Give your holiday the Royal treatment
15 February 2017
As you step off that plane (or bus, or train or even ferry) you’ll be met with that brisk, fresh and unforgettable breeze straight off the North Sea. It’s at this point we invite you to continue your trip west towards the majestic Royal Deeside.
It has long been a destination of choice for our Royal Family; ever since Queen Victoria fell in love with and subsequently bought her summer residence, Balmoral Castle, in Royal Deeside. It’s here that the current Queen is said to be at her happiest and we’re ready to show you why.
Banchory
Start your journey of exploration here. Two castles are located close by to the town of Banchory, Crathes Castle and Drum Castle. Crathes is a fairytale-like castle which was given the ancient Horn of Leys by Robert the Bruce in 1323, whilst Drum has a striking 14th century medieval tower as well as Victorian library.
The Royal Deeside Railway also starts near to Banchory and can be found just across the road from Crathes Castle. This track once served generations of the Royal Family and crowned heads of Europe including Queen Victoria and the Tsar of Russia – take a ride on it for yourself to really travel like Royalty.
Braemar
History with royal connections date back almost 1,000 years in this village! A traditional Scottish village, Braemar is a tourist hotspot with close proximity to Aberdeen and the Cairngorms National Park.
Discover 400 years of history at Braemar Castle, which was originally built as a grand highland hunting lodge! In later years, after it was converted into a family home, this Castle became a crucial stop for Queen Victoria during her many visits to Royal Deeside.
And if you visit at the end of summer, even better – Saturday 2nd September to be exact. The world famous Braemar Gathering has taken place each year since 1832 with the Monarchy also proudly attending.
Ballater
A name synonymous with majesty, Ballater is a rural village in the heart of Royal Deeside with important historic and current connections to Royalty.
It’s a matter of record that Queen Victoria fell deeply in love with what would become known as Royal Deeside. “All seemed to breathe freedom and peace …” she wrote. It’s a sentiment that echoes through the years and still rings true today. Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the Royal Family, is open to the public to explore important parts of the majestic castle as well as the great estate.
The nearby Royal Lochnagar Distillery’s canny owner, John Begg invited Prince Albert to visit the distillery in 1848. Queen Victoria, Albert and their three eldest children visited and following the visit bestowed a By Royal Appointment warrant. It remains one of the finest distilleries in Aberdeenshire.
Of course there are legends to be scaled here too including Lochnagar, in part made famous by Prince Charles’ book ‘The Old Man of Lochnagar’!
Find out more information about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s rich royal heritage. But for now, happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again – that the toast of Bon Accord!