Ballater, Aboyne, Ballater Highland Games, Queen Victoria, Balmoral, Royal Deeside

Things to Do in Ballater

Ballater is the busiest and potentially the most picturesque of all the Royal Deeside towns. Situated alongside the stunning River Dee (superb fishing on the menu here), Ballater has a choice of specialist shops, tearooms and coffee shops, plus a selection of attractions.

The recently restored Victorian Old Royal Station at Ballater now houses a museum focusing very much on Queen Victoria's journies here, heading to Balmoral. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's love of the Royal Deeside area is alluded to, as is her final trip and recreated waiting room.

Mid way between Aoyne and Ballater sits the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, a stunning area and site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The park contains the two lochs of Kinord and Davan. The area is also famed for a number of Jacobite battles for independence. The Glen Tanar area along the River Tanar contains the distinctive Caledonian pinewoods, it's one of the largest collections of pinewoods in Scotland. Both fishing and a network of walking trails are available in the area. (see the Royal Deeside weblink right for details). Aboyne makes a particularly good accommodation base if you're looking to push down into the Muir of Dinnet and Glen Tanar.

Royal Deeside, alongside superb fishing and walking opportunities, has a superb selection of Scotland Golf Courses. Ballater Golf Club is surrounded by sublime Deeside scenery. Check the Ballater Golf Club website right for a detailed description of the 18 hole course. Ballater Golf Club, Victoria Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire AB35 5LX. Tel. 013397 55567.

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Balmoral Castle & Estate, Between Ballater & Braemar

Queen Victoria loved the Deeside countryside so much, Prince Albert purchased a home here. Balmoral was leased by Albert in 1848, and finally brought by him in 1852. It's remained in Royal hands ever since, and the Royals still come here usually every July and August (when it's closed to the public).

The Balmoral Estate is big, covering over 50,000 acres. The grounds contain some of the ancient Caledonian woodland pines distinctive in the area.

Prince Albert added extensively to the original house using local granite from Glen Gelder (hence the whitish stone look of the place). Visit also Crathie Kirk just on the A93 near Balmoral. The Royal Family attend services here during their residence, and the site is open to the public, with visitor centre opposite.

When the Royal Family are not in residence, Balmoral offers a programme of activities as well as touring the house. These include everything from guided walks around the Balmoral Estate to luxury land rover safaris. Salmon Fishing on the River Dee near Balmoral is also popular as are the Balmoral Road races and various themed holidays in areas like painting. (see the Balmoral weblink right for details). A coffee shop and various changing exhibitions are on-site. Balmoral Castle & Estate, The Estates Office, Balmoral, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB. Tel. 013397 42534.

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The Highland Games & Victoria Week, Ballater

August is busy month in Ballater, as both the Highland Games and the growing Victoria Week take place in this month.

Taking place from around the 5th to the 12th August annually, Ballater's Victoria week offers a superb selection of activities in its programme, including guided local walks, ghouls and ghosts adventure, fly fishing tuition, safari excursions, Victorian sketching parties, Highland dancing on Ballater Green, and various musical and children's events. See the Ballater Community website right for details.

The Ballater Highland Games usually take place during Victoria week around the 9th August.

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