Pennan & Gardenstown - Taste & Tranquillity Tour

Step ashore and discover two of North East Scotland’s most picturesque coastal villages on this thoughtfully curated, small-group experience blending local food, storytelling, creativity and coastal scenery.

Designed with a strong focus on authentic access and meaningful connections, this tour showcases the very best of Aberdeenshire through exclusive partnerships and experiences not available to independent travellers.

Your journey begins with shore pick-up in Aberdeen (with staggered local pick-ups available), travelling through the rolling Aberdeenshire countryside to the iconic village of Pennan — known worldwide as the filming location for Local Hero.

On arrival, guests are personally welcomed by local resident Fiona, offering an intimate and engaging introduction to the village. Her short “Local Hero” talk brings the harbour to life, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, film trivia, and insights into the characters and famous faces connected to the movie — a unique experience only available through Your Vibe Tours.

Guests are invited to slow the pace with a carefully designed workshop experience in the village hall:

• Grounding Yoga Session with Rhoda Bain of Yogazone (from May 2026), inspired by the coastal surroundings
• Creative Workshop with acclaimed local artist Julie Cairns (from July 2026), creating a hand-painted Highland cow coaster to take home

A highlight of the experience is a truly exclusive lunch at the Pennan Inn — a 1-rosette restaurant overlooking the sea.

Opening exclusively at lunchtime for Your Vibe Tours guests, this is a rare opportunity to dine in a setting not typically available during the day.

Guests will meet Chef & Owner Peter, who has personally designed a bespoke two-course menu using quality local ingredients. This fully inclusive dining experience is a key part of the tour’s premium offering, combining exceptional food with a unique sense of place.

In a further example of Your Vibe Tours’ commitment to collaboration, Twistillery brings their experience directly to Pennan — something never offered before.

Guests will enjoy a relaxed, seated tasting session, hearing first-hand from the producers about their family farm, distilling journey, and future ambitions. The experience includes the opportunity to sample a new gin launch, presented in comfort as part of the tour.

The afternoon continues with a short scenic journey to the neighbouring village of Gardenstown.

Here, guests enjoy coffee and homemade cake from Bramble & Brae before time to explore the harbour, visit the heritage centre, and soak in the charm of this traditional fishing village.

With its colourful cottages, dramatic coastline and peaceful atmosphere, Gardenstown offers the perfect relaxed finale.

• Shore pick-up from Aberdeen cruise port
• Visit the iconic Local Hero filming location
• Personal welcome and storytelling from a Pennan resident
• Wellness or creative workshop experience
• Exclusive lunchtime opening of Pennan Inn
• Chef-led, bespoke two-course lunch (included)
• On-location gin tasting with Twistillery (exclusive collaboration)
• Visit Gardenstown harbour and heritage centre
• Coffee and cake included
• Small-group, slow tourism experience

Provisional Itinerary (Timings Approximate)

08:45 – 09:15

Guest Collection – Aberdeen & Local Area (TBC)

• Shore pick-up at Aberdeen Cruise Port
• Optional local collections available (Aberdeen city & surrounding areas – TBC at time of booking)
• Meet your Your Vibe Tours host and driver

09:15 – 10:30

Scenic Transfer to Pennan

• Relaxed drive through the Aberdeenshire countryside
• Introduction to the region, local stories and overview of the day

10:30 – 11:15

Arrival in Pennan – Local Welcome & “Local Hero” Experience

• Meet local resident Fiona at the harbour
• Short guided storytelling experience with film insights and village history
• Time for photos along the iconic Pennan shoreline

11:15 – 12:15

Wellness or Creative Workshop (seasonal rotation)

• Grounding coastal yoga session or
• Creative painting workshop with local artist (take-home keepsake)

12:15 – 13:45

Exclusive Lunch at the Pennan Inn

• Private lunchtime opening exclusively for tour guests
• Meet Chef & Owner Peter
• Enjoy a bespoke two-course lunch (included) overlooking the sea

13:45 – 14:30

Twistillery Gin Experience

• Meet the producer
• Guided tasting session including new gin launch
• Insight into farm diversification and distilling journey

14:30 – 14:45

Transfer to Gardenstown

14:45 – 15:45

Gardenstown Visit – Harbour, Heritage & Refreshments

• Coffee & homemade cake at Bramble & Brae (included)
• Free time to explore the harbour and heritage centre
• Coastal walk and photography opportunities

15:45 – 17:00

Return Journey to Aberdeen

• Relaxed transfer back to port
• Drop-offs at cruise terminal and pre-arranged local points (TBC)