A countryside retreat in Aberdeenshire
10 November 2023
With castle ruins and rich royal heritage, vast landscapes filled with astonishing nature and wildlife and a local food and drink larder that is sure to wow, Aberdeenshire is the perfect destination for a countryside staycation.
Experience true relaxation whilst exploring the gems the region has to offer. This blog includes a few top experiences and places to stay to make your staycation a dream come true.
Discover Scotland’s castle country
With crisp air and falling leaves, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore the wonder of historic castles. From spectacular fairytale ruins of Tolquhon Castle, said to be one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland, filled with impressive carvings and secret compartments to explore, to the art lovers dream of Fyvie Castle, boasting its stunning Baronial architecture and interiors filled with antiques and oil paintings. Aberdeenshire castles promise a truly unforgettable trip.
Foodie experiences like no other
Whether you prefer exploring the ancient recipes of our world-renowned whiskeys at Royal Lochnagar Distillery and Glen Garioch Distillery offering unique tours, tantalising tastings and the chance to bottle your own. Or do you fancy a true farm to fork experience with a visit to Barra Berries Farm Shop and Kitchen where their ethos is seasonality and mouth-watering freshly prepared food is guaranteed, you will not be disappointed.
Scenic walks aplenty
Our countryside is bursting with scenic walks, with leisurely strolls through stunning forest trails at Glen Tanar Estate, located in the impressive Cairngorms National Park. If you’re lucky you might spot roaming stags or hopping mountain hares. Or do you fancy something more challenging? The Aberdeenshire skyline is filled with mountainous peaks. Why not try your hand at the beloved, Bennachie with its most popular peak, Mither Tap and its highest summit, Oxen Craig offering fantastic views of ancient landscape. Or why not crank it up a notch with a visit to Ben Macdui? The second highest mountain in Scotland where stunning vistas await you.
Top off your trip with the perfect accommodation
With an array of unique stays, from the modern Scottish stylings of Banchory Lodge Hotel, where guests can drift off to the calming sounds of the River Dee and wake up to the glorious views of rolling fields and woodlands, to the tranquil offering of Boutique Farm Bothies, where guests can slow down and rejuvenate in upcycled cabins surrounded by beautiful rural countryside.
With so much to explore, the list of experiences to create the perfect countryside retreat is endless, for more inspiration check out the ‘Inspire Me’ section on visitabdn.com? Tag your interests and curate your ultimate Aberdeenshire adventure.
Feeling lucky? You could be in with a chance of winning a break for two in Aberdeenshire!
The prize up for grabs includes:
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Three-night stay for two at Banchory Lodge Hotel in the heart of Royal Deeside. The winner will enjoy their stay in a Top Notch Terrace room on a B&B basis
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£100 gift voucher for a meal at Fish Shop Ballater
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Afternoon tea for two people at The Fife Arms, Braemar
All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.