17 Must See Towns and Villages in Aberdeenshire

There is so much to see and do in Aberdeenshire, beyond the main city of Aberdeen. This post list the best things to do in the towns and villages in Aberdeenshire. 

Aberdeenshire’s towns and villages have been featured in films and are historically significant. Aberdeenshire has so much variety.

The east coast has significant castle ruins. Meanwhile, the north coast is home to some quaint fishing villages. High in the Cairngorms, you will find royal castles and distilleries inland. 

The towns and villages in Aberdeenshire are not far from each other and can be combined to make a nice day trip from Aberdeen. Aberdeenshire is one of the most spectacular regions in Scotland.

The towns and villages in Aberdeenshire are listed from south to north, in order by the coast villages then inland villages.

Saint Cyrus

Saint Cyrus is a romantic coastal village located on the southern border of Aberdeenshire. Situated perfectly between Dundee and Aberdeen.

Saint Cyrus is home to one of Britain’s richest nature reserves, St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. St Cyrus Beach is 3 mies long, running from the village to the North Esk River. 

This small village is also part of the Angus Coastal Route. One of Scotland’s hidden gems is located here, the Den of Finella Waterfall. 

At Saint Cyrus, there are stunning cliffs and sand dunes to admire. Also, there is a visitor centre or cliff path which will take you to the beautiful expanse of sand. 

If you are lucky you can spot dolphins, whales and porpoises. Meanwhile, on land, there is a variety of birds and butterflies.

St Cyrus Accommodation: The Cottage, Straton Cottage, Kittiwake

Things to do in St Cyrus

• St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
• St Cyrus Beach
• Den of Finella

Stonehaven

Stonehaven is located a few miles south of Aberdeen. The town has a gorgeous harbour, with sailing yachts and plenty of places to eat nearby.

Tolbooth Museum is located in the harbour and it is the town’s oldest building. Also, the building has a fascinating history as a former courthouse and a jail. 

Stonehaven has a heated open-air swimming pool, which was opened in 1934. During the summer season, there are aqua ceilidhs and swimming under the stars with DJs. 

To the south of Stonehaven are Dunnottar Woods, Crawford Waterfall, RSPB Fowlsheugh nature reserve and Dunnottar Castle. 

Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic ruin located on a craggy cliff edge. This is one of my favourite destinations to visit in Scotland. 

Visitors can soak in the view or learn about the bloody history. Dunnottar was the inspiration for Disney’s Pixar animated fantasy Brave.

Stonehaven Accommodation: Lazy Puffin, Dalriada Lodge’s Garron, Dunnottar Woods House

Things to do in Stonehaven

• Stonehaven Harbour
• Tolbooth Museum 
• Stonehaven Heated Open Air Swimming Pool
• Dunnottar Woods

Banchory

Banchory is the closest settlement in the Royal Deeside to Aberdeen which is 20 miles away. This is the perfect place to base yourself on exploring the area.

The Royal Deeside Railway is located at the Milton of Crathes Station. The original line from Aberdeen is recreated.

Steam and diesel locomotives take you alongside the River Dee with splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

Nearby is the lovely 16th-century Crathes Castle, with lovely sculptured gardens and walking paths. In the forest at Crathes Castle, adventure seekers can have a tree-top adventure at Go Ape and swing from the trees.

Drum Castle is another castle near Banchory. Both of the castles are managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Finally, visitors can witness the salmon leaping in the Falls at the Bridge of Feugh, a wild rapid flowing through Banchory. 

Banchory Accommodation: Little Blackhall Lodge, Bridge of Bennie Cottage, Dallaire House

Things to do in Banchory:

• The Barn
• Crathes Castle 
• Royal Deeside Railway
• Drum Castle
• Falls of Feugh
• Scolty Tower

Ellon

Haddo House and Country Park are six miles west of Ellon. Haddo House was built in 1732 and was the impressive stately home of the famous Scottish Architect William Adams.

Visitors can walk around the impressive estate, which features Victorian history, large lakes, a deer park and monuments. 

Ellon is famous for dominating the craft beer revolution. BrewDog is a famous Aberdeenshire craft beer and the team has been brewing in Ellon since 2007. 

Visitors can enjoy the Brewery Tour, and discover the history of beer and how the world’s most talked about brands are made. Afterwards, have a rewarding sample of BrewDog beer at the on-site bar, DogTap.

Also, stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air at Newburgh and Ythan Estuary where you can catch a glimpse of wildlife. On the way, discover the tumbled-down romantic ruin of Knockhall Castle.

On the Sands of Forvie at the Forvie National Nature Reserve discover the half-buried remains of a 12th-century church. Newburgh Beach is home to hundreds of grey seals that sunbathe and play by the river mouth.

Ellon Accommodation: Hosefield B&B, Bo’s Boutique, The Smiddy Suite

Things to do in Ellon & Newburgh:

• Haddo House and Country Park
• BrewDog
• Knockhall Castle
• Newburgh and the Ythan Estuary
• Newburgh Seal Beach
• Forvie National Nature Reserve

Cruden bay

Cruden Bay is a popular stop for locals and tourists – day trippers and water sport enthusiasts. This beach involves a sweeping 2.5-kilometre expanse of pink sand. 

The ruins of the 16th-century fortress – Slains Castle overlooks Cruden Bay. The idea of Dracula was conceived here by Bram Stoker.

When you visit you will realise why the castle is said to be the inspiration for the creation of Dracula, this is an amazing experience.

Bullers of Buchan is a beautiful clifftop area north of Cruden Bay. The waves are pounding against the rock below and there are thousands of sea birds.

In the summer, you might see puffins and seals frolicking in the water below. It is an exciting memorable experience.

Cruden Bay Accommodation: Tigh-Na-Mhor, Room on the River, Craigievar

Things to do in Cruden Bay:

• Cruden Bay Golf Club
• Slains Castle
• Bullers of Buchan

Peterhead

Peterhead is located northeast of Aberdeenshire on the coast. It is one of the busiest fishing ports in Europe with over 400 boats and a bustling daily fishing market.

The Maritime Heritage Centre tells the tales of the sailors, whalers and fishermen. 

One of the things that Peterhead is most famous for is the Peterhead Prison Museum. At the prison, you can take an audio tour and learn what life was like for the prisoners and prison guards who served at the notorious prison. 

Just north of the village is the Loch of Strathbeg, where thousands of sea birds settle in the winter every year. This is a well-looked-after nature reserve and it is a must for any bird enthusiast. 

Peterhead Accommodation: Marina Bay Pods, Abbey Guest House, The Bothy

Things to do in Peterhead:

• Peterhead Prison Museum
• Loch of Strathbeg
• Buchanhaven Heritage Centre
• Maritime Heritage Museum

Fraserburgh

Fraserburgh is located at the north eastern tip of Aberdeenshire. This a busy port harbour and is the biggest shellfish port in Europe. 

Scotland’s first-ever lighthouse was built in Kinnaird Head and is now the location of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. The museum has the largest collection of lighthouse equipment in the UK.

The Fraserburgh Heritage Museum shows the rich history of the northeast Scottish fishing towns.

Fraserburgh Accommodation: Signature Apartments, Cheers Cafe, Bar & Tavern, Viola Cottage

Things to do in Fraserburgh:

• Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse & Museum of the Scottish Lighthouses
• Kinnaird Head Lighthouse
• Fraserburgh Golf Course

Pennan, Crovie & Gardenstown

These three fishing villages are amongst the best-preserved fishing villages in the UK. Located between Fraserburgh & Macduff – Pennan, Crovie and Gardenstown are all close to each other

Pennan

Pennan is a tiny fishing hamlet, best known for the scenes in the British movie – Local Hero.

There are a dozen or so houses on one single tiny street. The payphone has been made a listed building.

Just to the west of Pennan, there is an RSPB reserve at Troup Head, where thousands of birds reside. At Hell’s Lum sea sprats escapes from a cave cut into the cliff, similar to smoke coming from a chimney.

Also, make sure to visit Cullykhan Bay – a sandy cover near the remains of Fort Fiddes.

Crovie

Crovie (pronounced ‘Crivie’) is a small unique village and has been acknowledged as the best-preserved fishing village in Europe. Also, Crovie has the narrowest space between the shore and cliff in any Scottish village.

It is hard to believe that there is a row of homes sandwiched between the water and the cliffs.

There is no car access to Crovie and it is a very steep hill down to get to the houses. The locals need to transport their shopping in wheelbarrows from a car park at the top of the cliff.

Gardenstown

Gardenstown is located on the other side of Troup Head from Pennan. Centuries ago, the first houses of Gardenstown were constructed along the waterfront.

As time went on, further developments have been built further up the cliff in tiers. The view from the top of the tiers is amazing. 

Gardenstown Harbour was once a busy port but now is full of small creel boats and pleasure craft. Gain an insight into the old Gardenstown and fishing industry at the seasonal Gardenstown Heritage.

There is a gorgeous coastal path linking Crovie to Gardenstown. The path offers the perfect walk and opportunities to spot dolphins or whales.

Pennan, Crovie & Gardenstown Accommodation: Mill Shore Cottage, Crovie Cottage, Fisherman’s Cottage

Things to do in Pennan, Crovie & Gardenstown

• RSPB at Troup Head
• Cullykhan Bay
• Hell’s Lum

Banff

Banff is a small town located on Banff Bay looking across to Macduff. The town features many Georgian buildings and has attracted visitors for centuries.

Duff House is a collection of art from the National Galleries of Scotland. It is an 18th-century grand mansion built by the famous architect William Adam.

The house offers finely furnished rooms with extensive grounds offering pleasant parkland walks.

At the Banff Museum, visitors can learn about the fishing industry and how once Banff was the trade centre for manufacturers, weavers and silver makers. In addition, visitors can explore the outdoors and walk up the Hill of Doune. 

Less than a mile is the small town of MacDuff, the historic town is separated by a pretty seven-arch bridge over the River Deveron.

Macduff has lovely outdoor walks, an award-winning Marine Aquarium and Maritime Garden. 

Outside Macduff is the abandoned Tarlair Swimming Pool. This site is a disused lido at the base of a sea cliff.

The building is one of the least remaining Art Deco style buildings and outdoor seaside pools in Scotland. 

Banff & Macduff Accommodation: Ocean View, Harbour House, Seaesta Apartments

Things to do in Banff & MacDuff

• Banff Castle
• Duff House
• Banff Museum 
• MacDuff Marine Aquarium 

Sandend

Sandend is a coastal village which dates back to the 17th century. There is a big long beach here, which is how the village got its name.

At the beach, there are remains of World War II anti-tank positions and pill box defences. This is a hotspot destination for surfers. Sandend is often compared to Cornwall, however, it is a lot quieter. 

Get even better views of Sandend Bay from Glenglassaugh Distillery. Glenglassaugh runs distillery tours where you can see first-hand the traditional distilling methods used in the distillery.

Findlater Castle is located a mile west along the coast. Findlater Castle is a crumbling set of ruins on a remote headland.

Sandend Accommodation: 11 Village, 36 Sandend Village

Things to do in Sandend:

• Glenglassaugh Distillery
• Findlater Castle
• Sandend Bay

Cullen 

Cullen is where the dish Cullen Skink was created. This is a famous delicacy which now appears on menus around the globe. You can not leave Cullen without trying it. 

The old Cullen Railway line is now a cycling and walking path. You will be rewarded with scenic views across Cullen Bay from the route.

The Moray Cycling Route goes over the old Victorian Viaduct. The Victorian Viaduct is a grade B listed structure and is a very photogenic landmark of Cullen. 

There are brilliant photo opportunities at Cullen Bay. The quirky Three Kings Rock Stack on Cullen Beach is said to mark the graves of three Norse Kings who died following a bloody battle. 

Cullen Accommodation: Emahroo Cullen, Craigewan Cottage, Hill Crest,

Things to do in Cullen:

• Cullen Bay
• Three King Rock Stack 
• Old Cullen railway
• Cullen Auld Kirk
• Sunnyside Beach
• Nelson’s Seat
• Bow Fiddle Rock
• Portknockie Cliffs

Huntly

Huntly is well known for some of Aberdeenshire’s greatest food and drink products, including whisky, ice cream and shortbread.

The village of Huntly is located on the edge of the popular Speyside Whisky Trail, and visitors can explore the local whisky distillery – The Glendronanch Distillery.

Explore the ruins of Huntly Castle, once the majestic home to Aberdeenshire’s most prestigious Catholics, the Earls of Huntly. Robert the Bruce among many other famous faces who have sought refuge at the castle. 

Leith Hall is located seven miles south of Huntly. This stunning country house is run by the National Trust for Scotland.

The 286-acre estate has scenic gardens with flowering trees, shrubs, roses, fruit and vegetables. 

Huntly Accommodation: Drumdelgie Cottages, Woodside Steading, Oak Lodge

Things to do in Huntly:

• Glendronanch Distillery
• Huntly Castle
• Leith Hall

Alford

Alford is a pleasant small country park which is located in the middle of Aberdeenshire. The tranquil location, next to the River Don and hills of Bennachie and Coreen, is a lovely place to go to escape busy everyday life. 

Alford is home to one of the dry ski slopes in Aberdeenshire, located at Alford Ski Centre. Outdoor adventure seekers can use Alford as the base to explore other rural parts of the Royal Deeside.

Get outside and stretch your legs at Houghton Country Park and Murray Park.

Nearby is the majestic Craigievar Castle, the inspiration behind Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Craigievar Castle is a tall pink castle, with lovely turrets. 

Castle Fraser and Kildrummy Castle are two other stunning castles in the area. Follow the North East Castle Trail for more information. 

There is a lot of history in this town, visitors can learn more at the Alford Heritage Museum and The Old Royal Station.

In addition, Alford Heritage Museum is located right in the centre of the town, and vehicles from the early 1800s to the modern day are on display.

Alford Accommodation: The Coach House, North Mains Cottage, Steading Cottage

Things to do in Alford:

• Alford Ski Centre
• Alford Heritage Museum 
• Craigievar Castle
• Houghton Country Park
• Murray Park
• Castle Fraser
• Kildrummy Castle

Aboyne

Aboyne is a popular village to pass through as you are on your way to the Cairngorms National Park from Aberdeen. This idyllic village has lovely boutique shops, cafes and delicious local produce.

The Aboyne Highland Games is held annually in August every year. At the Highland Games, you can experience highland dancing, pipe bands, the caber toss and tug-o-war. 

In addition to the Highland Games the Aboyne and Deeside Festival is held here every year in July. There is a great selection of shops, restaurants, cafes and places to stay in Aboyne.

The Deeside Way is a 41-mile walk from Aberdeen to Ballater via Banchory and Aboyne. The route follows the path of the Old Deeside Way. 

Aboyne is the perfect destination for outdoor activities such as mountain biking, golfing, pigeon shooting, go-karting, archery and horse riding.

Visitors can go to the Mountain Bike Park, Aboyne Golf Course, Deeside Activity Park and Glen Tanar Estate.

Aboyne Accommodation: Cairngorm Bothies, Birchwood View, Dee View

Things to do in Aboyne:

• Aboyne Highland Games
• Deeside Way
• Mountain Bike Park
• Aboyne Gold Course
• Deeside Activity Park
• Glen Tanar Estate

Ballater

Ballater is home to one of the most famous castles in Scotland. Balmoral Castle is the Royal Family’s summer residence, Queen Victoria used to live here, as she described ‘my dear paradise in the Highlands’. 

Nearby, there is Prince Albert’s Cairn, a large pyramid in the middle of the Cairngorms to mark the life of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband.

There is a route to follow with 10 other cairns on show, to mark the lives of Queen Victoria’s children. Also, there is a wonderful view of the royal residence – Balmoral Castle. 

Royal Lochnagar Distillery is an award-winning whisky distillery which neighbours Balmoral Castle. The centre of the picturesque village has many cosy restaurants and artwork in Ballater Gallery. 

Head into the outdoors and explore the area of the majestic Royal Deeside. A popular place to stretch your legs is the Muir of Dinnet, where you can view an impressive cave formed during the ice age called Burn O’Vat.

There is a large number of celebrations and cultural events every year. Victoria Week is a nine-day event held in August and is popular with tourists and locals.

Ballater Accommodation: Craggan, Cairn Leuchan, The Auld Kirk

Things to do in Ballater:

• Balmoral Castle
• Balmoral Cairns
• Royal Lochnager Distillery
• Muir of Dinnet 
• Burn O’Vat
• Ballater Gallery
• Loch Muick
• Ballater Golf Club

Braemar

Braemar is a town in the Cairngorms National Park, at the heart of Royal Deeside. The Victorian town has many accommodation options, shops and restaurants. 

Braemar is a great place to base yourself to bag a few of the Cairngorm Munros. There are approximately 20 Munros in the area.

There are many lovely walking routes, cycling trails, woodlands and waterfalls nearby including the Linn of Quioch and Linn of Dee.

Braemar Castle is a 17th-century castle with an exciting past. The castle was built by the Earl of Mar and has been a hunting lodge, garrison and family home.

Braemar is a short distance away from Glenshee Ski Resort. Glenshee is home to the largest ski centre in Scotland. 

The Braemar Gathering is held annually every year. It is a popular sporting event which attracts families, tourists and the Royal Family every year.

Braemar Accommodation: Mar House, Cranford Guest House, Braemar Lodge Cabins

Things to do in Braemar

• Braemar Castle
• Linn of Quoich
• Linn of Dee
• Glenshee Ski Centre
• Braemar Highland Games Centre
• The Braemar Gathering

Other Towns and villages in Aberdeenshire:

• Aberchirder
• Ballindalloch
• Inverurie
• Insch
• Johnshaven
• Kemnay
• Kintore
• Laurencekirk
• Newburgh
• Mintlaw
• Newmachar
• Oldmeldrum
• Portlethen
• Portsoy
• Strathdon
• Turrif
• Westhill
• Whitehills

How many towns are in Aberdeenshire?

According to Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeenshire is home to 18 main towns. The biggest town is Peterhead with a population of 19,060. Peterhead has a strong fishing harbour.

What are the oldest villages in Aberdeenshire? 

Crovie is believed to be one of the oldest fishing villages in Aberdeenshire. It has existed since the Middle Ages.

The village is very well preserved and not much has changed since. 

Where is the best place to live in Aberdeenshire?

Stonehaven has been nominated as the best place to live in Aberdeenshire.

The town is located on the coast and has a lively harbour with plenty of cafes and restaurants. Also, it is not a long commute to Aberdeen.

What is the biggest town in Aberdeenshire?

Peterhead is the biggest town in Aberdeenshire with a population of 19,060. Peterhead has a strong fishing harbour.

Inverurie is the second largest town with a population of 14,660. Fraserburgh is the third largest town with a population of 12,570.

Final Note

Aberdeenshire is home to seven charming harbours along the coast. Also, there is plenty of charming town inland, at the Royal Deeside. 

Aberdeenshire is a great place to explore. There are plenty of pretty towns and villages in Aberdeenshire that are worth a visit. Also, there are a few great places to base yourself for exploring the Cairngorms National Park. 

The North East 250 is a great route which you can drive or walk to explore the best of Aberdeenshire. The Deeside Way is a long-distance walking route which follows the former Royal Deeside Railway.

Also, the Formartin and Buchan Way is a long-distance walking route that connects Ellon, Maud, Fraserburgh and Peterhead. The route follows a level track bed of a former railway line.