Aberdeenshire packs more castles into its rolling farmland and Deeside glens than anywhere else in Britain, then wraps it all in a spectacular coastline of clifftop ruins, fishing villages and sea arches. This guide gathers the best things to do across the county and the neighbouring Moray Firth coast, from the iconic ruin of Dunnottar to the pink fairytale tower of Craigievar and the sea-boiling chasm at the Bullers of Buchan.
Below you will find a filterable card for every attraction, a quick comparison table, and a short guide to help you choose. Each card links to a full page with opening details, directions, tips and a map of what is nearby. We have split the picks into two groups: the castles, distilleries and coast of Aberdeenshire proper, and the beaches, harbours and sea arches of the Moray Firth coast to the northwest.
Dunnottar Castle
IconicThe most dramatic clifftop ruin in Scotland, perched on a sea-girt headland. A must-see and the county signature sight.
Crathes Castle
DeesideA turreted tower house famed for painted ceilings and centuries-old yew hedges. One of the finest on Deeside.
Drum Castle
DeesideOne of Scotland oldest tower houses, with a historic rose garden and ancient oak wood. Held by one family for 650 years.
Craigievar Castle
FairytaleThe pink fairytale tower said to have inspired Disney Cinderella castle. Timed interior tours protect its ornate ceilings.
Braemar Castle
DeesideA community-run Highland castle in upper Deeside, near Balmoral and the Cairngorms gateway village of Braemar.
The royal family Highland retreat, with grounds, exhibitions and estate walks open seasonally to visitors.
Fettercairn Distillery
WhiskyA Highland single malt distillery at the foot of the Cairngorms, with tours and tastings in a historic village.
Glen Garioch Distillery
WhiskyOne of Scotland oldest distilleries, founded 1797, offering intimate tours in the barley country of the Garioch.
BrewDog DogTap Ellon
Craft beerThe home brewery and taproom of the famous craft beer brand, with brewery tours and a big draught list.
Slains Castle
RuinA gaunt clifftop ruin linked to Bram Stoker Dracula, reached on a coastal walk from Cruden Bay.
Bullers of Buchan
CoastA collapsed sea cave where the water boils through a rock arch, ringed by seabird cliffs and puffins in season.
Peterhead Prison Museum
IndoorA real Victorian jail turned immersive audio-tour attraction, telling the story of its inmates and the 1987 siege.
Footdee (Fittie)
VillageA quirky planned fishing village of inward-facing cottages and decorated sheds at the mouth of Aberdeen harbour.
Portsoy Harbour
Moray coastScotland oldest surviving 17th-century harbour, home to the Traditional Boat Festival and famed Portsoy marble.
Crovie
Moray coastA single row of cottages wedged between cliff and sea, so narrow that residents move goods by wheelbarrow.
Glenglassaugh Distillery
WhiskyA rare seaside distillery on the Moray Firth, whose coastal maturation gives a distinct maritime single malt.
Lossiemouth
BeachesA bright seaside town with two award-winning sandy beaches, a harbour and frequent dolphin sightings offshore.
Bow Fiddle Rock
CoastA striking natural sea arch shaped like a fiddle bow, a short clifftop walk from Portknockie village.
Findhorn Beach & Bay
BeachesA long dune-backed beach with a sheltered bay for watersports and reliable dolphin and seal watching.
The Fife Arms, Braemar
DeesideA gloriously eccentric art-filled hotel on Royal Deeside, famous for its gothic afternoon tea. Covered in our Cairngorms guide.
The Granite City itself: museums, beach, harbour and old town. Our separate guide covers what to do in Aberdeen city.
Aberdeenshire Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | Type | Area | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunnottar Castle | Castle ruin | Stonehaven | ££ | Drama & photos |
| Crathes Castle | Tower house | Royal Deeside | ££ | Gardens |
| Drum Castle | Tower house | Royal Deeside | ££ | History & woods |
| Craigievar Castle | Tower house | Alford | ££ | Fairytale looks |
| Braemar Castle | Castle | Braemar | ££ | Highland Deeside |
| Balmoral Castle & Estate | Royal estate | Royal Deeside | £££ | Royal history |
| Fettercairn Distillery | Distillery | Fettercairn | ££ | Whisky |
| Glen Garioch Distillery | Distillery | Oldmeldrum | ££ | Whisky history |
| BrewDog DogTap Ellon | Brewery | Ellon | ££ | Craft beer |
| Slains Castle | Castle ruin | Cruden Bay | Free | Gothic ruin walk |
| Bullers of Buchan | Sea cave | Buchan coast | Free | Seabirds & geology |
| Peterhead Prison Museum | Museum | Peterhead | ££ | Rainy days |
| Footdee (Fittie) | Village | Aberdeen harbour | Free | Quirky heritage |
| Portsoy Harbour | Harbour | Moray Firth | Free | Coastal history |
| Crovie | Village | Gamrie Bay | Free | Off-beat photos |
| Glenglassaugh Distillery | Distillery | Sandend | ££ | Coastal whisky |
| Lossiemouth | Beach town | Moray Firth | Free | Beach day |
| Bow Fiddle Rock | Sea arch | Portknockie | Free | Sea arch photos |
| Findhorn Beach & Bay | Beach & bay | Moray Firth | Free | Watersports |
Don’t Leave Without Trying Cullen Skink
No trip along this coast is complete without a bowl of Cullen skink, the rich smoked-haddock, potato and onion soup that takes its name from the Moray town of Cullen, right by Bow Fiddle Rock. You will find it on menus across Aberdeenshire and the Moray Firth, and the annual World Cullen Skink Championship is held in Cullen itself. Pair it with a visit to Bow Fiddle Rock or Portsoy Harbour for the perfect coastal afternoon.
How to Choose Your Aberdeenshire Day Out
If you only do one thing, make it Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven, the clifftop ruin that defines the county. Castle lovers should string together the Deeside houses, Crathes, Drum and the pink showpiece Craigievar, in a single loop west of Aberdeen. For whisky, the historic Glen Garioch and coastal Glenglassaugh bookend the region, while beer fans head to BrewDog in Ellon.
Families and walkers are spoiled on the coast: the free clifftop drama of the Bullers of Buchan and Slains, the sandy beaches of Lossiemouth and Findhorn, and the improbable fishing rows of Crovie and Footdee. On a wet day, the immersive audio tour at Peterhead Prison Museum is the reliable indoor bet. Tap any card to open a full guide with directions and what lies nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous thing to do in Aberdeenshire?
Dunnottar Castle, the dramatic clifftop ruin near Stonehaven, is the county signature sight and one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. It regularly tops lists of things to do in Aberdeenshire.
How many castles are there in Aberdeenshire?
Aberdeenshire has the highest concentration of castles in Britain, with several hundred sites in various states across the county. Highlights include Dunnottar, Crathes, Drum, Craigievar and the royal estate at Balmoral.
What is the difference between Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire?
Aberdeen is the coastal city, the Granite City, while Aberdeenshire is the surrounding county of Deeside glens, farmland and coast. This guide covers the county and neighbouring Moray coast; our separate Things to Do in Aberdeen guide covers the city itself.
What is Cullen skink?
Cullen skink is a thick Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, named after the Moray town of Cullen on this coast. It is a regional staple you will find on menus across Aberdeenshire and the Moray Firth.