Local Attractions
Activities and attractions in and around Ballater, Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms
Ballater provides the ideal base for a holiday in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms with Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth all less than two hours’ drive away.
Ballater is surrounded by spectacular highland scenery, all within a short drive or cycle ride. Try Loch Muick, Cambus O'May, Glengairn and the road to Strathdon and the road to Braemar and beyond past Mar Lodge to the bridge at Linn of Dee.
Connections to the Royal Family are reflected in the many historical places of interest throughout Royal Deeside, including the famous Balmoral Castle, Summer residence of the Royal Family. The Queen also attends the Highland Games at the Braemar Gathering traditionally every year in September.
Whilst in Ballater look out for the 'By Royal Appointment' signs which are proudly displayed on many establishments.
The Ballater pipe band can often be seen practicing and performing around Ballater throughout the summer. They also appear at Aboyne Highland Games, Ballater Victoria Week, Ballater Highland Games and the Braemar Gathering.
If you're looking for a break from all that sight-seeing, be sure to call into our little coffee shop - Brown Sugar Cafe - for delicious coffee, tempting cakes & chocolates, or a light lunch.
Visit the many castles, distilleries and museums Ballater has to offer, including:
Balmoral Castle ( www.balmoralcastle.com )
Crathes Castle, Craigievar Castle, Drum Castle, Fyvie Castle, Castle Fraser, Mar Lodge Estate ( www.nts.org.uk )
Lochnagar distillery near Balmoral ( www.discovering-distilleries.com/royallochnagar ) is the local malt whisky but for visitors wanting to experience other Scottish malts, the Spey Valley and Whisky Trail is a picturesque drive north through the Cairngorm National Park ( www.scotchwhisky.net ).
Enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hillwalking, horse riding, cycling, fishing and golf:
If your passion is golf then you do not have far to venture - Eastbank is just moments away from Ballater Golf Course 
( www.ballatergolfclub.co.uk )
Horse riding is available at the nearby 'Glen Tanar Equestrian Centre'
( www.glentanar.co.uk ) as well as fishing, walking and cycling.
Balmoral Estate also offers pony-trekking on weekends during April, May, June and July as well as occasional full-day treks during this period.
If wildlife is what you desire be sure not to miss out on 'Grampian & Cairngorms Wildlife Services'.
Outdoor activities for adults and children alike include:
Archeolink Prehistory Park ( www.archaeolink.co.uk )
Deeside Activity Park ( www.deesideactivitypark.com )
Landmark Forest Adventure Park ( www.landmarkpark.co.uk )
Strathspey Railway ( www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk )
Ski-ing & Gliding:
There are two ski resorts nearby, Glenshee situated at Cairnwell Mountain where the A93 rises to 2,200 ft and the Lecht situated on the Lecht Road, both offering ski-schools and cafes. There is also a hangliding school at Cairnwell.
Glenshee ( www.ski-glenshee.co.uk )
The Lecht ( www.lecht.co.uk )
Gliding - Deeside Gliding Club, Aboyne Airfield, Dinnet. You can watch the gliders take-off and land from the parking/picnic area adjacent to the main A93. It is also possible to arrange a trip.
General Information:
www.discoverroyaldeeside.com - Discover Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms
www.visitballater.com - A Guide to 'What's On' in Ballater
www.royal-deeside.org.uk - Information about Scotland's Royal Valley
www.scottishholidays.net - A Travel Guide to Holidays in Scotland
www.accommodation-ballater.com - Accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park
www.cairngorms-park.com - Accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park
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