Banff and Macduff
The road west from Pennan leads on to the busy fishing port of Macduff, separated only by a bridge from neighbouring Banff, whose town centre still retains its faded Georgian elegance. The great attraction in the area is Duff House, on the Banff side of the River Deveron, a short walk upstream from the bridge. This magnificent Georgian mansion was designed by William Adam in 1735 for local entrepreneur William Duff, who later became Earl of Fife.
The road west from Pennan leads on to the busy fishing port of Macduff, separated only by a bridge from neighbouring Banff, whose town centre still retains its faded Georgian elegance. The great attraction in the area is Duff House, on the Banff side of the River Deveron, a short walk upstream from the bridge. This magnificent Georgian mansion was designed by William Adam in 1735 for local entrepreneur William Duff, who later became Earl of Fife.
The house was supposed to act as the capital of Duff's huge estate, but the whole project collapsed after a major disagreement between architect and patron and ended with a lawsuit in 1747. The wings were never built but Duff House remains one of the finest Georgian baroque houses in Britain. After a variety of uses and a period of dereliction, the house has been meticulously restored and reopened as an important outpost of the National Gallery of Scotland. The extensive collection on display includes works by Scottish artists Ramsay and Raeburn, as well as an El Greco. Apr-Oct daily 1100-1700, Nov-Mar Thu-Sun 1100-1600. Tel. 818181.
The house is surrounded by extensive grounds with some lovely walks through sylvan settings. The best, though, is along the banks of the river Deveron to the beautiful Bridge of Alvah, spanning the river across a deep gorge. It's about four miles there and back from Duff House. Leaflets showing the route are available free from the tourist office in Banff (see below).
A mile southwest from Banff, on the A97 to Huntly, is the Colleonard Sculpture Garden, (see website) a peaceful space populated by wooden sculptures carved out of tree trunks, the work of Frank Bruce, who lives in the house and can often be seen around the site. Daily 0930-1700. Free. The Garden has now closed and is located in Feshiebridge in the Cairngorms
Region
AberdeenshireTravel Directions to Banff and Macduff
Local Sights & Activities for Banff and Macduff
Delgatie Castle
Dating from about 1050, Delgatie is a uniquely Scottish Castle. It is set peacefully within its extensive estate, with gardens and many delightful walks for guests to enjoy. The Castle's location provides an ideal touring base, with the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness both approximately an hours' drive away. The Castle offers accommodation in 5 self-catering cottages around the estate; or for a truly special holiday why not try the Symbister Suite or the Hayfield Suite, both located within the Castle itself? Reservations Email Address or call +44 1888 563479 In Macduff is the Macduff Marine Aquarium, at 11 High Shore. Various weird and wonderful specimens from the Moray Firth are displayed in Britain's deepest aquarium tank. T833369. Daily 1000-1700. The local Tourist Information Centre is in Banff, at Collie Lodge, opposite the gates of Duff House. Apr-Sep daily 1000-1300 and 1400-1700; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat till 1800, Sun 1300-1800. Tel. 812419. They offer a free hour-long walkman tour which takes you around the elegant Georgian upper town.
Castles Nearby
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Banff Castle
The original Comy castle was demolished around 1722 after a notable history with many royal visitors. It was replaced in 1750s by a John Adma house which still stands. It is an arts centre
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Castle of Park
Lovely pink 16th century castle near Banff that is now a B&B and a very sumptious and historical one with excellent art on the walls.
Local Visitor Attractions
Nearby Distilleries
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Glen Keith Distillery
Founded by Chivas Brothers on the site of an old meal mill on the bank of the River Isla, Glen Keith went on to influence many other distilleries with its innovative experiments. It is also the home of Passport, one of the world's fastest growing Scotch Whisky brands.
Banff and Macduff Hotels & Accommodation
Banff Springs Hotel, Tel. 812881, is on the western outskirts of town on the A98 to Elgin. It's a friendly, modern hotel with a good restaurant (mid-range).
Fife Lodge Hotel in Banff is a great little hotel - good for famililes. Late Rooms Availability for Fife Lodge Hotel in Banff
There are several very good guesthouses and B&Bs, including Links Cottage, Tel. 812223, Mar-Nov, overlooking Boyndie Bay;
Adjacent to Duff House is The Orchard, a very good quality B&B Rooms Availability for The Orchard in Banff
Bryvard Guesthouse, Seafield St, Tel. 818090, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;
There's a campsite at Banff Links Caravan Park, Tel. 812228; open Mar-Oct, on Boyndie Bay.
In Macduff The Highland Haven, Tel. 832408, on Shore St; and the Knowes Hotel, Tel. 832229, on Market St.
For places to eat try the highly-rated Fagin's, a few miles west of Banff, in the little village of Whitehills, Tel. 861321. Mid-range prices; open Fri-Sun for lunch and Wed-Sat 1900-2200.
Bankhead Croft Guesthouse - small and intimate bed and breakfast ideally located for the North coast.
Banff and Macduff Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Distillery Cottage in Banff - Sleeps 4
Charming little cottage in Banff for four people in Moray close to the coast. Wifi and 2 dogs welcome -
Gamrie Brae Cottage in Gardenstown, Crovie - Sleeps 4/5
Small semi-detached cottage in Gardenstown on Moray Coast. Sleeps five people in two bedrooms. -
Low Shore in Whitehills near Banfff- Sleeps 5
This cosy cottage situated in the coastal village of Whitehills to the east of Banff overlooking the North Sea and Moray Firth. Sleeps five people in three bedrooms. -
Hazledene Fishing Cottage in Banff - Sleeps 5
Semi-detached holiday cottage in Banff, Moray on seashore. Sleeps up to five people in two bedrooms. -
Seatown, Gardenstown - Sleeps 4
Set just a few yards from the seafront this cosy, detached, holiday cottage is an ideal retreat for visitors to this charming village, set at the foot of the cliffs. Gardenstown has a long history of sea f... -
Ashlyn, nr Banff - Sleeps 6
Whitehills, a quiet residential seaside village on the Moray Firth, famous for its small fishing boats, dolphin colony, and a newly constructed boating marina. A traditional cosy holiday cottage, just a sh... -
Boyne Apartment, Banff - Sleeps 2-4
This attractive self contained first floor apartment is situated in a peaceful location and attached to the owners property. Accessed by means of an external staircase, it is stylishly furnished to a good... -
The Aul' Bank, nr Banff - Sleeps 4
This unusual holiday property has been imaginatively converted from the local bank to extremely good effect. It features a wonderful spiral staircase which ascends from the bright, airy living room to the ... -
Coast Cottage,Banff, sleeps 4
This delightful semi-detached holiday cottage is situated in one of the oldest parts of Banff, near the historic St. Mary’s churchyard. There is a golf course ¼ mile away, as well as a stunnin...