Top 10 things to do in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is castle country, with more castles per head than almost anywhere in Britain, plus the Cairngorms, a harsh coast and a Granite City. Deeside is the royal heart.
- 1
Dunnottar Castle
📍 StonehavenCastle, coastA ruined castle on a sea cliff, one of Scotland’s most dramatic sights.
- 2
Crathes Castle and Gardens
📍 Near BanchoryCastle, gardensA 16th-century tower house with walled gardens and woodland trails.
- 3
Balmoral Castle
📍 Near BallaterRoyal, gardensThe royal family’s Highland home, open to visitors on certain dates.
- 4
Fyvie Castle
📍 FyvieCastle, historyA castle with five towers, each built by a different family.
- 5
Craigievar Castle
📍 Near AlfordCastle, pinkA pink fairy-tale tower house in Aberdeenshire.
- 6
Cairngorms National Park
📍 Aviemore and DeesideWalks, sceneryBritain’s largest national park, with mountains, forests and wildlife.
- 7
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
📍 AberdeenFree, maritimeA free museum on the North Sea oil and shipping story.
- 8
Duthie Park Winter Gardens
📍 AberdeenGardens, freeA large glasshouse garden by the River Dee.
- 9
Slains Castle
📍 Cruden BayHistory, ruinsA clifftop ruined castle that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- 10
Fraserburgh and Peterhead coast
📍 North-east coastCoast, birdsRugged coastline with lighthouses and seabirds.
Where to base yourself
Last checked: October 2026.