Attractions in and around Braemar

Braemar, heart of beautiful Royal Deeside is a holiday playground unequalled in Scotland. Surrounded by the fine Grampian mountains and woodland scenery it is a Mecca for the walker, climber or wanderer. Add in the nearby castles and distilleries and you have the ideal place for a holiday break. The nearby River Dee flowing past Braemar Castle and the royal Balmoral Castle on its way to Aberdeen offers the finest salmon fishing. On the southern edge of the village Braemar Golf Course is the highest 18 hole course in Britain. To the south just 8 miles away is Glenshee Ski Centre, the home of the largest ski centre in Scotland.

An ancient village with long links to Scottish royalty, it is home each year on the first Saturday of September to the world famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games regularly attended by members of the Royal Family. Little wonder that Braemar won the coveted Best Village for Tourism in Scotland in 1992 and again in 1996.
Braemar Castle This historic castle is a half a mile north-east of Braemar adjacent to the A93. It can be reached via one of the many pretty walks. The Castle was built in 1628 but was later put to the torch and restored becoming a Hanoverian garrison post after 1745. A beautiful castle offering insight into the way people lived earlier in the 20th Century.

(Tel: 013397 41219)
Braemar Castle

 
Balmoral Castle
 
 
The Queen arriving for The Braemar Highland Games

 

 Balmoral Castle  About 9 miles east of Braemar, the estate of Balmoral was purchased for Queen Victoria in 1852 and the castle was built shortly thereafter. It has been in regular use ever since as a family residence for the Royal Family. Between the middle of April and the end of July part of the Castle and Grounds are open to the public. Exhibitions are staged in the Ballroom and Carriage Hall. In addition there are Pony Trekking, Pony Cart Rides Country Walks, Gift Shops and Cafeteria.

(Tel: 013397 425 34)

Near to Balmoral are

Crathie Church  A delightful Victorian built church with some fine stain glass windows. (Royal Family attend services when in residence at Balmoral and the Princess Royal was married here.)

Royal Lochnagar Distillery Visitor Centre  Adjacent to Balmoral Castle on the south side of the River Dee. Guided Tours and whisky tasting.
 
(Tel: 013397 42700)

 
Braemar Golf Club has the highest 18 hole course in Great Britain. The clubhouse is licensed and catering is available for members and visiting golfers.

 (Tel: 013397 416 18)