Explore the coastal villages of the North-east on your next road trip

Expiry Date:

30th Sept 2026

This is a guest blog from The Aberdeen Getaway Show

Aberdeenshire is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. With numerous coastal towns, fishing villages and quirky city spots, there’s several spots worth adding to your summer getaway list. Whether it be a family holiday or a solo adventure, here are four Aberdeenshire spots that you should include in your trip itinerary.

Gardenstown

Located just over 8 miles from Banff in Aberdeenshire, Gardenstown is a picturesque fishing village ideal for summer getaways. The village features beautiful hilly slopes which offer panoramic views of the harbour, acting as an ideal spot for seabird or dolphin spotting. A short stroll down the bay will help you discover and learn more about the fishing history and heritage of Gardenstown, with shops, cafes and a restaurant along the way. If you’re travelling up with your caravan or motorhome, Gamrie Bay Caravan Site is only a 5-minute drive away, is pet friendly and has all your necessary amenities.

Collieston

Collieston is a small fishing village located outside Ellon in the Northeast of Scotland. The former fishing village is great for exploring the outdoors as many locals and tourists enjoy spending time at the beach, rock pooling or walking along Collieston harbour. The nearby Forvie National Nature Reserve is only a 3-minute drive away and is a great place to take in the sand dunes, scenery and sea views. Make sure to bring your binoculars to try and spot some seals! On the other side of Ellon, Ythan Valley Campsite is a great spot for those planning on camping or travelling up.

Footdee “Fitte”

“Fitte” is a vibrant little village located next to Aberdeen beach and is a hidden gem for families or couples wanting to explore more of the city. The residents are proud to showcase their historical homes and huts and, as it was originally a fishing village, many of the residents have designed their homes with a funky, nautical theme. An ideal route would be to walk along Aberdeen’s beach, have a dip in the sea and try out some of the pop-up food trucks. Then, make your way along the end of the beach where you’ll find Footdee. Explore the local history and houses, have a quick play in the park, and then head to the Silver Darling seafood restaurant for some fresh local cuisine.

Portsoy

Portsoy’s name originates to Port Saoithe, which means saithe harbour. It is a small town in Aberdeenshire but has a big personality. Portsoy is located 50 miles north from Aberdeen. The local caravan park is the perfect place to park up by the sea as it overlooks the beach and harbour. During the summer, Portsoy hosts an annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival which celebrates the town’s historic boats and their restoration work. The town comes together to celebrate with music, crafts, sailing and delicious local food. Make sure to have a stroll down the beach, grab an ice-cream from Portsoy Ice Cream shop, and plan your trip around the festival dates to avoid missing out!

Want to learn more?

Join us at The Getaway Show in Aberdeen from the 25th to 27th of September at P&J Live. As a visitor, you’ll be able to explore the latest caravan, motorhome or campervan models and speak directly to industry experts.

If you are new to travelling it is the perfect place to start as you’ll gain insider tips and learn from travel enthusiasts and leading industry influencers and organisations. If you’re an experienced traveller, the event will offer new inspiration, new technology and ways to make your next adventure even better than the one before!

Click here to purchase your tickets.