If you want to visit Scotland and are looking to plan a road trip, then I have the perfect Aberdeenshire road trip itinerary for you! Located in the northeast of Scotland you will find Aberdeen and there are no shortage of reasons to pay this region of Scotland a visit. It is overflowing with fairytale castles, picture postcard fishing villages, stunning lighthouses and beautiful stretches of coastline. Not to mention its vast wealth of heritage and enough breathtaking scenery to impress even the most experienced traveller.
If a cultural weekend full of activities is on the agenda, then I have the perfect Aberdeenshire road trip itinerary for you. Here are some recommendations on how to spend three days in the area. Or, if you would prefer to take it slower, this itinerary can be stretched out over a week so you can fully make the most of it! I however only had three days to explore this incredible region so this is how I made the most of my time in Aberdeen.
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This post is in collaboration with VisitAberdeenshire but all thoughts, opinions and images are as ever, my own. Head to VisitAberdeenshire for further ideas on travels in the area.
Aberdeenshire Road Trip – Day 1
Crathes Castle
Historic castles are synonymous with Scotland and Aberdeenshire has some of the very best of these! The first castle in this itinerary is one in the care of The National Trust For Scotland – Crathes Castle, which is sure to live up to your expectations. It is one of the best preserved in the region and one of the few that remains open all year round! Crathes castle has a beautiful pink harled exterior, a trait amongst castles in Aberdeenshire and its stunning grounds are set against a backdrop of woodland and rolling hillside, making it a photo opportunity you can’t afford to miss.
The castle itself dates to the 16th century and has undergone many expansions over its history. Home to the Burnett family since the 1500’s until 1951 when Sir James Burnett, the 13th Baronet of Leys presented the castle to the National Trust for Scotland. Make sure to take a tour of the interior while you are there. During the summer months this is done by grabbing yourself a timed ticket from the visitor centre as this is very popular castle. The interior is incredibly well preserved and looks much as it always would have, giving you a glimpse into this castles past. From the wood panelled walls, the exceptional wooden furniture, the tapestries and the painted ceilings – the interior is sure to impress. Afterwards have a wander around the 4 acre walled gardens which are renowned as some of the best in Scotland.
Time to next location: 10 mins
Buchanan Bistro
Just a short drive away by car is an idyllic lunch spot which boasts lovely views of the surrounding countryside. Specialising in organic, wholesome food, Buchanan Bistro is a must-visit once you’ve worked up an appetite. They use local ingredients to produce fantastic plates of homemade food, with a great list of daily specials. I loved being sat outdoors on the terrace on a particularly warm day, taking in the scenery and enjoying a slight breeze while I tucked into my lunch.
I ordered a small dipping board to begin with that had the most incredible pistachio dukkah which I mopped up with Greek olive oil and their fantastic homemade bread. For my main I ordered the salmon which came with the tastiest salad I have had in a long time! A real mix of ingredients. Buchanan Bistro is the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch.
Time to next location: 30 mins
Craigievar Castle
No tour of Aberdeenshire would be complete without at least a couple of castle visits so make the next stop on your road trip one at Craigievar Castle. The quintessential fairytale castle. This seven-story castle, with its pink harled facade and ornate turrets is said to have been the inspiration for the famous Walt Disney Cinderella Castle. Its not hard to see why. It looks like it has jumped straight out of the pages of a story book! It is quite the sight. Nestled on a picturesque hillside, Craigievar is not only breathtakingly beautiful in itself but it also has fantastic views across the surrounding landscape. I was lucky enough to be taken up the turrets and out onto the platform where the flag is hoist and I got to admire the views in their entirety.
The castle is another of those that is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and along with Crathes, one of the best preserved. This iconic castle dates back to the 1500’s and was the family home of the Forbes until 1963, and since being give to the NTS they have stuck to the families wishes not to have any electric lighting past the ground floor, creating a true glimpse into what life would once have been like living here. Can you imagine? Make sure to check opening times for this one as the interior is viewable by tour only and it is closed during the winter months. The grounds are open all year round to roam to your hearts content. I would love to return in winter to see this beauty covered in snow!
Click here for information on opening times.
Time to next location: 40 mins
Maryculter House Hotel
Round off your first day with a stay at Maryculter House Hotel. The Maryculter House Hotel is one of the most famous and historic hotels in Aberdeen. With its picturesque setting on the banks of the River Dee, it’s an ideal place to unwind after a day’s exploring. This charming Scottish hotel is full of history and dates back to 1225 AD with the arrival of the Knights Templar. Just look at that interior, isn’t it incredible?! I can just imagine being sat there next to a roaring fire on a winters evening sipping on a tumbler of Scotch whilst reading a good book. It was the certainly the perfect place to escape to after a long day seeing the sights.
The views from my room over the river and surrounding landscape were incredible and the only sound I could hear in the morning was the music of the birds chirping in an otherwise silent place. Absolute bliss. If you want an authentic Scottish experience whilst in Aberdeen then this place is a must. It is the ideal base from which to explore the region. Located just outside of Aberdeen, it is only a short drive to Dunnottar Castle, the delightful seaside town of Stonehaven, Crathes Castle, Castle Fraser and Craigievar Castle. And if that isn’t enough, the food here is great too.
Book Here: MaryCulter House Hotel
Aberdeenshire Road Trip – Day 2
Crovie
Day two begins with a visit to the small fishing village of Crovie. Located on the north coast of Aberdeenshire, Crovie is completely unique. As far as I can find, there is nowhere else in mainland Britain where it is simply impossible to drive through a village. The narrow ledge of land on which the village is perched is so narrow it only has room for a row of cottages and the footpath in front of them. Only a few feet from the cottages is a drop to the rocky foreshore below. There is a free carpark at the top of the village for visitors to park in which provides excellent views over the village below or for those select few who do live here, you can drive down and park on a platform on the western most point of the village. It is truly fascinating to explore a place like this and it is a rare gem to have survived the test of time. The lack of cars especially gave a real glimpse into the past. Whilst I was there I watched as a local used a pushcart to transport his weekly shopping back to his cottage from the residents car park.
Crovie was left largely to be developed as holiday lets, many of which can be rented through Airbnb. I for one would love to spend a week here and escape the stresses of modern day life. What do you think?
Fancy something a little more permanent? The first white cottage in the photos below is on the market and can be yours for only £100k if you fancy a piece of the quiet life. And by that I mean living in a place with no cars, no shops and no internet – just a red phone box in the centre of the village to connect you to the world beyond. The restrictions due to its location plus the halt to commercial activity in 1953, have left Crovie as one of the best preserved fishing villages in Europe and a must see whilst exploring Aberdeenshire.
Time to next location: 7 mins
Further reading: How To Spend 24 Hours In Aberdeen
Pennan
Once you’re ready to head back to civilisation, Georgian architecture and old fishing cottages await in the coastal town of Pennan, filming location of Local Hero. This movie catapulted the red telephone box in the village into the spotlight and it has since been granted listed building status! Although slightly larger in size than Crovie, this is still a very small village. Nestled at the bottom of the cliffs, there is a single row of cottages and one single road the length of the village which is accessed via a very steep, winding road which emerges next to the Pennan Inn. Turn left as you emerge onto the sea front and you will find a small carpark at the end of the village for visitors.
Take a stroll the length of the village to Coastal Cuppie where, as the name suggests, you can grab a cup of tea and a slice of cake and sit by the harbour to admire the views. Pennan is well worth a visit purely because of its unique nature, you won’t find many a place like this.
Time to next location: 25 mins
The Saplinbrae Hotel
For lunch, The Saplinbrae Hotel is the epitome of relaxed country living. Using locally-sourced ingredients from Aberdeenshire and around Scotland, it’s known for its quality food and exceptional service. Located in the heart of the Buchan countryside, this gorgeous country house was built in 1756 and makes for the ideal lunch stop. To start my lunch off I couldn’t resist the baked Arran camembert which came with a cranberry relish and Ythan soldiers. As for my main, the beef and lamb come highly recommended, coming from Saplinbrae’s very own farm, although I was keen to sample the homemade quiche of the day – bacon, black pudding and Stuartfield sausage. It didn’t disappoint!
Time to next location: 20 mins
The Peterhead Prison Museum
Once your stomach is satisfied, head to The Peterhead Prison Museum nearby. It’s less than half an hours drive from the hotel and offers a fascinating insight into life in prison from the 1800s onwards. The prison was in operation from 1888 until 2013 and was the scene of some brutal events. Peterhead Prison saw the only time the SAS were used to end a domestic siege in Britain after 50 inmates took control of the prison and held two warders hostage. This is an incredibly interesting place to see for yourself and it genuinely surprised me how much I loved my visit here. The museum gives a proper glimpse into the bleak reality of the life of the prisoners who were kept here and even more so, how difficult life was for the guards in charge of them. I urge you to include this one on your itinerary!
Check out Peterhead Prison Museum’s website for further information here.
Time to next location: 45 min
Footdee
Leaving the prison behind, head south towards Aberdeen. Known locally as ‘Fittie’, this quirky fishing quarter at the end of Aberdeen’s long stretching beach boasts quaint cottages, floral brimmed gardens and a friendly atmosphere to match. I have never seen a place quite like it before! Don’t shout this one from the rooftops too much, it’s a proper hidden gem!! The locals were ever so friendly and on my visit they were holding a street party, full of joviality. Footdee won’t take long to explore but it is well and truly worth a wander around. Just take a look at it! Such a charming, unexpected corner of Aberdeen.
Time to next location: 10 mins
The Sandman Signature Hotel
For the second night of your Aberdeenshire road trip, you will be staying in the heart of Aberdeen. Perfect for getting to explore the city. The Sandman Signature Hotel is located in a former college building and offers a luxurious escape, with 218 bedrooms, many of which are set in former lecture rooms. My suite was absolutely beautiful, complete with kitchenette – something I always love to have available when travelling! The feature I enjoyed most was their modern ‘do not disturb’ signs. Instead of the traditional sign to hang on the door there were buttons inside your room for a green light to clean the room or red light not to disturb you. The Sandman is a wonderful city escape and you really will feel at home in this incredible hotel.
Book Here: The Sandman Signature Hotel
Howies Restaurant
From the hotel, Howies Restaurant is just a ten minute walk towards Aberdeen’s west end. Expect a warm welcome and more locally-sourced produce from this popular eatery. Founded in 1990, Howies is a family owned restaurant collection with a strong passion for cooking ingredients sourced from Scotland. The interior has a very welcoming atmosphere, being decorated with cream leather chairs, an eclectic mix of art on the walls and dark wood throughout. I highly recommend you try the pork, it was delicious!
Aberdeenshire Road Trip – Day 3
Duthie Park
Duthie Park was donated to the city of Aberdeen in 1880 by Miss Elizabeth Crombie Duthie and opened to the public a few years later. It’s home to one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and is one of the country’s most visited attractions – a great way to start your third day of exploring in Aberdeen. The David Welch Winter Gardens are particularly lovely to escape to on a cold and blustery day with their tropical temperatures inside! Make sure to have a leisurely stroll around this wonderful park and take in some of the original Victorian features such as the band stand or the boating pond.
Time to next location: 20 mins
Dunnottar Castle
By this point you’ll have seen your fair share of castles but there’s one more to add to the list while you’re there. Dunnottar Castle was once home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, making it a historic attraction that’s ideal for any visitors interested in uncovering more of the region’s colourful past. And it might just be the most romantic castle of them all, perched out on a cliff looking out to the sea below. You can follow the steps down the cliff face to gain access to this piece of Scottish history – tickets for this are £7. Once a medieval fortress, the surviving buildings are largely 15th and 16th century. That said, Dunnottar’s history dates back much further with the first record being that of church being established here in the 5th century. Since then it has had a very colourful history, being burned and besieged, attacked by Vikings, fought over by Kings and Queens. Dunnottar has many tales to tell.
There are some fantastic walks to take from Dunnottar if you wanted to take a full day to explore this area. There is a path that leads along the coast to the neighbouring town of Stonehaven where you will be able to get fantastic views of the harbour below! If you want to continue with the fast tracked itinerary then pop back in your car and take in the views enroute.
Time to next location: 10 mins
Stonehaven
Located just down the road from Dunnottar Castle, you’ll find the picturesque town of Stonehaven with its pretty harbour. It is also home to The Bay Fish & Chips. Rated as one of the worlds best food experiences by Lonely Planet last year, it’s more than earned its place on this road trip itinerary. The batter was so light and crispy, I can see why it has it’s world renowned reputation. It opens at 12 and you can expect queues out the door so try and get there for opening! Stonehaven Beach is the perfect place to walk them off too. Look out for the impressive collection of sculptures created by a mysterious local artist – hailed the Scottish Banksy – while you’re there.
Time to next location: 35 mins
Old Aberdeen
After you’ve taken in as much sea air as you can manage, it’s time to head back to Aberdeen and explore Old Aberdeen, starting with St Machar Cathedral. This fifteenth century cathedral is world-famous for its heraldic ceiling and stained glass and is one of the oldest buildings still in use in the city. The college close by is also worth a visit. Traders, travellers and scholars first settled in this part of the city in the fourteenth century and it’s where the famous King’s College was first founded.
BrewDog – Castlegate
Dine at BrewDog Castlegate once you’ve ticked all of the above off your list. This traditional bar offers pub grub with a twist and authentic craft beers to wash it down with. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, something that was very much welcomed as I am not particularly a beer drinker. They were incredibly helpful in assisting me in finding a beer to suit my tastes. I sampled some fruity ones with tones of mango, grapefruit and passionfruit but settled on one with notes reminiscent of wine and champagne and I have to say, it was brilliant! Not to mention the insanely good food. I had the august special – the spicy Korean burger – and it was the best burger I have had in a long time! Thankfully, it was only a five minute walk back to The Sandman Signature Hotel as I was rather full after this feast!
Before leaving Aberdeen to return home in the morning..
Before heading home, be sure to explore the area just around your hotel. Marischal College is a couple of minutes walk away and another destination to add to your list. Dating back to 1593, it’s the base for the City Council’s headquarters and is the second largest granite building in the world! The college looks out onto Marischal Square which is just a stones throw away from Provost Skene’s House, one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating from 1545. It is now a museum displaying period rooms which explore seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth-century life. It’s currently under reconstruction which means it’s not open to the public until 2020 but rest assured it’ll be worth the wait.
Continue you morning walk exploring the artistic side of Aberdeen. The Nuart Aberdeen Festival which takes place annually, celebrates street art and local creatives who come together to produce some incredible pieces of art! Before you leave, have a quick stop at Mackie’s 19.2. It will set you up nicely for the journey. This traditional parlour has been making its own ice cream on their family farm for more than 30 years!
Getting To Aberdeenshire And Hiring A Car
I hopped on a flight from Birmingham to Aberdeen airport and in under an hour I arrived in Scotland. There are dozens of other cities across the UK and Europe who offer quick, direct connections to Aberdeen so it is well worth looking into. Click here to find the cheapest fares on Skyscanner.
Once you arrive you can rent a car right outside the airport so you can soon be on your way exploring Aberdeenshire and making the most of your time! And don’t worry about the roads, if I can manage then you definitely can! The roads across most of Aberdeenshire were very quiet, an absolute luxury if you’re used to city driving. Just pop your destinations into your sat nav and enjoy the stunning views across the countryside. A little side note, make sure to keep pound coins on you as most of the car parks I encountered at the castles were £3 and didn’t take card.
Look for car rental prices? I always find the best deals with AutoEurope!
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Related Post: How To Spend 24 Hours In Aberdeen
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Absolutely fantastic! I’ve never heard of Scotlands pink castles, Craigievar Castle is definitely somewhere I’ll have to visit next year!
I really want to visit Scotland, my husband went for work last year and told me how wonderful it is and your photos are so great and it’s definitely something I need to do.
This is a really extensive post about a great travel destination. I have never been to Europe before and I dream of doing so someday. I will bookmark and save this post. You have put so much detail in it that reading about this places makes me feel like I have been there myself.
A visit to Duthie Park, the historical castles, Sandman hotel, Stone Haven, the Bistro and restaurant all make this road trip worth it! I’ve always loved road trips and I wish we have more amazing stopovers over here for more fun. Now Scotland has been added to my bucket list – I wanna experience Catsle life first!
I enjoy visiting historical sites! Castles tell a lot about a country’s true history & culture. Great photos!
Everything looks absolutely gorgeous. I could definitely say that Aberdeen is the perfect place to visit.
Wow I loved the pictures. The place looks amazing to me. J would love to visit there sometime.
This is a great itinerary for a successful road trip!! The place looks beautiful and those food pictures make me feel hungry.