The Braemar Gathering
Braemar
This historic Highland village can be found right in the very heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Braemar offers a plethora of things to see and do for every season, and it is the perfect place to stop off and explore during your NE250 adventure. Thanks to its mountainous scenery, walkers will be in their element with around 24 Munros (mountains over 3,000 ft) situated nearby and over 65 miles of walking and cycling routes varying in length and difficulty. If you like to have both feet on the ground, make sure to visit Braemar Castle. Open 7 days a week, this 17th century castle stands proudly tall and is managed and developed by a dedicated team of volunteers. It was built by the 2nd Earl of Mar in 1628 and has been a hunting lodge, fortress, garrison and family home. The castle runs guided tours regularly, giving you the opportunity to learn more about its colourful history. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling with a big group.
Braemar is the heart and soul when it comes to events. On the first Saturday of September, the village hosts the annual Braemar Gathering and Highland Games. Watch competitors take part in heavy events from putting the stone and tossing the caber, see military athletes battle it out in the tug o’ war or see the musical spectacle of the massed pipe bands.
Ballindalloch Castle, Moray Speyside
Described as one of Scotland’s most romantic castles. When you enter Ballindalloch Castle, you’ll almost feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. Take a wander around the castle grounds and enter the fragrant walled garden, blooming beautiful flowers for every season. You may even spot some wildlife with roe deer often grazing along the banks of the River Avon. From early April through to the end of September, you’ll be able to tour around the castle which houses plenty of personal heirlooms of the Macpherson-Grants. Other highlights include one of the finest country house libraries in Scotland, the grand dining room with a magnificent fireplace and a nursery filled with antique toys.
Whisky casks at Speyside Cooperage
© VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields
Speyside Cooperage, Moray Speyside
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the maturing process of malt whisky. Kickstart the tour in style with an immersive 4D sensory cinema experience where you’ll discover the sights, sounds and smells of what it’s like working in the cooperage. Throughout the tour, you’ll also learn more about how the casks help keep the whisky’s distinctive flavour for many years. Afterwards, head to the Tasting Room and sample their very own 10-year-old Speyside malt whisky to help round off this insightful tour. For our designated drivers, you’ll be given a few samples to take home with you, so you don’t miss out on all the fun. Tours run Monday to Friday and must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Delve into the history of Speyside Cooperage
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Fraserburgh
Situated in the bustling fishing town of Fraserburgh, The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses is a fantastic day out for all the family and helps to shine a light on its history through an array of exhibits on display. For grown-ups, take a trip down memory lane and discover a day in the life of a lighthouse keeper through a guided tour, running seven days a week. For the little ones, let curious minds run wild where budding lighthouse keepers can play dress up before climbing the spiral staircase and exploring more of the lighthouse itself.
Enjoy a history lesson at The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
Peterhead Prison Museum
© VisitAberdeenshire / Damian Shields
Peterhead Prison Museum, Peterhead
Often described as ‘Scotland’s Alcatraz’, step inside the shoes of former prison inmates and get a feel of what life was like inside the cells. Enjoy this 90-minute tour led by an expert guide where you’ll learn more about Scotland’s most notorious prisoners or go at your own pace with the self-guided tour. Upon arrival you’ll be given your own audio headset and detailed map to help you easily navigate around the prison.
Book a tour at Peterhead Prison Museum
Troup Head RSPB Nature Reserve, Aberdeenshire
If you’re looking to do some wildlife spotting, you’ve come to the right place. It is Scotland’s largest mainland gannet colony after all! Spend the day at Troup Head RSPB Nature Reserve where you’ll find a variety of bird species including kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and puffins that reside here. You might even be lucky enough to see porpoises, minke whales or bottle-nosed dolphins pop up above the water to say hello. With its dramatic clifftop scenery, it is a spectacular place to see nature in action.
Footdee
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Aberdeen & Footdee
Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the NE250 without visiting the ‘Granite City’. Marvel at the city’s grand architecture at Aberdeen Art Gallery and see paintings and sculptures dating back over 700 years. Take in the fresh air and take a leisurely stroll along Aberdeen beach and Seaton Park. Step back in time on a walk through Old Aberdeen or learn more about the fascinating history of Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum, delving into the city’s long relationship with the sea, from shipbuilding and fast sailing ships to fishing ports. We’ve only just scratched the surface here but there is a wide variety of things to do on your doorstep.
You’ll also get to see one of Aberdeen’s coolest neighbourhoods, Footdee. Often nicknamed ‘Fittie’ by locals, this historic fishing quarter takes in the stunning views of the waterfront where you’ll find lots of star finds from local cafés and restaurants to special monuments including the Footdee War Memorial commemorating the residents of Footdee who fought in both world wars.
