
Banff harbour
© VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields
- Home
- Places to go
- Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
- Things to Do in Aberdeenshire Itinerary
Things to Do in Aberdeenshire Itinerary
Aberdeenshire is a vast and scenic region, featuring many pretty towns, friendly communities, places to explore and fascinating attractions to visit. Located on the east coast of mainland Scotland, you'll find hundreds of coastal gems, marine wildlife, intriguing historic sites (there are over 300 castles here), as well as plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors too.
- Start / Finish
- Oldmeldrum / Pennan
- Days3
- Distance132 Miles
211.2 km - TransportCar
- Main themeSightseeing
- Highlights
- Castle Fraser
- Tolquhon Castle
- Glen Garioch Distillery
- Pitmedden Garden
- Skyline Trampoline Park
- Areas covered
- East
- North
Day 1 Oldmeldrum
Heading just 5 miles north of Inverurie, Oldmeldrum is a small Aberdeenshire town known as the 'Granary of Aberdeen', due to its production of high quality barley, and is home to many hidden gems and great places to explore.
- 1
Lochter Activity Centre and Fishery Oldmeldrum
Lochter Activity Centre & Fishery
Located just a mile west of Oldmeldrum, head to Lochter Activity Centre. Try out a range of exciting activities, including archery, zorbing, segways, and raft building. Or if you'd rather go at a slower pace, you can try your hand at a spot of trout fishing from the onsite lochs. There are three fly-fishing lochs at the centre that are stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout. Also at the centre, you can tuck into delicious, high quality food at the restaurant, serving up only the best locally-sourced Aberdeenshire produce.
Find out more about Lochter Activity CentreLochter, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0DZKey facilities- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 2
Glen Garioch Distillery Oldmeldrum
Glen Garioch Distillery
Why not take time to relax and delve into Scotland's world of whisky? Our national drink is a popular tipple around the world, and with so many distilleries in Aberdeenshire alone, why not? Head to Glen Garioch (pronounced Glen Geerie), Scotland's most easterly whisky distillery, and embark on whisky tastings and experiences. Explore the history and character of Glen Garioch and go behind the scenes to learn all about their whiskies, the distillery and more.
Find out more about Glen Garioch DistilleryDistillery Road, Oldmeldrum, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0ES - 3
Tolquhon Castle Pitmedden
Tolquhon Castle
Described as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, Tolquhon Castle is an impressive ruin located just outside of Oldmeldrum, near Pitmedden. Admire the intricate carvings and fine detailing across the castle, explore inside the ruined walls, and see if you can find the secret compartment above the laird's quarters, where he hid his valuables. As you wander around the extensive castle grounds, look for the initials TL (Thomas Leiper) on the exterior of the main house - it was rare for a medieval architect to sign his work like this in these times.
Find out more about Tolquhon CastleTarves, Pitmedden, AB41 7LP - 4
Pitmedden Garden Pitmedden
Pitmedden Garden
If you're looking to wander through picturesque gardens, look no further. Marvel at the serenity as you explore the 17th-century Pitmedden Garden, boasting a unique charm and plenty to admire. Featuring almost 6 miles of clipped box hedging, colourful parterres, over 200 fruit trees, and the lovely sweet smell of honeysuckle and jasmine, these gardens are a delight.
Find out more about Pitmedden GardenPitmedden, Pitmedden, AB41 7PDKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
Day 2 Huntly
For the third day we're heading north west to another quaint town - Huntly. This historic town is home to some incredible sights and attractions to explore, and has many landmarks situated just outside the town too.
- 5
Historic sites Huntly
Take a trip back in time, discovering some incredible historic and ancient sites. The second highest in Scotland, Tap o' Noth Hill Fort is a very well preserved Iron Age fort and boasts impressive remains, alongside outstanding panoramic views over the Aberdeenshire countryside.
Nearby, Rhynie Pictish Stones feature a display of one Class I and two Class II carved stones. The first is made of pink granite, with carvings of a beast, comb and part of an arch symbol. The two Class II stones were found under the old church. One is whinstone, bearing a beast's head, double-disc, Z-rod, a mirror, and a comb. The other is red granite, with carvings of a double-disc, crescent, V-rod and mirror symbols.
Elsewhere, head to Huntly Castle, a magnificent ruin dating back to the 12th century and is famed for its architectural details and heraldic enrichments. Located just north of the town, the castle boasts a majestic location, and the palace interiors are a real sight to see with heraldic fireplaces and more.
Find out more about Tap O'NothRhynie, Huntly - 6
Deveron Project Huntly
Leith Hall
© VisitScotland / Damian Shields
This unique concept uses the town of Huntly as a venue for a range of art projects that aim to join together artists, communities and places. There are a variety of projects you can see across the town, including The Square Deal which looks to rejuvenate and protect the towns' architecture, White Wood a living monument to peace, the Weeping Willow Tree which marks a historic day, and Flax which explores the past through new growth.
Find out more about the Deveron Project- Time to explore
- 3 hours
- 7
Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre Huntly
Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre
Britain's only dedicated Nordic facility, this unique outdoor centre specialises in cross country skiing and roller skiing, as well as offering mountain bike hire and tubing on the ski slope. Head over to the centre and learn to cross country ski all year round, or try out roller skiing in the summer months. Take part in courses and private tuition on the all-weather terrain and roller ski track, and when the snow comes, hire ski equipment and venture up to the trails in the Clashindarroch forest.
Find out more about Huntly Nordic and Outdoor CentreHill of Haugh, Huntly, AB54 4SH - 8
GlenDronach Distillery Turriff
Glendronach Distillery
Outside the town, pay a visit to one of Scotland's oldest working distilleries, GlenDronach, and learn all about the traditions and history of Scotland's single malt whisky. Using handcrafted techniques that have been traditional for some 200 years, the distillery matures their whiskies in superior sherry casks giving complex tastes and undertones to their malts. Enjoy a range of distillery tours and tasting experiences and make sure you head to the gift shop to explore a wide range of the GlenDronach Highland single malts and official merchandise too. Why not bottle your own distillery-exclusive malt as a special souvenir?
Make sure you stop by Dean's Shortbread which started up in Huntly and, since 1975, has been making their famous 'melt in the mouth' shortbread to a recipe that everyone loves. Visit the gift shop or stop in at the bistro and coffee stop.
Find out more about the GlenDronach DistilleryForgue By Huntly, Turriff, AB54 6DBKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
Day 3 Banff
The last day of this itinerary takes you to the glorious Banffshire coastline. With golf courses and coastal gems aplenty, you'll have an array of attractions and locations to uncover here, as well as relaxing seaside walks to embrace.
- 9
Duff House Banff
Duff House
Duff House is one of Scotland's architectural masterpieces. This Adam-designed historic house is a treasure house and cultural arts centre operated by a unique partnership between Historic Environment Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. It also boasts extensive grounds and woodland walks by the River Deveron.
Marvel at the lavish interiors, take a walk in the sprawling grounds and let the kids blow off steam in the play park.
Find out more about Duff HouseBanff, AB45 3SX - 10
Inverboyndie Beach Banff
Beach
Nearby, head to Inverboyndie Beach, just west of Banff. A popular place for walkers, swimmers, surfers and windsurfers, it's great for a family-friendly day out. It's also a calm and quiet area, so it's a good place to spot local wildlife too.
After your visit, head just a 10 minute drive into Portsoy and pick up a tasty ice cream from Portsoy Ice Cream. This award-winning, family-run business offers up a refreshing range of top-quality homemade artisan ice creams and sorbets.
If you're looking for somewhere to stay, Banff Links Caravan Park is nearby the beach. Or enjoy a self-catering break at the Sail Loft Bunkhouse in Portsoy. Accredited a 4-star hostel status, you'll have everything you need at this budget-friendly option, including luxurious beds and bunks, a communal kitchen, dining area and lounge, laundrette, drying room, secure cycle storage and more.
Find out more about Inverboyndie BeachBanff - 11
RSPB Troup Head Nature Reserve Pennan
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
© RSPB Images
If you head 20 minutes east from Banff, you'll find the RSPB Troup Head Nature Reserve, which is home to dramatic high clifftops. That makes it a nesting ground for a variety of birdlife, including a whole gannet colony - the largest on mainland Scotland with kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and more. If you look out to sea, you may be lucky enough to spot resident bottlenose dolphins, minke whales and porpoises playing in the waves.
Find out more about RSPB Troup Head Nature ReservePennan, AB45 3JN
Find experiences
JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.
Other things you might like
Sustainable & Responsible Tourism in Scotland
Scotland trip itineraries
Ways to reduce your carbon footprint
10 Eco-Tourism Tips For Your Holiday in Scotland

Guide to Wild Foraging in Scotland
Scotland in your inbox
Subscribe to our newsletter and we'll email you with unique attractions, exciting trip ideas and visitor offers.