Family-Friendly Nature Road Trip in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

View Packing List

Day 1: Beach Day at Balmedie

Aberdeen, Scotland

9:00 AM

Balmedie Beach

Start your family-friendly road trip with a relaxing day at Balmedie Beach, famous for its sandy shores and dunes.
Drive north from Aberdeen on A90 for about 9 miles, taking around 20 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Sand Dollar Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Sand Dollar Cafe overlooking the beach.
Located near Balmedie Beach.
15 GBP per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Balmedie Country Park

Take a leisurely walk or have a picnic at Balmedie Country Park, perfect for kids to play and explore.
Adjacent to Balmedie Beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Cock and Bull

Head to The Cock and Bull for a hearty dinner before heading to your accommodation.
Short drive from Balmedie Beach.
25 GBP per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hiking at Bennachie

Bennachie, Scotland

9:00 AM

Bennachie Visitor Centre

Start your day at the Bennachie Visitor Centre and choose a family-friendly hiking trail to explore the beautiful landscape.
Drive west from Balmedie, approximately 25 miles on A96 and B9002, taking around 40 minutes.
Free, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic at Mither Tap

Enjoy a picnic at Mither Tap, the highest point on Bennachie, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Hiking trail from the Visitor Centre.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Bennachie Lodge Hotel

Relax and have a late lunch at the Bennachie Lodge Hotel before continuing your journey.
Near the Bennachie Visitor Centre.
20 GBP per person, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Travel to Banff

Drive north to the charming coastal town of Banff for your next destination.
Head north on A947 for about 40 miles, taking around 1 hour.
Fuel costs, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Exploring Banff

Banff, Scotland

9:00 AM

Duff House

Visit Duff House, a stunning Georgian mansion with beautiful gardens, ideal for a family stroll.
Located in Banff.
10 GBP per adult, kids free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Banff Beach

Spend some time at Banff Beach, a lovely spot for building sandcastles and beachcombing with the family.
Short drive from Duff House.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Garden Tea Room

Enjoy a traditional Scottish lunch at The Garden Tea Room overlooking the sea.
Near Banff Beach.
15 GBP per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Banff Museum

Explore the history of Banff at the Banff Museum, perfect for a family-friendly visit.
Located in Banff town.
5 GBP per person, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Travel to Balmoral Castle

Embark on a scenic drive south towards Balmoral Castle for your next royal adventure.
Drive south on A947 and A93 for about 50 miles, taking around 1.5 hours.
Fuel costs, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Royal Visit at Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle, Scotland

9:00 AM

Balmoral Castle

Explore the grounds and gardens of Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family's Scottish residence, with family-friendly activities.
Located in Royal Deeside.
15 GBP per adult, kids free, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Carriage Restaurant

Dine at The Carriage Restaurant for a royal-inspired lunch experience near Balmoral Castle.
Within Balmoral Estate.
20 GBP per person, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Ballater Village Walk

Take a leisurely walk in the charming village of Ballater, known for its royal connections and quaint shops.
Short drive from Balmoral Castle.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Travel to Crathes Castle

Head towards Crathes Castle for your next castle exploration.
Drive south on A93 and A957 for about 30 miles, taking around 1 hour.
Fuel costs, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Castle Adventure at Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle, Scotland

9:00 AM

Crathes Castle

Discover the history and secrets of Crathes Castle, a stunning 16th-century tower house with beautiful gardens.
Located near Banchory.
12.50 GBP per adult, kids free, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Coach House

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Coach House within the castle grounds before continuing your journey.
Within Crathes Castle estate.
15 GBP per person, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Gardens of Crathes Castle

Explore the enchanting gardens of Crathes Castle, perfect for a leisurely family stroll.
Adjacent to the castle.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Travel to Dunnottar Castle

Drive towards Dunnottar Castle for an iconic Scottish castle experience.
Head south on A957 and A92 for about 25 miles, taking around 40 minutes.
Fuel costs, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Historical Visit to Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle, Scotland

9:00 AM

Dunnottar Castle

Explore the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, with breathtaking views.
Located near Stonehaven.
8 GBP per adult, kids free, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood at The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant with views of the harbor before heading back to Aberdeen.
Within Stonehaven.
25 GBP per person, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Return to Aberdeen

Drive back to Aberdeen to conclude your Aberdeenshire road trip.
Head east on A90 for about 15 miles, taking around 30 minutes.
Fuel costs, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Aberdeen

Aberdeen, Scotland

9:00 AM

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Begin your day at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's maritime heritage and interactive exhibits.
Located in Aberdeen city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Union Square Shopping Centre

Explore Union Square Shopping Centre for some souvenir shopping and a variety of dining options.
Walk from the museum to Union Square.
Shopping costs vary, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Food Story Cafe

Enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch at Food Story Cafe, known for its locally sourced ingredients.
Located near Union Square.
15 GBP per person, 1 hour

3:00 PM

David Welch Winter Gardens

Visit the David Welch Winter Gardens within Duthie Park, featuring a tropical paradise and floral displays.
Short drive from the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Moonfish Cafe

End your Aberdeenshire adventure with a seafood dinner at Moonfish Cafe, offering fresh and creative dishes.
Located in Aberdeen.
30 GBP per person, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability