Aberdeen’s strategic location on Scotland’s north-east coast offers access to a rich tapestry of natural beauty, heritage, and coastal charm. We present an in-depth guide to the finest day trips from Aberdeen, combining convenience, historical depth, scenic splendour, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re drawn to castles, rugged coastlines, or royal landmarks, each destination promises a rewarding excursion.
🌲 Royal Deeside: Ballater, Braemar & Balmoral Castle
Travel time from Aberdeen:
- 🚌 1 hr 30 min by bus
- 🚗 1 hr by car
Royal Deeside embodies regal elegance and Highland wilderness. We recommend beginning your journey in Ballater, a picturesque village deeply tied to the Royal Family.
- Old Royal Station, Ballater – Once used by Queen Victoria, this station now houses The Rothesay Rooms, an award-winning fine dining restaurant celebrating seasonal Scottish produce.
- Balmoral Castle – Located midway between Ballater and Braemar, Balmoral remains a royal residence. Its grounds and exhibitions are open seasonally to the public.
- Braemar Highland Games Centre – Discover the proud history of Highland games and visit The Fife Arms, a hotel renowned for its eclectic art collection and The Flying Stag pub.
🚗 For those driving, the Snow Roads Scenic Route offers panoramic views and photogenic stops.
🏰 Elgin & Moray Speyside: Heritage and Cashmere
Travel time from Aberdeen:
- 🚆 1 hr 30 min by train
- 🚗 1 hr 30 min by car
Elgin delivers a harmonious mix of ecclesiastical history and luxury textile heritage.
- Elgin Cathedral – Known as the Lantern of the North, this 13th-century ruin is among Scotland’s finest Gothic landmarks.
- Johnstons of Elgin – Tour this globally recognised cashmere mill, in operation since 1797. Browse timeless garments, enjoy the onsite café, and witness traditional weaving in action.
- Batchen Street Coffee – Perfect for a pre- or post-sightseeing break, just minutes from the station.
📌 Insider tip: Combine Elgin with a detour into Speyside for whisky distilleries like Glen Moray or Benromach.
🌊 Stonehaven: Dramatic Coastlines & Castle Ruins
Travel time from Aberdeen:
- 🚆 25 min by train
- 🚗 25 min by car
South of Aberdeen lies the delightful coastal town of Stonehaven, steeped in maritime history and natural drama.
- Dunnottar Castle – A cliffside fortress with panoramic sea views. The castle played a key role in safeguarding the Scottish Crown Jewels.
- Aunty Betty’s Ice Cream – A must-visit for artisanal ice cream by the harbour.
- The Bay & The Tolbooth – Renowned for fresh seafood and traditional fish ‘n’ chips.
- Stonehaven Paddleboarding – Offers rentals and guided sessions for all levels along the scenic bay.
🥾 Active travellers can follow the 3-mile coastal path between Stonehaven and Dunnottar for breathtaking views.
📜 Arbroath: Declaration, Abbey & Smokies
Travel time from Aberdeen:
- 🚆 1 hr by train
- 🚗 1 hr 20 min by car
Arbroath resonates with pivotal moments in Scottish history.
- Arbroath Abbey – Site of the Declaration of Arbroath (1320), asserting Scottish sovereignty.
- Arbroath Smokie Trail – Sample traditionally smoked haddock from family-run smokehouses such as M&M Spink.
- Seaton Cliffs to Auchmithie – A 13-kilometre clifftop trail offering stunning North Sea vistas.
🍽️ For lunch, try fresh smokies with oatcakes or creamy Cullen skink.
🌅 Fraserburgh & Pennan: Lighthouses, Seafood & Film History
Travel time from Aberdeen:
- 🚌 Under 2 hrs by bus
- 🚗 55 min by car
Journey north to uncover Fraserburgh, where seafaring traditions meet cinematic nostalgia.
- Museum of Scottish Lighthouses – Learn about Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse, uniquely built into a castle tower.
- Fraserburgh Heritage Centre – Explore the town’s deep-rooted connection to the sea.
- Fresh Shellfish – Fraserburgh is Europe’s largest shellfish port, with restaurants serving catch-of-the-day seafood.
- Pennan Village – Famous for its role in Local Hero (1983), take a selfie at the iconic red phone box and dine at the Pennan Inn.
🧭 Extend your trip with a drive along the Moray Firth Route, ideal for spotting dolphins.
🧭 Planning Tips
- Transport: All destinations are accessible by public transport; however, a car enables flexibility and access to scenic byways.
- Seasonality: Castle openings, guided tours, and certain restaurants may operate seasonally—check local websites before departure.
- Local produce: Bring a cooler bag if you plan to buy fresh seafood, cheeses, or smoked goods.
📌 Summary Table of Day Trips
| Destination | Travel Time | Main Attractions | Highlight Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballater & Braemar | 1–1.5 hrs | Rothesay Rooms, Braemar Games Centre | Royal history & Highland scenery |
| Elgin | 1.5 hrs | Elgin Cathedral, Cashmere mill tour | Heritage with textile craftsmanship |
| Stonehaven | 25 mins | Dunnottar Castle, paddleboarding, seafood | Coastal cliffs & sea sports |
| Arbroath | 1–1.2 hrs | Abbey, smokie trail, Seaton Cliffs walk | Historical declaration & cuisine |
| Fraserburgh | 55 mins | Lighthouses museum, seafood, Pennan village | Maritime legacy & film location |
Taxi Travel with Aberdeen Taxis
At Aberdeen Taxis, we’re here to help you get to any location in Aberdeen and the surrounding area safely and on time, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy experiencing all Aberdeen has to offer.
Don’t worry about finding expensive parking or forgoing some drinks so you can drive to a destination. Book an Aberdeen taxi and let us deal with the stress of getting you back and forward and even give you a tour of local landmarks
Prebook your Aberdeen Taxi through our convenient platforms:
Call Aberdeen Taxis on 01224 200200
Drop into the Aberdeen Taxis office at 5 Crown Street Aberdeen AB116HU
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