North East Scotland Travel Guide

Explore the natural and cultural attractions of North East Scotland with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, local food and drink, where to stay, and how to get around.


Introduction to North East Scotland

North East Scotland is a stunningly beautiful region in Scotland, located in the United Kingdom, part of Great Britain and Ireland, in Europe. Comprising of six counties - Aberdeenshire, Angus, Moray, Banffshire, Kincardineshire, and the City of Aberdeen, North East Scotland is renowned for its scenic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture.

Visitors can explore rugged coastlines, pristine forests, and hillsides dotted with ancient castles and ruins. There are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in, including hiking, biking, and water sports.

List of Places to Visit in North East Scotland

North East Scotland is rich in both natural and cultural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit places to include in your travel itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Located in the heart of Aberdeen, the museum traces the city’s rich maritime heritage, showcasing art, ship models, and interactive exhibits.

  • Duff House: Built in the 18th century, Duff House is an excellent example of Georgian architecture and houses a collection of art and furniture.

  • Balmoral Castle: The summer residence of the British royal family, Balmoral Castle is a must-visit attraction, showcasing the opulence of the royal lifestyle.

  • Culloden Battlefield: A significant landmark in Scottish history, this site marks the final battle of the Jacobite Rising, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of Scottish soldiers.

Natural Attractions of North East Scotland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cairngorms National Park: Scotland’s most significant national park, Cairngorms boasts spectacular mountain ranges, vast forests, and wildlife, making it ideal for hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

  • Loch Ness: One of the world’s most famous lakes, Loch Ness is steeped in legend and mystery, with numerous boat tours available to explore the area.

  • The Moray Firth: The Moray Firth is a vast bay on the northeast coast of Scotland, offering stunning views and abundant opportunities for bird watching, fishing, and boating.

  • Dunnottar Castle: Perched on top of a cliff, Dunnottar Castle is an iconic landmark in Scotland, offering spectacular views of the North Sea and coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North East Scotland

North East Scotland offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in Scotland, catering to all levels of fitness. From coastal trails to mountain treks, here are some of the top-rated options:

  • Glen Tanar: Located in Aberdeenshire, Glen Tanar is a vast estate featuring woodlands, hills, lochs, and rivers, boasting several hiking and biking trails.

  • Deeside Way: A 41-mile track that runs along the River Dee, offering picturesque views of the countryside and quaint villages along the way.

  • Cairngorm Mountain: The Cairngorm Mountains offer some of the most challenging hikes and biking trails in Scotland, with stunning views of the surrounding area.

  • Falls of Bruar: Located on the outskirts of Blair Atholl, these waterfalls set in a beautiful gorge are a short 2.5-mile hike that rewards visitors with stunning views.

Best Things to Do in North East Scotland: Activities and Tours

North East Scotland has plenty of activities and tours to suit everyone. Here are some of the best:

  • Whisky tours: North East Scotland is home to many distilleries, including Glenfiddich, The Macallan, and Glenlivet, offering tours and tastings.

  • Castles and ruins: Scotland is famous for its historic castles and ruins, such as Dunnotter Castle and Balmoral Castle, which offer an insight into the country’s heritage.

  • Wildlife watching: The North East shoreline is home to a range of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

  • Food tours: North East Scotland has a vibrant food culture, with many local specialties such as Aberdeen Angus beef, Scottish salmon, and Cullen Skink soup on offer.

Week-Long Itinerary for North East Scotland

Here’s a week-long itinerary covering some of the top attractions that North East Scotland has to offer:

  • Day 1-2: Explore Aberdeen and its museums, including the Maritime Museum and Provost Ross’s House.

  • Day 3-4: Discover the castles of Aberdeenshire, including Balmoral Castle and Craigievar Castle.

  • Day 5-6: Hike and bike in Cairngorms National Park and explore the natural beauty of Loch Ness.

  • Day 7: Visit Duff House and take a walk along the Banffshire coastline.

Food and Drink Scene of North East Scotland

North East Scotland is a foodie’s heaven, with many local specialties and drinks to try. Here are some of the must-try dishes and locally produced beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Aberdeen Angus Beef: Renowned for its high quality, Aberdeen Angus beef can be enjoyed in many forms, including steak, burgers, and meat pies.

  • Cullen Skink Soup: A hearty, smoked fish soup that is a local specialty in this region.

  • Scottish Salmon: Famous throughout the world, Scottish salmon can be enjoyed in many forms, such as smoked salmon or grilled with vegetables.

  • Haggis: A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s offal, served with neeps (turnips) and mashed tatties (potatoes).

Local Beverages

  • Whisky: Scotland’s national drink, whisky is produced in many distilleries in the region, such as The Macallan and Glenfiddich.

  • Craft beer: North East Scotland has several local breweries, such as BrewDog, offering a range of craft beers and ales.

  • Gin: Gin is becoming increasingly popular in Scotland, with local distilleries such as Porter’s and Teasmith producing excellent gin.

Where to Stay in North East Scotland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North East Scotland offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best:

  • Banchory Lodge: Located in the Cairngorms, this luxury hotel offers stunning mountain views and excellent facilities.

  • Sleeperz Hotel Aberdeen: A contemporary hotel located in the heart of Aberdeen’s city center, offering comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

  • The Fife Arms: This stylish hotel in Braemar features comfortable guest rooms and an excellent restaurant.

  • Aberdeen Youth Hostel: Part of the Scottish Youth Hostel Association, this hostel offers budget-friendly accommodation with a friendly atmosphere in the heart of Aberdeen.

What to Buy in North East Scotland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North East Scotland has several unique souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the best include:

  • Knitwear: Scotland is famous for its knitwear, such as cashmere and woolen scarves, hats, and sweaters.

  • Shortbread: A Scottish favorite, shortbread is a buttery, sweet biscuit that comes in many forms and flavors.

  • Whisky: Scotland’s national drink, whisky is an ideal souvenir for those who appreciate a good dram.

  • Tartan products: Tartan is a traditional Scottish pattern used in many products such as kilts, blankets, and scarves.

Local Culture and Customs of North East Scotland

North East Scotland has a vibrant local culture that visitors can immerse themselves in. Some things to keep in mind include:

  • Friendly locals: Scottish people are known for their warmth and friendliness, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.

  • Bagpipes: One of Scotland’s most iconic cultural symbols, bagpipes are often played at special events and ceremonies.

  • Ceilidh dancing: A traditional form of Scottish dancing, ceilidhs are popular events full of music and dancing.

  • Hogmanay: Scottish New Year’s Eve celebrations are known as Hogmanay and feature fireworks, street parties, and traditional customs.

Best Time to Visit North East Scotland

The best time to visit North East Scotland is between April and September when the weather is mild, and the daylight hours are longer. However, visitors should be prepared for the occasional rain shower, even during the summer months.

Do’s and Don’ts of North East Scotland

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting North East Scotland:

Do:

  • Try the haggis: Despite the unusual ingredients, haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is delicious when cooked properly.

  • Respect the locals: Scottish people are known for their friendliness, but visitors should be respectful of local culture and customs.

  • Explore the natural beauty of the region: North East Scotland is full of stunning landscapes, so make sure to spend some time outdoors.

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing: Scotland can be cold and wet, so dress appropriately with layers and waterproof clothing.

  • Disrespect nature: Visitors should be mindful of the region’s delicate ecosystems and avoid littering or disturbing wildlife.

  • Underestimate the weather: Even on a mild day, the weather in Scotland can change quickly, so always be prepared.

Safety and Health

Here are some safety and health considerations when visiting North East Scotland:

Safety in North East Scotland

North East Scotland is a relatively safe destination, with low levels of violent crime. Visitors should be cautious when walking alone at night and keep their belongings close.

Health in North East Scotland

The Scottish health care system is excellent, with many hospitals and clinics located throughout the country. Visitors from outside the UK should have travel insurance that includes medical cover.

Getting to North East Scotland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options for getting to North East Scotland:

  • Air: Aberdeen International Airport services the region, with regular flights from major UK cities, as well as some European destinations.

  • Bus: Several bus companies operate services throughout the region, including Citylink, Stagecoach, and National Express.

  • Train: The main train station in the region is Aberdeen train station, with direct services to major UK cities.

Airports Near North East Scotland

  • Aberdeen International Airport: Located in the Dyce area of Aberdeen, the airport is the main gateway to the region.

  • Inverness Airport: Serves the wider Highlands region and is located approximately two hours from Aberdeen.

Bus Stations Near North East Scotland

  • Aberdeen Bus Station: Located in the city center, Aberdeen Bus Station is the main hub for bus services in the area.

  • Huntly Bus Station: Located in the town of Huntly and services the surrounding areas.

Other Options

  • Car: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the region, with many rental companies available in Aberdeen.

  • Bike: For those who enjoy outdoor activities, cycling is an excellent way to explore the region, with many bike rental companies available.

How to Get Around in North East Scotland

Here are some transportation options for getting around North East Scotland:

  • Bus: Several bus companies operate services throughout the region, including Citylink, Stagecoach, and National Express.

  • Train: The main train station in the region is Aberdeen train station, with direct services to major UK cities.

  • Car: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the region, with many rental companies available in Aberdeen.

  • Bike: Cycling is an excellent way to explore the region, with many bike rental companies available.

Where to Go Next from North East Scotland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to extend your visit, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Inverness: Located in the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, including a visit to Loch Ness.

  • Edinburgh: Scotland’s elegant capital, Edinburgh offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment, with plenty of festivals and events throughout the year.

  • Stirling: Home to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, Stirling is a city rich in history and heritage.

Conclusion

North East Scotland is a beautiful region full of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant local culture. With many natural and cultural attractions to explore, outdoor activities to enjoy, delicious food and drink to savor, and plenty of accommodation options and modes of transportation available, North East Scotland is an excellent destination for visitors looking for an authentic Scottish experience.

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