Stay, eat & explore responsibly
2 April 2025
Travel is more than just ticking off must-see spots, the North-east of Scotland is all about creating genuine connections with a destination, its people, and its stories.
Travelling sustainably has become a top priority for many travellers in recent years, and Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer countless opportunities to immerse yourself in authentic, meaningful experiences, while positively impacting the local community.
Stay Green
(Image: Logie Newton)
If you’re looking for a place to stay that aligns with your sustainable values here’s a few places for you to consider:
Logie Newton: Located just outside of Huntly, these luxurious self-catering lodges have sustainability at the forefront of their operations.
Dalriada Luxury Lodges: These Gold award-winning for Green Tourism self-catering lodges are just a short distance from the beautiful seaside town of Stonehaven.
The Marcliffe hotel and spa: Sitting on the outskirts of Aberdeen city, The Marcliffe pride themselves on its eco-friendly commitment, focussing on sustainability initiatives and local sourcing.
The Chester Hotel: Based in Aberdeen city, this independent hotel is passionate about promoting Green Tourism with several initiatives in place.
Wildflower Eco Lodges: Relax, unwind and soak up the views in one of these uniquely designed eco-friendly lodges. Surrounded by nature on the beautiful Aberdeenshire coast.
Cairngorm Bothies: Cairngorms National Park is home to the Cairngorm Bothies, a unique collection of eco-friendly wooden cabins. This is the perfect stay to embrace Scotland’s natural surroundings.
Eat Local, Support Local
(Image: The Silver Darling restaurant)
From fresh seafood to seasonal produce, our foodie scene thrives on locally sourced ingredients that cater to all budgets.
Farm to table: This family business, based in Laurencekirk, prides itself on sustainable farming, serving delicious, seasonal food.
The Silver Darling: A seafood haven, The Silver Darling sources local seafood to create innovative dishes and a nod to tradition, all served with spectacular views over Aberdeen’s harbour.
The Cock and Bull: After your stroll along Balmedie beach, head to the Cock and Bull, a cosy inn serving honest, hearty food, made from fresh local ingredients.
Tarragon: Nestled in the heart of Aberdeen city, discover exquisite dishes created using local produce, you won’t be disappointed.
The Old kirk Bistro: Five minutes from the coast and forest trails in Banff, you’ll find the freshest seafood amongst other Scottish dishes on the menu.
Bay Fish & Chips: Situated on the seafront in the idyllic Aberdeenshire town of Stonehaven, you’ll find sustainable, locally sourced fish and chips at the top of the menu.
Explore Thoughtfully
(Image: Bennachie)
From discovering dark sky activities, and farm experiences to exploring nature at its finest, there’s plenty to do in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Here’s just a snippet of what’s on offer:
Cairngorms National Park: This park offers eco-friendly hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Forvie Natural Reserve: One of the region’s natural treasures, home to a rich variety of wildlife and spectacular views.
Down on the Farm: Awarded the Silver Green Tourism Award, enjoy a farm tour where you can meet the animals and learn about sheep and cattle farming in the North-east.
Walking tours: Discover Aberdeen city with a guided walking tour and listen to tales of the past or discover the impressive Nuart Street Art.
Ready to explore? Visit the VisitAberdeenshire blog for more tips and inspiration on how to make your trip unforgettable and sustainable.
Don’t forget to tag us in your experiences at Granite Noir 2025 by using our hashtags #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN or tagging us @VisitABDN