Things to do in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire, also known as Scotland’s Castle Country, lies to the northeast of the Cairngorm National Park on mainland Scotland and holds a wealth of history, beautiful landscapes, impressive castles, gorgeous towns and a wonderful culture.  

This guide brings you some of the best things to do when visiting Aberdeenshire, covering all sorts of interests and hopefully giving you plenty of ideas for you and the family when planning your trip – there is even something for the dog.

Whether you are a foodie looking to try the quirkier side of Scottish cuisine, a keen walker looking for some hidden waterfalls, or a daredevil looking for their next heart-pumping adventure, there is something waiting for you in Aberdeenshire. 

Skip to:

• Unusual things to do
• Things for families to do
• Dog-friendly experiences
• Romantic things to do

Unusual things to do in Aberdeenshire

As well as must-see locations and bucket list activities, it is fun to hunt out the more unusual things to do when visiting a new area. Here are some suggestions to help you plan your days out.

Visit the King's holiday home – Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle, built by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, has been owned and frequented by the Royal Family since 1852 and is a much-loved second home to them. You can now visit the castle, enjoy exhibition tours, walk around the grounds, relax with afternoon tea and also book a private guided tour. It’s not every day you can say you have visited the King's holiday home!

Book an introduction to fly fishing

The River Dee and the River Don are the two main rivers which both flow into the North Sea, and are prime rivers for salmon and trout. TwinPeakes Fly Fishing run by Will and Al Peake is perfect for a beginner’s class in fly-fishing. They offer fishing on the River Dee, River Don, River Deveron and River Feugh, and can run bespoke experiences for families and friends alike.

Things to do in Aberdeenshire for families

When travelling with the whole family it is important to plan an array of activities to suit everyone, from young to old, and Aberdeenshire is a great canvas for all types of adventures. Whether you have a family of little tots, or a few teens, there will be something for everyone in the large adventure playground that is Aberdeenshire. 

Pick up the speed with some kart racing in Deeside

What better way to get healthy competition running in the family than a good old session of kart racing? Head to Deeside Activity Park, don your helmet, and feel the need for speed in a Biz Race Kart with a Honda 200cc engine! With an electronic lapping system, you can go head-to-head with your family. While you are here why not try out some of the other activities including clay pigeon shooting, target shooting and archery?

Visit a family-run farm and make friends with the local animals

Farm Stop is a family-run farm situated just outside the city of Aberdeen and is a fun-filled outing for everyone. Here you can meet all sorts of animals from sheep, cows and pigs, to donkeys, alpacas and ducks. This is a great way to educate and teach your little ones all about farm life, and they will even get the chance to pet, cuddle, brush and feed some of the animals. Set up and designed around family fun there is so much to enjoy here including a tour of the farm, the chance to sit on a tractor and even milk a cow! 

Things to do in Aberdeenshire with dogs

We have sniffed out some fun things to do with your four-legged friend when visiting Aberdeenshire. After all, why shouldn’t your pup get the chance to explore the area too? Our dog-friendly accommodation can provide the perfect base for adventuring and it’s great to know no one needs be left behind. Here are some things to do in Aberdeenshire with the dog. 

Balmedie Country Park

This lovely country park sits about 8 miles north of Aberdeen and encompasses a sandy beach, heathland, woodland and sand dunes – a wealth of nature and wildlife exists here. A well-loved spot for both locals and visitors, this beach provides a lovely place for walkies. Your dog can stretch, run, dig and play on the many miles of sandy beach before winding down in the BBQ area with some good food and sandy snoozes.

The Long Dog Café

If your four-legged friend is tired out from all the adventuring, fear not, because The Long Dog Café in Aberdeen’s West End offers up doggy ice cream, pup cups, pawsecco and a range of tasty treats. If you are lucky there might be something for you too! With a bougie interior and a delicious menu covering brunch, lunch and baked goodies, this certainly is the place to get everyone barking with excitement. 

Romantic things to do in Aberdeenshire

If you are planning a trip with your loved one it is good to be prepared in advance with some ideas on how to make your visit that little bit more special. When visiting Aberdeenshire, you already have the beautiful wild landscape as a backdrop for your adventures, but there are places, establishments and experiences which can make it even better. Here are some romantic things to do in Aberdeenshire.

Get tipsy on a whisky tour at Royal Lochnagar

This stylish distillery is settled on the River Dee and its visitor centre makes for a lovely excursion. Find out all about the whisky distilling process and the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into making this exclusive dram. Enjoy a guided tour and a tasting at the end. 

Enjoy a romantic meal in the Fife Arms

If you want to spoil you partner and treat them to a high-end eating experience then a trip to the Clunie Dining Room within The Fife Arms is a must. Celebrating fresh, local produce this fine establishment prides itself on the creation of exquisite cuisine, fine art interior and a dining experience like no other.

Our Aberdeenshire cottages

Now that you have lots of ideas on things to do in Aberdeenshire it’s time to book a place to stay. Our hand-picked collection of self-catering cottages offers beautiful bases for all sorts of adventures.