Aberdeenshire
Home to some of the great castles of Scotland as well Scotland's oil hub of Aberdeen. Aberdeenshire has dramatic coastlines as well as its historic centre. This is where the Royal family holiday in the summer each year.
The River Dee rises in the Cairngorms and flows down through the surrounding hills, eastwards to the sea at Aberdeen. The valley of the Dee is known as Deeside, or rather Royal Deeside, for its connections with the royal family, who have holidayed here, at Balmoral, since Queen Victoria first arrived in 1848. Originally, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were looking for an estate further west, but were advised that the Deeside climate would be better for Albert's delicate constitution. The queen fell in love with this area and its people, and following Albert's death she sought out the company of straight-talking northerners, preferring their down-to-earth honesty to the two-faced toadies she endured at court.
Today, Deeside's royal associations have made it the tourist honeypot of the northeast, but the royal presence has also saved it from mass development. There's an air of understated affluence and refinement in the villages strung out along the A93 that runs along the north bank of the Dee and, as well as the obvious attraction of Balmoral, there are many other fine examples of baronial castles. Deeside is also a great area for various outdoor activities, such as hiking in the surrounding mountains, mountain biking, canoeing and skiing.
Activities
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100 Paintballs Day near Aberdeen
Paintball day near Aberdeen that includes up to 6 games. Includes 100 paints, overalls, referees, guns etc. Dirty, exciting day out. -
4X4 Blindfold Off Road Driving, Aberdeen
4x4 Off Road Driving is tough enough now add a blindfold! We can help book this activity and also transfers to and from the activity center. -
Aberdeen Dance Party Masterclasses
The ideal activity for hen groups. Lots of styles to choose from and available in different locations. Deals for larger groups available. -
Aberdeen Ghost Walks
Ghost walks can be incredibly fun, scary and exhilarating all at once. Ghost Walks in Aberdeen gives you the chance to know the history and related stories with the help of a guide.
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Clay Pigeon Shooting Aberdeen
Start shooting and splinter those flying clays in the air who knows you may end up being a pro. -
Laser Tag at Battle Grounds - Aberdeenshire
For the very best of laser tag in our specially designed gaming arenas at the Battle Ground Paintball site. It's as much fun as paintball without any bruises! -
Mini Highland Games Aberdeen
Enjoy a great time trying some of the top activities during your highland games experience with mates in Aberdeen. -
Aberdeen Casino with Meal
Risk a few dollars and ride on your luck with casino in Aberdeen. Includes a drink on arrival, a meal, £5 gaming chip, £5 slots voucher, gaming tution. -
Aberdeen Casino with 3 Course Meal
Gamble to your heart's content in Aberdeen casino. Includes drink on arrival, 3 course meal, gaming tuition, £5 gaming chip and £5 slots voucher. -
The Lecht Ski Resort Full Day
Full day of skiing in a full slope area with magic carpet lift for starters to a black run for experienced. Higest standard of ski instruction. Includes all the facilities in one building.
Walks
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Loch Morlich to Lairig Ghru walk
The famous Lairig Ghru is an ancient route through the Cairngorms which passes between Ben Macdui and Braeriach. It is a very strenuous walk and only for fit and experienced hikers. An easier proposition is a 12-mile loop which leads to the start of the Lairig Ghru pass, starting from Loch Morlich.
Popular Visitor Attractions
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Insch Museum
Charming local museum housed in the railway station that charts history of Insch and also has working model railway!
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Portsoy Salmon Bothy
Small museum housed in the old ice rooms that illustrates and explores the Salmon fishing trade in the North Sea of yesteryear.
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The Coastal Carriage
Small railway carriage for two overlooking the sea. Simple and refined in a lovely position. No electricity, spring water, log stove & the views. Rekindle!
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Dalbrack Selfcatering Cottages sleeps 8
Dalbrack is an attractive, traditional Edwardian house built in 1905, located within the small conservation area of Ballater.
- Sleeps: 8