Braemar Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Braemar with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, things to do, food and drink, where to stay, and local culture and customs for your trip to this charming Scottish village.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Braemar, Scotland

Braemar is a picturesque village located in Aberdeenshire, North East Scotland. Surrounded by the Cairngorms National Park, it is a major hub for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a mix of adventure and stunning natural beauty. But Braemar is not just for outdoorsy types – it also has a rich cultural heritage and a warm community spirit that welcomes visitors from all over the world. Whether you are traveling solo, with friends or family, or as a couple, Braemar offers something for everyone.

Introduction to Braemar

Braemar is a village located in Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe. With a population of just over 1,000 people, it is one of the most peaceful and charming towns in Scotland. The village is famous for its annual Braemar Gathering, a Highland Games event that attracts visitors from all over the world. Braemar is set amidst stunning natural scenery, with mountains and forests surrounding the village. Visitors can explore the village on foot, take a scenic drive around the area, or enjoy the many hiking and biking trails in the area.

List of Places to Visit in Braemar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Braemar Castle – Built in the 17th century, this castle has been a significant part of Braemar’s history, serving as a fortress, hunting lodge, and family home.
  2. Braemar Highland Games Centre – This museum showcases the history and traditions of the Highland Games, with exhibits of artifacts, costumes, and sports equipment.
  3. St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church – This church, located on the town’s main square, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and features beautiful stained-glass windows.

Natural Attractions of Braemar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lochnagar – This massive mountain located in the Cairngorms National Park offers a challenging hiking experience, with stunning views from the summit.
  2. Balmoral Estate – The Royal Family’s Scottish residence is located just a few miles from Braemar. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the castle, gardens, and estate.
  3. Glen Callater – This expansive glen offers a network of hiking and biking trails, with stunning views of the countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Braemar

  1. Creag Choinnich Hike – This challenging hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
  2. Linn of Dee – This easy hike along the Dee River offers views of the river and the surrounding hills.
  3. Morven Hill – This moderate hike offers views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Braemar: Activities and Tours

  1. Braemar Highland Games – This annual celebration of Scottish culture brings together athletes from around the world for traditional Highland Games events.
  2. Braemar Golf Course – This historic 18-hole golf course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
  3. Braemar Brewery Tour – This local brewery produces a range of award-winning beers, and visitors can take guided tours of the facilities and sample the brews.

Week-Long Itinerary for Braemar

Day Activity
1 Hike to Lochnagar summit
2 Explore the grounds of Balmoral Estate
3 Visit Braemar Castle and Highland Games Centre
4 Enjoy a round of golf at Braemar Golf Course
5 Take a guided tour of Braemar Brewery
6 Hike through Glen Callater
7 Relax and explore the village at leisure

Food and Drink Scene of Braemar

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Cullen Skink – This hearty soup is made with smoked haddock and potatoes and is a staple of Scottish cuisine.
  2. Venison – Braemar is known for its delicious venison dishes, featuring meat sourced from the local area.
  3. Shortbread – This sweet treat, made with butter, sugar, and flour, can be found in bakeries throughout the village.

Local Beverages

  1. Whisky – Scotland is famous for its whisky, and Braemar is no exception. Visitors can enjoy a dram at local pubs and distilleries.
  2. Ale – The local brewery produces a range of award-winning ales, featuring hops sourced from the Scottish Highlands.

Where to Stay in Braemar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. The Fife Arms – This historic hotel has been recently restored and features luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
  2. The Moorfield House Hotel – This Victorian hotel features comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving Scottish cuisine.
  3. Callater Lodge – This small guesthouse is perfect for visitors looking for a cozy and quiet place to stay.

What to Buy in Braemar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Woolen Goods – Braemar is known for its high-quality woolen goods, including sweaters, scarves, and blankets.
  2. Whisky – Visitors can purchase bottles of Scotland’s famous whisky to bring home as a souvenir or gift.
  3. Locally Made Crafts – Braemar is home to a number of talented artisans who produce a range of handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and paintings.

Local Culture and Customs of Braemar

Braemar has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong sense of community and tradition. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, such as the Highland Games and traditional Scottish dress, and take the time to learn about the history and traditions of the area.

Best Time to Visit Braemar

The best time to visit Braemar is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is milder and the days are longer. Visitors can enjoy the stunning natural scenery and take part in outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Braemar

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions
  2. Take care of the natural environment when hiking and biking
  3. Try local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  1. Leave litter or disturb the wildlife
  2. Ignore safety warnings when hiking or biking
  3. Use drones without prior permission

Safety and Health

Safety in Braemar

Braemar is a safe and welcoming village, with low crime rates. Visitors should take the usual precautions, such as locking their doors and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Braemar

Visitors should take care to stay hydrated and use sun protection when hiking or cycling in the area. Medical care is available at the Braemar Medical Practice, located on Chapel Brae.

Getting to Braemar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Braemar

The closest airport to Braemar is Aberdeen International Airport, located approximately 60 miles south of the village.

Bus Stations Near Braemar

Buses run from Aberdeen to Braemar, with several stops along the way. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car and drive to Braemar, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.

How to Get Around in Braemar

Braemar is a small village that can easily be explored on foot. Visitors can also rent bicycles or drive to nearby attractions and hiking trails.

Where to Go Next from Braemar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Cairngorms National Park – This expansive park offers a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty.
  2. Aberdeen – This historic city offers a range of cultural attractions, including museums and art galleries.
  3. Inverness – This charming Scottish town is located just a few hours from Braemar, featuring stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Braemar is a charming Scottish village that offers a unique combination of outdoor adventure and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the stunning natural scenery, enjoy local cuisine and beverages, and take part in traditional Scottish customs. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an outdoor adventure, Braemar is the perfect destination for your Scottish getaway.

Linn of Dee Linn of Dee Skiing at Glenshee Skiing at Glenshee Fife Arms Fife Arms