Discover Scotland's rich heritage with the Aberdeenshire & Cairngorms staycation as you explore the many impressive castles of Aberdeenshire and beyond. No staycation to Scotland would be complete without venturing out into the highlands' breath-taking landscapes and lochs, making this staycation the perfect holiday for nature adventurers and history lovers!
Aberdeen city centre is overflowing with exciting attractions for visitors to explore. The main station is situated in the heart of the city on Guild Street, and shopping is easily accessible at any of the main shopping centres: 'The Academy', 'Bon Accord & St Nicholas' and 'Union Square'. There are a range of places to eat and drink, with many waterfront restaurants, 'cosmopolitan bistros', and fresh fish and chips shops, often serving locally sourced seafood and Aberdeen Angus Beef - our top recommendation is 'Prime Cuts', situated on Crown Terrace. Explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of this Scottish city, from museums and heritage trails to castles and beaches - peruse more attractions at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/aberdeen/city-guide
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in the UK – a living, working landscape with wild land at its heart. No matter what your age or ability there is something for you to enjoy in this amazing place. Learn more and plan a visit at: http://cairngorms.co.uk/
Often said to be Bram Stoker's inspiration for Count Dracula's Castle, Slains Castle is an impressive set of ruins situated along the dramatic and rocky coastline of Aberdeen. For more information visit: https://www.visitabdn.com/listing/slains-castle
Built in 1650 by James Leith, Leith Hall was very much a family home, lived in, used and altered to meet the family’s needs for nearly three hundred years. A typical Scottish laird’s residence brimming with family treasures, Leith Hall is set in a scenic estate containing a beautiful garden that overlooks some of Aberdeenshire’s finest rolling countryside. Learn more at: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Leith-Hall-Garden-and-Estate/
A tranquil range of hills in Aberdeenshire, Bennachie is perfect for hikers, ramblers, and families, offering magnificent views, peaceful walks, and plenty of wilderness. Bennachie displays the beauty of the Scottish countryside, just 24 miles from Aberdeen. Learn more at:
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/ranger-service/bennachie-centre/
Designed by Scottish Architect William Adam, Duff House is a jewel set in a stunning triangle of coast, river and parkland. There is plenty to discover, from the house's history to exhibitions, learn more and plan a visit at: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/duff-house/
The charm of Fyvie ranges from its 13th-century origins to its stunning Edwardian interiors. The castle is home to a superb collection of arms, armour, paintings, and more. Stroll around the loch, immerse in legends and folklore, and learn about the long 800-year history. Read more and plan a visit at: http://www.nts.org.uk/Fyvie-Castle
The natural barriers of inland cliffs and a seaward ridge of sand dunes protect the St Cyrus grasslands from the ravages of the weather, creating a small strip of warmth nestled on the North East coast. In summer the reserve is awash with colour and life, from the intense purple of the clustered bellflower to the constant movement of countless butterflies and moths. Learn more about this beautiful location and plan a trip at: https://www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/scotlands-national-nature-reserves/st-cyrus-national-nature-reserve
Designed by Scottish architect William Adam, Haddo House near Aberdeen is a magnificent example of an historic Scottish stately home. Originally Palladian in style, the house now has late Victorian interiors after a 19th-century refurbishment and is renowned for its stunning decorated ceilings. Plan a trip at: http://www.nts.org.uk/HaddoHouse
A dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress is a truly stunning setting for an unforgettable experience at Dunnottar Castle. Immerse in Dunnottar Castle's rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past and wander around the keep, barracks, lodgings, stables, storehouses, chapel and drawing room. Plan a trip at: http://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/
Castle Fraser is an atmospheric baronial castle dating back to the 15th century and was the ancestral home of the Fraser family. As you venture through the castle and up to the round tower, with its panoramic views of the gardens and estate beyond, you get a sense of life from the medieval to the Victorian period. Learn more about what's on offer at: http://www.nts.org.uk/castlefraser
Drum Castle is one of Royal Deeside’s top historic attractions, just 10 miles from Aberdeen. It is one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses and is set beside an ancient oak woodland and a walled garden that contains a fine collection of historic roses which perfume the air. Read more at: http://www.nts.org.uk/DrumCastle
Described as a 'dear paradise in the Highlands' by Queen Victoria, Balmoral Castle is bursting with beautiful grounds and gardens, as well as exciting exhibitions for visitors to immerse its unique history and art. Read more information at: http://www.balmoralcastle.com/index.html
Known for its mythical Monster, Loch Ness is a beautiful 20 mile long Loch in the heart of the Highlands. There is a Loch Ness centre and exhibition to visit, as well as offering breath-taking landscapes and adventurous walks to explore. Find out more about the centre at:http://www.lochness.com/home.aspx
Our Aberdeen hotel sits in the heart of the city centre, offering a great base to explore Aberdeen and beyond. Start preparing your perfect Aberdeenshire & Cairngorms staycation by browsing the below distances and approximate travel times to each attraction from Aberdeen city centre. We’ve also included a rough guide on how much time you might expect to spend at each location to make planning your trip that little bit easier!
| Attractions | Aprx Time | Aprx Distance | Attraction Duration (excl travel time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen City | 0 hrs | 0 miles | 1 day |
| St Cyrus Nature Reserve | 0.5-1 hrs | 34 miles | 1/2 day |
| Slains Castle | 0.5-1 hrs | 25 miles | 2 hours |
| Bennachie | 0.5-1 hrs | 24 miles | 1/2 day |
| Duff House | 1 hrs | 45 miles | 2 hours |
| Drum Castle | up to 0.5 hrs | 12 miles | 2 hours |
| Haddo House | 0.5-1 hrs | 27 miles | 2 hours |
| Fyvie Castle | 1hr | 44.6 miles | 1/2 day |
| Leith Hall Garden | 1 hrs | 35 miles | 2 hours |
| Dunnottar Castle | 0.5 hrs | 17 miles | 2 hours |
| Castle Fraser | 0.5 hrs | 16 miles | 2 hours |
| Balmoral Castle | 1 hrs | 49 miles | 2 hours |
| Loch Ness | 2.5hrs | 117 miles | 1 day |
| The Cairngorms National Park | 1 hrs | 35.7 miles | 1 day |
Home
Aberdeen City
St Cyrus Nature Reserve
Slains Castle
Times & Distances