin, the cathedral shines out as one of Scotland's most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings. Begun in 1224, Elgin was the principal church of the bishops of Moray. It lost its roof shortly after the Protestant Reformation of 1560, and later its central tower fell.

Beautiful place to visit. What a view from the top. Plenty of stairs, so be warned. Kids were engrossed in the history hunt, and we had to ask one of Historic Scotland reps to help us complete the last few.

We visited Elgin Cathedral today and absolutely loved our experience. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and to our delight, we were even allowed to bring our dogs with us onto the beautiful grounds. That made the visit extra special and unforgettable for us. We are so grateful for this wonderful experience!

Hauntingly evocative ruins in stone. Curated exhibitions in the surviving snd partially restored towers add to appreciation of the time and place when Elgin was an active cathedral. The decorative stone sculptures are unique surviving treasures; some are whimsical and others are quite skillfully made. There is a nearby parking lot for easy access.

Well worth a visit! Good informative interior displays of mostly the "bits" that have fallen off and grand views of Elgin from the top of one of the towers. Friendly and helpful staff.

Duthie Park Winter Gardens is such a unique and beautiful spot for a wedding! Lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and the most gorgeous natural light—it’s like stepping into a little tropical paradise in the heart of Aberdeen. The atmosphere is so relaxed and romantic, making it the perfect backdrop for capturing love stories. Easily one of my favourite spots to photograph, and it never disappoints!

Peaceful and Beautiful Family Spot Duthie Park is a charming green oasis in Aberdeen—immaculately kept, with lovely flower beds, wide lawns, and serene pathways. The highlight is the breathtaking David Welch Winter Gardens, perfect for a nature escape. Great for family strolls, picnics, or quiet relaxation. Free to visit and easily accessible—highly recommended!

I have never been to Duthie Park despite going to school in Bridge of Don and visiting family in the city over the years. I forgot there is a winter garden and I was impressed by how lovely it was. Enjoyed the cafe too - great coffee and lovely cakes

Good place to walk, jogging, relax, play arrears, cycling etc etc… Also specially the “Temperature House” bring a huge value the place.

Was great, I was up there when doing the kilt walk an was really nice despite the heavy rain had lovely day an beautiful sites an things to do an close to shops also, ado recommend going if get the chance people were really warm an friendly

It is a vibrant and beautifully landscaped park. It has iconic David Welch Winter Gardens. With a playground, boating pond, and scenic walking paths, it’s perfect for families and nature lovers alike.

Wow ! what a lovely park with so many attractions, including an amazing indoor plant area with a massive selection of erotic species. In the Winter Gardens. Boating lakes, ornamental lakes, childrens playground and a lovely cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating. Plenty of seating in the David Welch Winter Gardens to sit and relax, admiring all the amazing plants. Not a very big car park but it was free on the Sunday we went.

Superb aquarium. Weather was looking iffy so we looked for something to do indoors. One of our teens chose this so off we went. Friendly staff and a large variety of fish. What made this especially interesting was that all the species were Scottish. Staff were excellent and the presentations informative but also child friendly: the staff obviously knew their stuff. We spent two hours here but would happily have spent longer.

This is one of the best aquariums I have ever visited. It may not be the biggest, but you'll see a lot in the space that is there! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff- we caught the jellyfish feed, and the feeder, Hannah, was very knowledgeable and was happy to answer questions. The Price Is super reasonable, and there's definitely something for everyone to enjoy- a great attraction!

Not been in some time but was brilliant. Not the biggest but it’s focus is our waters and they have done an absolutely tremendous job. A great catalogue of local marina. Was a good day out and the wee man had a smashing time. The staff are all so friendly and helpful and the feeding times were nice, get to learn more about the fish etc. will be back sooner this time.

Brilliant high quality family experience. Accessible for all. Packed with wonderful sealife viewing areas, informative displays and interactive features. We were very lucky and had opportunity for a hands-on experience with the starfish, crabs and anemones. A memory that will be with us forever. Thank you. Super scientific information and equipment such as digital magnifier and microscopes to use. Fun checklist sheet to do whilst going round. Challenged the adults too! Best of all, the most welcoming, knowledgeable and friendliest of staff! A thoroughly great afternoon out.

Spent a great time here yesterday with the visiting family. Friendly and informative staff on hand. Interesting and well set out aquarium with lots to see and lots to read. Came away with many lovely photographs and five grandchildren were kept completely entertained for the duration of our visit. Thanks very much :)

Fantastic aquarium, great value and very enjoyable. Kids loved it and the feeding and diving sessions were fun to watch! Staff were knowledgeable and friendly.

Still a hit with the kids, lots of different species to see. Some new bits and bobs since we were here a couple of years ago, as well. Managed to catch the show this time, too, good for kids and adults.

I came her going on my way to Inverness, really good fast picture spot, and no wait!

Day and night, winter, spring, summer and autumn, Kings College is beautiful. One of my favourite spots in Aberdeen. The Chapel stands out for its Crown Tower. It has a beautiful community. The service of Wednesday at 5:15pm is always an amazing choir. The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy and Rev Marylee are really caring. I cannot say enough good things about the Chapel and the Chaplaincy.

King's College was the first university in Aberdeen, the third in Scotland and the fifth in the British Isles. Its was founded in 1495. Construction of the chapel began in 1498; it was dedicated as church in 1509. Now its a part of Aberdeen university old campus. Still daily regular service and a venue to hire for wedding or music concerts.

The Magnificent college and chapel campus of Aberdeen University dates to 1498. The grounds are truly a peacful place to walk around. History surrounds you. The church interior is not as grand as Macher Cathedral but is very interesting nonetheless. Marriages still take place in the chapel to this day.

A wonderful place for meetings and concerts. Pleasant energy, decent acoustics, amazing stained glass windows

If you are touring Aberdeen for some crazy reason, I suppose this is the necessary place to see. Historic foundation of the university and constructed just a few years after the uni was chartered (1495). Very interesting and unusual crown arch, rarely seen on buildings that large and certainly unique within Aberdeen. Inside is pretty and subdued thanks to the dark wood and general lack of light coming through the quad even on bright days. Open to visitors, no cost, only closed when in use. Also, there is a student-led morning prayer service each day at 8:30 (8:00 on Wednesdays), also open to all.

A beautiful chapel, well kept up. Both the inside and outside are gorgeous, and the woodwork and stained glass are amazing. What I wouldn't give for kneelers, though.

A great collection, well presented, telling the story of both Elgin and the region. The collection is nicely organised into themes and there are some very special collections including geology and Pictish history. FREE to visit so well worth visiting again and again to enjoy different aspects of the collection.

A fantastic little museum with a variety of exhibits to see and learn about. The staff were lovely, helpful and knowledgeable too. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area as it’s free (although donations are welcome) and a great way to spend half an hour or so.

A small but very well organised and displayed museum with a strong local flavour featuring informative exhibits and accompanying explanations. I found the fossil and geology exhibits most interesting. We were nicely welcomed by friendly staff.

Looks small in the outside but is absolutely jam packed with collections and information. Lovely volunteers who are knowledgeable and helpful.

Elgin Museum is free to visit and well worth a stop if you find yourself visiting the area and are interested in local Scottish history. There are many exhibits covering from pre-Pictish to Victorian times - the staff are all very friendly and knowledgeable and the gift shop has some amazing and affordable purchases to be found, from clothing to Scottish / local history books. We bought two high quality Elgin Museum Lambswool Scarves, made from local millers for only £4 each, which have made for great, practical keepsakes of our time in the area. Very impressed overall with the passion and drive put behind this free museum, which does not receive any governmental funding - especially when you compare it to places like Inverness!!

It's a great place to explore History of Moray

My first visit after living in Elgin for over 20 years. We were pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Entrance is free but there are donation boxes around the building to help with the upkeep. Please check opening times before heading to Elgin. Good selection of exhibits from around Moray which have significant relevance not just locally but internationally. Great for all ages. Exhibits are changed annually so we will be back. They do offer a tour with one of the volunteers who are very helpful.

Great viewpoint for harbour traffic and also dolphin watching. There is no charge to park just turn up and watch. There is also a coffee shop up in the old Battery.

Beautiful place. Unfortunately I did not manage to spot the dolphins, maybe next time. Peaceful, and it is a pleasant walk from train station

Excellent location to enjoy views of the sea. Was also able to catch 2 seals playing in the sea nearby, but could see better with Binoculars. Lovely place.

Excellent for views over Aberdeen and apparently it’s great for dolphin spotting. The battery is very interesting if you’re into WW2 and there’s a tiny little cafe overlooking the fabulous views

Great scenery over the Golf Course, North Sea and North harbour. Perfect for photos, dog walks and nature

Quiet place. Great breeze and views in the summer. Didn't get to see dolphins when I went there. 🥲

Elusive, exclusive and Exquisite! Green on ground, and blue in sky. Truly a preview of Scotland soul.

Blair museum / University and Church all are impressive buildings and gardens...worth a visit.. unfortunately all are temporary closed

Beautiful and interesting museum. A hidden gem, certainly worth the visit. Guide was helpful as well and happily explained and answered questions.

The museum was closed. Works from March to September 30. Plan your visits in advance.

We had an amazing afternoon at Blairs. Prue met us in reception & she was lovely. Ian took us on the guided tour & his knowledge of Blairs was overwhelming, he made the whole experience come to life, he was able to answer all our questions. We were then offered tea/coffee & juice which we accepted & the section of biscuits and cakes were amazing & we only had to give a donation. I would definitely say Blairs is well worth a visit

Entry by arrangement when I visited. Quaint, old RC Church with ties to Mary Queen of Scots. Many portraits & some personal items.

What an interesting place! Museum laid out well. The chapel is beautiful. We'll worth a visit

Lovely place allways like coming back need to change the picture on google there of the college instead of the museum which is also a very grand biulding .