Things to See and Do in Royal Deeside
Castles, Highland Games, forest walks, whisky, fishing, golf and family days out from Drumhead Cottage
From quiet Finzean paths and views of Clachnaben to the castles, rivers, hills and villages of Royal Deeside, Drumhead Cottage gives you a peaceful base with plenty to explore nearby.
Start close to the cottage
Peaceful days, proper adventures and plenty within easy reach
Finzean sits in Royal Deeside, between Aberdeen, the Granite City, and the high ground of the Cairngorms. You can keep things simple with short walks from the door, enjoy the view towards Clachnaben from the hot tub, or head out for castles, country shows, golf, fishing, forest trails, distilleries and excellent places to eat.
A base for every kind of stay
Do as much or as little as you like
If you want a slow day, stay local: wander the Finzean paths, visit Finzean Farm Shop, grab a book from the local book swap or settle into the hot tub with the hills in front of you. If you want to explore, Banchory and Aboyne are both around ten minutes by car, with shops, places to eat, riverside walks, golf, fishing and good routes further into Deeside.
Seasonal highlights
Highland Games, shows and local fairs
Many towns and villages around Drumhead Cottage have an annual Highland Games or agricultural show. They are some of the best days out for visitors who want a real taste of rural Aberdeenshire, with heavy events, Highland dancing, piping, livestock, local food, crafts and a strong community atmosphere.
Heritage days out
Castles and historic places
Royal Deeside is rich in castles, estates and historic ruins. Some are full day trips, others work well as a half-day outing with a walk, café stop or village visit.
Royal Deeside favourites
- Balmoral Castle and Estate, the Highland home of the Royal Family since 1852.
- Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate, excellent for gardens, woodland and a café stop.
- Drum Castle, Garden and Estate, one of the area’s great National Trust for Scotland properties.
- Braemar Castle, a strong Royal Deeside landmark.
Further afield
- Dunnottar Castle, dramatic coastal ruins near Stonehaven.
- Craigievar Castle, famous for its pink fairytale appearance.
- Castle Fraser, near Inverurie, ideal if you are exploring north of Aberdeen.
Ruins and quieter stops
- Kildrummy Castle.
- Kindrochit Castle, Braemar.
- Knock Castle, Ballater.
- Corgarff Castle, near Cock Bridge.
Half-day ideas and family days
Easy outings close to Drumhead Cottage
Outdoor activity
Deeside Activity Park near Aboyne offers kart racing, archery, clay shooting, rifle target shooting, fly fishing, activity packages, a farm shop and café.
Local character
Visit the Finzean Water Powered Turning Mill, the Royal Deeside Railway at Milton of Crathes, Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, or Crathie Kirk, used by the Royal Family when in residence at Balmoral.
Wet-weather backup
For younger children, indoor play options within about 35 minutes include Den and the Glen, Dizzy Rascals, Tick Tock, Wynford Farm and Hoodles. Always check current opening times before travelling.
A little further, worth the journey
Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Carrbridge and RZSS Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig both make strong full-day trips if you want to head towards Aviemore and the Cairngorms.
Local businesses and browsing
Milton Art Gallery, Milton Brasserie, TwinPeakes Fly Fishing, White Stag Barrels, WhiteSky Photographics are all good examples of nearby places to browse, eat, book an activity or pick up something local.
Fresh air and big views
Walking, forests and hills
Royal Deeside is excellent walking country. Choose an easy forest circuit, a riverside wander, a lochside day out or a more serious mountain route. Clachnaben is the local landmark, while Glen Tanar, Muir of Dinnet, Loch Muick and Linn of Dee open up some of the finest scenery in the area.
Gentler routes
- Tom’s Cairn, Finzean
- Scolty, Banchory
- Loch Kinord circuit, Muir of Dinnet.
- Burn o’ Vat and the Culblean circuit.
- Camus o’ May pinewood trail.
- Prince Albert’s Cairn, Ballater.
- Craigendarroch oakwoods, Ballater.
- Tomnaverie Stone Circle and Drummy Wood, Tarland.
Bigger days
- Clachnaben from Glen Dye.
- Peterhill from Finzean
- Mount Keen from Glen Tanar.
- Loch Muick and Lochnagar routes.
- Linn of Dee and Mar Lodge Estate.
- Mount Battock via Clachnaben.
Sporting Deeside
Golf, fishing, riding, gliding, biking and winter sports
Golf
Good courses are within easy reach, including Banchory, Inchmarlo, Aboyne, Ballater, Braemar, Peterculter, Westhill, Stonehaven and Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie. Driving ranges are available at Inchmarlo and the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre in Aberdeen.
Fishing
The River Dee has numerous beats within around 10 to 15 minutes of the cottage. For permits, FishDee is the main place to start. Other options include Mill of Strachan Trout Fishery, Raemoir Trout Fishery, Aboyne Loch, Tullich Fishery and Heughhead Fishings.
Riding and gliding
Horse riding options include Midstrath Equiworld Club, Highlands Unbridled and Glen Tanar Equestrian Centre. For something different, Deeside Gliding Club at Dinnet offers a memorable way to see the landscape.
Mountain biking
Banchory Woodland Trails and Tarland Trails are both accessible by car and give riders a good mix of forest riding, flow trails and local mountain-bike routes.
Skiing
In winter, The Lecht and Glenshee are the main ski centres. Conditions vary quickly, so always check lift status, roads and weather before committing to the journey.
Shooting
Many local estates offer shooting experiences on estate land. Book directly with providers and check suitability, seasonality and safety requirements in advance.
Whisky country
Distilleries for a Deeside or Speyside day out
Drawing on barley, water and tradition, whisky is one of Scotland’s best-known exports. Even if you are not a whisky drinker, a distillery visit can be a memorable way to understand the landscape, craft and history of the region.
Closest to Deeside
- Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Crathie, near Balmoral.
- Fettercairn Distillery, Laurencekirk.
- Glen Garioch Distillery, Oldmeldrum.
Speyside names
- The Glenlivet Distillery.
- Cardhu Distillery.
- Strathisla Distillery.
- Aberlour Distillery.
Make it a full day
- The Macallan Estate.
- Glen Grant Distillery and garden.
- Combine with lunch, a scenic drive and a designated driver.
Food and drink
Eating out, cafés and local produce
Forget the dishes for a night, or stock up properly for a self-catering stay. The area has everything from farm-shop lunches and coffee stops to pubs and hotel dining.
Very local
Finzean Estate Farm Shop and Tea Room is a short walk from the cottage, great for lunch, coffee, casual dining and local produce, including game and vegetables.
Nearby favourites
- Potarch Restaurant and Café.
- The Boat Inn, Aboyne.
- Banchory Lodge Hotel, on the River Dee.
- Tor-na-Coille, Banchory.
- Scott Skinners Restaurant.