Royal Deeside takes its name from the royal connection, Queen Victoria fell in love with this part of Scotland and bought Balmoral in 1852. The Dee valley stretches west from Aberdeen through Ballater and Braemar into the Cairngorms, a landscape of gentle hills, pine forests, castles and villages with a refined character.
Balmoral Castle
The Royal Family's Scottish residence is set in beautiful grounds on the banks of the Dee. The grounds and exhibitions are open seasonally (typically April to July). The castle itself remains private but the gardens, grounds and ballroom give a real sense of the place. Royal Lochnagar distillery sits right beside Balmoral and offers intimate tours with a royal warrant.
Ballater and Braemar
Ballater is a pretty town with royal warrant shops (the butcher, the baker, the outfitter). The Rothesay Rooms restaurant is good. Braemar at the head of the valley is home to the famous Highland Games in September and the remarkable Fife Arms hotel, filled with contemporary art and with an excellent bar and restaurant.
Castles along the Dee
Crathes Castle has painted ceilings and beautiful gardens. Drum Castle combines a medieval tower with a Jacobean mansion. Both are National Trust properties and make lovely stops on the drive west from Aberdeen.
Walking and fishing
The Linn of Dee near Braemar is a narrow gorge where the river forces through a gap in the rock. The walks around Glen Tanar are beautiful through old Caledonian pine. The River Dee is one of the finest salmon rivers in Scotland.
Getting here
From Aberdeen, the A93 follows the Dee valley. The drive is part of the experience. From Inverness, Deeside is about two and a half hours. See our Aberdeen chauffeur service and our full Royal Deeside guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Balmoral Castle?
The grounds and exhibitions are open seasonally, typically April to July. The castle itself is private. Check opening times and book ahead in peak season.
How far is Royal Deeside from Aberdeen?
Ballater is about 45 minutes from Aberdeen. Braemar is about an hour. The drive along the Dee valley is beautiful and part of the experience.
What is the Fife Arms?
A hotel in Braemar transformed into an art-filled destination by the Hauser and Wirth gallery. The bar and restaurant are excellent. Even if you are not staying, it is worth a visit.
When are the Braemar Highland Games?
The first Saturday in September. They are attended by the Royal Family and are the most famous Highland Games in Scotland. Book accommodation well ahead.
