Aberdeenshire makes the most of its natural beauty and fascinating history but also offers an abundance of fun days out for all ages and interests. Here's five you should try while visiting this region…
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Estates, Ballater AB35 5TB
Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. Enjoy access to the formal and vegetable gardens, the wildlife, Balmoral and audio visual exhibitions together with the largest room in the Castle, the Ballroom. Visit website
Deeside Activity Park
Deeside Activity Park is a four-star, multi-activity outdoor adventure centre offering quads, cars, clays, 4×4 off-roading, archery, target shooting, fishing and much more. There’s a restaurant and farm shop serving Cairnton Aberdeen Angus beed and other local produce. Visit website
Glenfiddich Distillery
A warm welcome awaits at The Glenfiddich Distillery Visitor Centre. It was the first of its kind for the Scotch whisky industry and provides a fascinating insight into the making and heritage of this special whisky. Visitors can choose one of four tours, each including a master class nosing and tasting of at least four whiskies. They will also visit Glenfiddich’s original warehouses to see casks of gently maturing spirit. Visit website
Hillgoers
South Mains Cottage, Drumoak AB31 5AE
Allow Hillgoers to journey with you across Scotland’s extraordinary landscape. Its highly qualified mountain leaders offer guided walks, Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, navigation qualifications, outdoor learning and corporate events. From their base in Royal Deeside, Hillgoers’ mountain leaders offer expertly guided walks across numerous Munros, Corbetts and other smaller, yet nonetheless impressive, hills. Visit website
Codona’s Beach Amusement Park
For family indoor and outdoor fun, Codona’s is Scotland’s ultimate amusement park based in Aberdeen’s Beach Boulevard. Outdoors there is the brand new Karting Track, Scallywag Bumper Boats, Disco Waltzers, Dead Man’s Drop Tower plus children’s rides and attractions. Indoors in the Sunset Boulevard complex try your hand at ten-pin bowling, battle it out in the Laser tag Arena or visit the amusement arcade, all perfect for family adventure if the weather isn’t great. And The Grampian Eye shows off the amazing panoramic views of Aberdeen. Refresh and refuel at the Lucky Strike Diner. Codona’s is open all year round. Visit website
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