Did you know that, as the name suggests, Royal Deeside runs alongside the River Dee, stretching into the Grampian Mountains? Or were you aware of the Royal connections this area has or that it has its own railway? If you are seeking fun things to do in Royal Deeside read on.
Today, we’re putting this region under the microscope – and we imagine that by the end of reading this, you’ll want to book a trip to see all this Scottish region offers for yourself.
Where is Royal Deeside
You’ll find Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire – although if you’re ever in doubt, just look for the River Dee to guide you! This area has quite a unique location, sitting between the city of Aberdeen and the Scottish Highlands. In fact, if you follow the River Dee, you’ll soon end up in the Cairngorms National Park!
Things to do in Royal Deeside
The question really should be, what isn’t there to do in this area?! Whether you fancy exploring some of the towns or villages on offer, taking a look at the Royal Deeside Railway with its association with the Royal Family, paying a visit to Balmoral Castle, or just want to be at one with nature, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding things to do.
Some specific locations of interest include the town of Banchory and the Victorian village of Ballater. Just a few miles from the iconic Balmoral Castle, Ballater is a Conservation Area, allowing you to get an unspoilt feel for this Scottish village when you visit.
This village also boasts several businesses that can display the Royal Warrant. This sought-after accolade is awarded to firms that supply the Royal Household, including the local grocer, interior designer, and, at one time, even the town bus depot!
Also of note are the Ballater Highland Games, held annually in August, and impressively have been on the go since 1864 – that’s over 150 years of celebrating events including the Tug O’War, Heavy Events, Piping and Scottish Dancing.
The Ballater Highland Games are part of “The Kindred Gatherings”, which features other Highland Games, including the Braemar Gathering, the next subject we focus on.
Braemar Highland Gathering
Usually attended by members of the Royal Family, this event has origins dating back over 900 years to the era of King Malcolm Canmore, who summoned his clansmen to race up nearby Craig Choinnich.
The Gathering we know and recognise today dates from 1832. The games were originally organised by the Braemar Highland Society. Queen Victoria granted the society Royal status over 50 years later.
Today, large crowds gather in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park to celebrate Scotland’s heritage and to honour the Monarch as the Games Chieftain.
If you attend, you can enjoy events such as Tossing the Caber, Hammer Throwing, and Tug O’War. You’ll also be able to enjoy examples of Highland Dancing and the spectacle of the Massed Pipe Bands – it truly is the ultimate Scottish experience!
Our Braemar Highland Gathering tour is just what you’ll need to take it all in and ensure you don’t miss a thing.
When is the Braemar Gathering?
If you’re in Scotland on the first weekend in September, you can include a visit to the Braemar Highland Gathering in your travel plans. Tickets are much sought after, so booking early is recommended.
Balmoral Castle
One of the major attractions in Royal Deeside is the incredible Balmoral Castle, which can be found on the Balmoral Estate, which encompasses a massive 50,000-plus acres. Unsurprisingly, there is so much to see and do here!
Who owns Balmoral Castle?
Balmoral Castle is synonymous with the British Royal Family, who use this castle as their summer retreat and have done so for many years. Prince Albert bought Balmoral Castle for Queen Victoria in 1852 following a few years of leasing, and it has remained the royal family’s holiday home (in Scotland) ever since.
Although originally bought for Queen Victoria, for many, Balmoral Castle is closely associated with the late Queen Elizabeth II, who held a special place in her heart for this castle. Balmoral Castle was also where she chose to spend her last days. The final photo of the Queen was taken in the castle’s Drawing Room.
History of Balmoral Castle
Interestingly, the Balmoral Castle we all know came into existence in its present form in 1856. Before this time, another castle used to rest on this site, although it was considered inadequate size-wise, and Balmoral Castle was built. You can still see evidence of the original building in the form of a commemorative stone, which can be found at the front of the castle!
Royal Connections
First on the list is the nearby village of Crathie, and specifically Crathie Kirk, where the Royal Family join locals to attend church services.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is less than a mile from Balmoral Castle. It was founded in 1845 by John Begg, who invited Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to visit in 1848. The Royal couple were obviously amused as the distillery was granted the title Royal Lochnagar shortly afterwards.
The Balmoral Cairns
The Balmoral Cairns represent a significant event for the Royal Family. Created by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, there are thought to be 11 cairns to look out for. Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive is the cairn erected in honour of Prince Albert after his untimely death - a stone pyramid is quite likely not what you’d expect to see when walking through the Scottish countryside!
Loch Muick sits at the foot of Lochnagar, one of the highest peaks in the area. On the banks of the loch stands Glas-allt Shield, a hunting lodge built for Queen Victoria. After the death of Prince Albert, it was known as Widow’s House.
The Castle Trail
Royal Deeside forms part of Scotland’s only Castle Trail, which consists of 16 unique castles, fortified houses and mansions.
One of Scotland’s most dramatic and haunting ruins is Dunottar Castle, which has a cliff-top location overlooking the North Sea. Fairytale Craigievar Castle stands as it was built in 1626. With its pink turrets, this great tower is said to be the inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
With a lonely moorland setting, Corgarff Castle was built in the mid-16th Century to house redcoat soldiers charged with keeping the highlanders in check.
Discover Royal Deeside with Scottish Tours
A trip to Royal Deeside is a must when you visit us here in Scotland. With such a variety of things to do on offer, there really is something for everyone.
Our 2-day Royal Deeside, Dundee and the Northeast tour runs over 2 days and features both the area of Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle as star attractions.
Browse and book your Scotland Tour today.
Photo credits: VisitScotland and Shutterstock