Top Aberdeen Day Trips

Head off on a Scottish seaside adventure with your very own kilted Scotsman guide. Travel up the North East coast from Aberdeen, and find hidden gems all along the coastline, including caves, historic castles and ruins, and even places to find puffins and dolphins. Stop at the village of Cullen for a light lunch, then continue your journey, enjoying scenic views as you travel.

Start your day at the Port of Aberdeen, for a journey filled with breathtaking views and captivating stops. Your first destination is the stunning Falls of Feugh, just a short drive away. Stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty of the cascading waters, with a chance to spot salmon swimming upstream, adding to the magical scenery. Next, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Balmoral Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Wander the castle grounds at your own pace, enjoy a delightful lunch at the Balmoral Café, and dive into the royal history of this majestic residence. From the tranquil gardens to the elegant interiors, Balmoral offers a truly royal experience. Then, head to Ballater, a charming Victorian village nestled in the Cairngorms National Park. Explore quaint streets, browse local shops for handmade crafts, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. End your day with a scenic drive back to Aberdeen, reflecting on the beauty and history you’ve experienced

Check out some incredible coastline as you and your small-group make your way through some coastal villages in Aberdeenshire. Visit Gardenstown and Crovie, and learn about their fishing and maritime heritage. Your guide takes care of the navigation while you just relax and enjoy the day out.

This guided tour is a great introduction to Scotland and ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time. You'll pass by some of Scotland's most famous castles and mountains, see the ancient Clava Cairns, learn about the doomed Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You'll also visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can take an optional boat trip.

Discover the beauty and royal heritage of the Royal Deeside on this small-group tour from Aberdeen. Head first for Balmoral Castle where you can walk in the footsteps of the royals who have called the castle home. Afterward, head through the east Cairngorms to Ballater, a charming Victorian village of Ballater with royal connections. On the way back to Aberdeen, you'll visit the Cambus O'May suspension bridge, the Tomnavarie Stone Circle, and the Queen's View, one of Queen Victoria's favorite Aberdeenshire views.

Get out of the city for a more-rounded experience of Aberdeenshire's diverse landscapes. This small-group tour from Aberdeen takes you along the stunning coastline to Dunnottar Castle, perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the North Sea; to the charming village of Stonehaven; to Mill of Benholm, a real gem hidden in the Mearns; and Greyhope Bay for the chance to spot dolphins and seabirds. Along the way, sample a selection of local treats.

Whisky distilleries abound in Scotland and deciding where to go can be tricky, while driving between distilleries takes tastings off the table. That’s not a problem on this intimate small-group tour, as your driver-guide transports you to two specially selected distilleries in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. There, learn about the history and production of whisky, before sampling for yourself.

Explore Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle & Scotland’s Historic Heartlands. Discover Aberdeenshire’s most spectacular castles and historic sites on a fully guided private tour from Aberdeen. With a private guide, you don’t just see Aberdeenshire—you experience it on a carefully paced private journey designed to help you connect with the places you visit. Dunnottar Castle - One of Scotland’s most iconic castles, dramatically set on an impregnable rocky headland in the North Sea. Crathes Castle and Gardens - A beautifully preserved 16th century castle on Royal Deeside. Lunch at lovely local restaurant. Drum Castle – An impressive 14th century historic medieval stronghold. Old Aberdeen - St Machar’s Cathedral (14th century), and King’s College (15th century) offer a glimpse into Scotland’s academic and religious past. Every tour is exclusive to your group only. Most castle grounds are free to visit, but charge for interior tours. Attractions are subject to seasonal opening times

Discover the true spirit of Speyside on a private journey through one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky regions. Follow the River Spey as it winds past historic bridges, rolling hills, and world‑famous distilleries. Your day centres around an immersive Glenfiddich Explorer experience, where you’ll step behind the scenes, wander through atmospheric warehouses, and enjoy expertly guided tastings that reveal how craftsmanship, tradition, and time shape every drop of Glenfiddich... This tour blends whisky heritage with the beauty of Speyside—passing through Dufftown, Craigellachie Bridge, and the River Spey itself. Along the way, you’ll explore charming villages and scenic viewpoints that capture the essence of the Highlands. With private transportation, an English‑speaking driver‑guide, and admission to the Glenfiddich Distillery included, this is the ideal tour for whisky lovers, curious travellers, and anyone seeking a truly Scottish experience

The Royal Cairns which are found in the Balmoral Castle estate, are a collection of stone monuments, erected by Queen Victoria to commemorate family milestones. The most prominent and famous is the 50-foot-high Prince Albert’s memorial Pyramid, a large granite structure and the only pyramid in Scotland. The walk is through stunning forest and features panoramic views of Balmoral Castle, Royal Deeside and the Cairngorm Mountains. The tour will be set at your own pace. After the walk we visit the amazing Fife Arms Hotel, an attraction in itself, for lunch. After lunch we can visit Balmoral Castle depending on seasonal open times (usually open from Oct-Aug) and if time, the stunning Dunnottar Castle. Or there is the option of a Whisky Distillery Tasting Tour. Please contact us. The walk is available all year, even if the Royal Family are in residence. Please note the walk is approximately 3 hours, through forest and is steep in some places. A certain degree of fitness is required.

Discover the beauty of Aberdeenshire on a personalized private tour tailored just for you. With a dedicated driver-guide, explore the region at your own pace and choose your must-see destinations. Benefit from your guide’s local insights and knowledge to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to visit historic castles, stunning coastlines, or charming villages, this tour offers the flexibility to craft your ideal day out in Aberdeenshire. - Enjoy a fully customizable itinerary based on your interests - Private driver-guide ensures a personal and intimate experience - Explore Aberdeenshire at your own pace with expert local advice - Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for adventure

Spend a day on Scotland's most dramatic coast, and finish at the world's first climate-positive distillery — with a guide who can read 400 million years of history in the cliffs at your feet. This full-day tour from Aberdeen takes you down the wild Mearns and Angus coast to five remarkable places: a clifftop viewpoint where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, a working fishing harbour, a hidden coastal foreshore where some of the earliest plants ever to grow on dry land left their fossils, the abandoned 19th-century lime kilns at Boddin Point, and the Arbikie Distillery — where pioneering gins are distilled from peas grown on the family farm. Your guide is Steve Adams — a working geologist with 45 years of experience and a knack for making rocks come alive. No geology background needed. Most of our guests don't have one. They tell us afterwards they had no idea geology could be this interesting.

Discover one of Scotland's most beautiful castles and gardens, paired with the geological story of the Dee Valley and Highland Boundary — all in a single half-day from Aberdeen. This relaxed half-day tour (with convenient cruise pickup at Aberdeen South Harbour) takes you to Crathes Castle, the 16th-century tower house at the gateway to Royal Deeside, with its famous walled gardens and ancient yew hedges. Along the way you'll walk metamorphosed ocean-floor rocks more than 600 million years old, see panoramic views across the Highland Boundary Fault, and explore Stonehaven's coastal geology. Your guide is Steve Adams, a geologist with 45 years of experience and a knack for making rocks come alive. He'll show you why Royal Deeside looks the way it does — how the River Dee carved its valley, why Crathes stands exactly where it does, and how Scotland's contrasting landscapes were forged along this single great fault line. No geology background needed. Most of our guests don't have one.

The Speyside region of northeast Scotland is renowned for its single malt whiskies, but enjoying them typically requires designating a driver. Skip the hassle on a private tour that allows you to fully immerse yourself in Scotland’s whisky-making history and heritage as you visit three Speyside distilleries in one day. Visit distilleries such as Macallan, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, or Aberlour; learn about the whisky-making process; and sample a selection of different whiskies.

A truly amazing day out visiting some of the most stunning, famous & iconic castles in Scotland, Crathes, Balmoral, Glamis & Dunnottar. (Aberdeenshire is spoilt with castles). The day is fully guided by your driver/guide and or castle staff. Lunch is in superb local restaurant. This is a private tour for your party & includes pick up/drop off. The route and itinerary can be changed to suit. Please advise us of any changes. Balmoral have extended their opening dates from Oct to Aug. Glamis is open Spring to Winter. Contact us for details. If you would like to visit a distillery instead of a castle, let us know so we can book a tasting tour. Advance booking required for distilleries. Most castles grounds are free to access (except Balmoral & Glamis) but all charge for internal tours. All attractions subject to seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. Please note at Dunnottar there is a gentle slope from carpark to see it, but to go inside there is a long staircase.

Discover the rugged coast and royal heritage of Aberdeenshire on this private tour that is fully customized to your own interests. Explore the "granite city" of Aberdeen, admire the atmospheric Dunnottar Castle, perched on the edge of the North Sea, and sample a "wee dram" at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains.

Rather than following someone else's trail, choose your own adventure on this private whisky tour of the Highlands. A must for any whisky fan, work with your tour guide to create your ideal tour, taking in some of your favorite distilleries, or discover something new. Talk with distillers and your guide about the history of Scotland’s most famous export, and learn all there is to know about the history of whisky making.

Start your day at the Port of Aberdeen, where you’ll board your transport at South Harbour for a scenic journey through Royal Deeside. Your first stop is the beautiful Falls of Feugh, known for its cascading waters and leaping salmon during spawning season. Next, explore Balmoral Castle, the royal family's summer residence. Stroll through its gardens, visit the 2025 exhibition in the Castle Ballroom, and enjoy lunch at the Balmoral Café. Then head to Ballater, a charming Victorian village with quaint shops and stunning views of the Cairngorms. After a relaxed afternoon, return to Aberdeen, taking in the serene Highland scenery along the way.

A great private tour (your group only) that explores stunning and fascination castles, The Odyssey Movie location, coastal curiosities, preserved fishing village, Dracula and the opportunity to taste Cullen Skink (the famous soup), in Cullen. We will pick you up from your hotel, accommodation, cruise liner or train station and take you on an unforgettable journey. During the day we will visit one of Scotland’s most impressive castles, Dunnottar, perched on a headland of impregnable rock in the sea. Also, the famous seal colony, Slains Castle which inspired Dracula’s Castle, geological formations and where some of The Odyssey was filmed, Findlater Castle. The village of Pennan is where the movie Local Hero was filmed. Lunch is a superb restaurant in the historic coastal town of Cullen. Here you will have the opportunity to try the world-famous Cullen Skink Soup. You can choose your own itinerary.

Discover the secrets of the world's most popular whisky, and skip the worry of designating a driver. This private tour takes you to three different Highland distilleries where you learn about the single malts that have been included in the Johnnie Walker blends over the past 100 years. Tour the distilleries and enjoy tastings of three whiskies at each.

We offer a private tour to the heart of whisky country. Visit any Whisky Distilleries you want, and an example itinerary is in the Tour Details. All are subject to availability and most distilleries require advance booking for a Guided Tasting Tour, but not for just a tasting. On a Distillery Tasting Tour you will learn the secrets of how Scotland's most famous drink is crafted and then you have the opportunity to sample the beautiful offerings. We can recommend which distilleries to visit if required, but wherever we take you, you know you can sit back and relax and let us do the driving. Some of the most popular distilleries on Speyside are Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Ballindalloch, Balvenie and GlenAllachie. We will book the internal guided tasting tours for you and invoice you separately via PayPal. We will also book you in to a great local restaurant for lunch. Option to include a Castle or Cooperage Tour. Please contact us for details.

Door to door pick up/drop off & Private Tour with driver/guide. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer, and we take you on a private tour to some amazing castles and areas that are stunning as they are interesting. Our suggested itinerary covers four castles, all very different to each other and 1000’s of years of history. -Crathes Castle–A 16thC marvel with amazing gardens -Balmoral Castle–The Scottish home to the Royal Family (not open all year) -Lunch at lovely restaurant -Craigievar Castle–The iconic Pink Disney Castle -Dunnottar Castle-one of the world's most iconic and a must see Whisky distillery Tasting Tour option - contact us. We are happy to change the itinerary to suit you and route may depend on hotel location. Most castles are free to see from the outside, except Balmoral. Interior tours are chargeable and subject to seasonal opening times. Contact us for details. Please note Balmoral is not open all year. Alternative castles & attractions can be visited.

This half-day adventure is the perfect way to check off a variety of dispersed castles in Aberdeenshire in a day. Enjoy the luxury and comfort of having your own private driver and a tour that's tailored to suit your requirements. Potential stops include Drum Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, the Royal Deeside masterpiece of Crathes Castle, and the ruined fortress of Dunnottar Castle.