Castles, Countryside, and a Taste of Royal Life

You will be starting off your trip in the city of Aberdeen with a visit to the renowned gallery. Following its £34.6million restoration, Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK. It includes works by influential Scottish artists, designers and makers such as Henry Raeburn, Joan Eardley, and James Cromar Watt, as well as nationally and internationally acclaimed artists including Barbara Hepworth and Claude Monet.

Explore the royal connection between Balmoral and Aberdeenshire in the dedicated gallery space - The Balmoral Phenomenon, making it the perfect starting point to your royal inspired visit. After gazing at the beauty around why not finish your visit with a mooch around the gift shop and a coffee to refuel for the day ahead? Don’t forget to visit the rooftop terrace and cast your views across the city.

After a drive from the city you will be heading to Ballater. For over 100 years, Balmoral Castle has been the holiday home for the British Royal Family and the castle opens to the public from April to July giving access to explore its history, majestic gardens and the great estate by audio tour. The ballroom is the only area in the castle which is open to the public; it is typically used to host special exhibitions relating to the Royal Family making use of antiques and portraits.

After you take pictures, roam the area and bask in all its glory why not visit the gift shop? Filled with treats and gift ideas from local Scottish souvenirs to their Balmoral Whiskey and Ballochbuie Gin you won’t be leaving empty handed. Fancy a quick lunch? The Balmoral cafe serves a selection of hot and cold refreshments along with scones, sandwiches and tray bakes freshly made.

Noted as one of the jewels in Royal Deeside, Royal Lochnagar Distillery is situated beside Balmoral Castle, in Crathie. The distillery takes its name from the nearby mountain, Lochnagar, which is a Munro (a mountain over 3000ft high). The royal name was bestowed upon the distillery following a visit by Queen Victoria on the 12 September 1848. At the end of the first ever distillery tour, Queen Victoria enjoyed a dram of mature Lochnagar highland single malt scotch whisky. The distillery offer tours and tastings, allowing your to truly experience the product.

Located in Royal Deeside the Clachan Grill occupies a converted steading in the centre of Ballater, providing dining in the most tranquil setting right along the River Dee, perfect after a day of sight-seeing. You will enjoy a delightful dining experience using only the best Scottish produce. Think Scottish cuisine, modernised with a side of highland hospitality. Finish your evening off with a visit to their bar and enjoy a tipple in the cosy atmosphere - we guarantee you will feel right at home.

Right in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the glamping pods at the Howe of Torbeg blends stunning surroundings and gorgeous accommodation, creating an enchanting countryside escape. Kitted out with warm bedding and heaters to keep you cosy on the colder nights. Each pod comes with a fire bowl to set a roaring fire perfect for roasting marshmallows.

Ballater is a paradise for cyclists of all levels, offering everything from gentle family rides along traffic-free paths to challenging mountain bike trails for the more adventurous. Pedal through ancient forests, rolling farmland, and beneath the towering Scottish Munros or tackle epic routes like Heartbreak Ridge, The Green Mile and Mastermind. Road cyclists can test themselves on scenic climbs through the Cairngorms, including the legendary Glenshee pass. After your ride, refuel at one of Ballater’s cycling-friendly cafés and for bike hire or expert local advice, pop into the Ballater Bike Shop.

After your cycle it’s time to re-energise and where better than Rothesay Rooms; one of Royal Deeside’s most revered cafes. Its menu celebrates the best in Scottish produce and continues to be at the heart of Ballater’s community. Their afternoon tea includes bites of Ballater venison, wholesome sandwiches layered with local smoked salmon and homemade scones. Why not accompany it with a glass of fizz?

Make a stop at the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve which forms part of the Cairngorms National Park. Here you’ll walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria who often escaped royal life in the impressive Burn O’Vat cave (also known as the Queen’s Well), where the rock walls swallow you up away from the outside world. The Muir of Dinnet blends woodland, heath and open water where you can spend all day exploring enchanting walks that take you into the depths of ancient woodland and around the tranquil waters of Loch Kinord.

Nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside, Loch Kinord is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Enjoy cosy, comfortable accommodation with a distinctly Highland character and savour exceptional dining featuring fresh, locally sourced produce. From traditional Scottish dishes to carefully prepared international favourites, every meal highlights the flavours of the region. Whether it’s a relaxing evening dinner, a light lunch or a bar meal, Loch Kinord offers the ideal blend of comfort, cuisine and stunning Royal Deeside surroundings.