ANCIENT CASTLES OF SCOTLAND AND MUCH MORE...
Welcome to the North East of Scotland, a magical destination. Aberdeen is the main city of the region, the third largest in Scotland and one of the wealthiest since its economy is based on the North Sea oil industry. Aberdeen is also the “granite city”, since it is entirely built in the silver coloured material.
Some of the city’s attractions are the Old Town with its pebbled streets and the University dating back to the XV century, St Machar Cathedral and the interesting Maritime Museum, illustrating the history of the city, closely linked to the sea. The “Duthie Winter Gardens” are also interesting, huge greenhouses sheltering the largest variety of flora in Europe and the largest collection of giant cacti in Britain.
Royal Deeside
Royal Deeside, the valley of the Dee River, is situated west of Aberdeen. The valley, of great scenic beauty, lies at the heart of the Grampian region and many important tourist attractions are within easy reach.
First of all Balmoral Castle, between Ballater and Braemar, was built in traditional Scottish baronial style by Prince Albert for his wife Queen Victoria and it is , to this day, the summer residence of HRH the Queen.
Every year, the first Saturday of September, the Queen attends the renowned Braemar Gathering, an unforgettable event, showcasing traditional Highland games like “Tossing the caber” and parades of Clans in traditional tartans.
The River Dee, at the heart of Royal Deeside, is one of the richest in salmon in Scotland. Every summer, from the Bridge of Feugh, salmon ascending the waters of a tributary of the Dee can be observed.
Accommodation standards here are very high, ranging from B&B establishments to luxurious Castle Hotels. (for further information, see the page B&B & Hotels in Scotland).
The Castle Trail
The Valley of Royal Deeside also lies at the heart of the fabulous “Castle Trail”, unique in Scotland. Thirteen magical castles, from the fairytale Craigievar and Fyvie to the grand country houses like Haddo and Leith Hall, every property is surrounded by wonderful estates containing walled gardens, which often shelter rare varieties of flora.
Drum Castle is one of the three oldest tower houses still in existence in Scotland. In its grounds, roses from the world over blossom in the “Garden of Historic Roses”.
Crathes Castle is one of the most visited in Aberdeenshire. Dating back to the XVI century, it also has a magnificent walled garden which encloses eight individual gardens, each differing from the other in flora and design.
The imposing Fraser Castle dates back to the XVI century, has beautiful period interiors and is situated in a magnificent estate.
The fairytale Craigievar Castle is four centuries old and lies in a very idyllic and scenic setting.
Fyvie Castle is a splendid, five towered baronial residence, with traditional interiors and magnificent surrounding grounds and gardens.
The Trail also includes the Castles of Corgarff, Delgatie, Huntly, Tolquhon, Kildrummy and the country houses of Duff, Haddo and Leith Hall.
The CoastVery few actually know that the Coast near Aberdeen is very beautiful, punctuated by small fishing villages and stunning bays with immense golden beaches.
One of these beaches, on the estuary of the River Ythan a few miles North of Aberdeen, is the Natural Reserve of Forvie Sands.
Here a great variety of marine wildlife can be observed; various species of marine birds and also a colony of Atlantic seals have made Forvie Sands their natural habitat.
Stonehaven, a few miles South of Aberdeen, is a picturesque fishing village and harbour. Nearby is the famed Dunnottar Castle, dramatically located on a sea facing cliff and since long one of the best loved tourist attractions in the area.
Sports and activitiesGolfGrampian truly is a golfers' paradise! Enthusiasts can choose from over seventy courses, set in stunning locations, which cater for all preferences and levels - and in summer, here golf is played until ten o'clock at night! Fly fishingThe North East of Scotland has some of the most varied and exciting fishing to be found in Britain. The "beats" on the River Dee, Don, North Esk and South Esk, the four main salmon rivers, and the local fisheries, all set in spectacular natural scenery, ensure good sport throughout the season.
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Itineraries in Magical Scotland
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