Whether you’re looking for unforgettable family days out, spectacular scenery or fascinating historic landmarks, Aberdeenshire has something for everyone.
Home to dramatic castles, picturesque towns and villages, beautiful sandy beaches and the stunning landscapes of Royal Deeside, the region offers countless opportunities to explore throughout the year.
From leisurely woodland walks and outdoor adventures to wildlife encounters and award-winning visitor attractions, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences within easy reach of Deeside Holiday Park. Whether you’re staying for a weekend break or a longer holiday, you’ll discover plenty of inspiring places to visit, making Aberdeenshire the perfect destination for couples, families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Visitor Attractions & Castles in Aberdeenshire
From magnificent castles and grand estates to fascinating museums and historic attractions, Aberdeenshire is packed with places to explore. Whether you’re interested in Scotland’s rich history or simply looking for a memorable day out, you’ll find plenty of iconic attractions within easy reach of Deeside Holiday Park.
Crathes Castle & Estate
9 miles from Deeside
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, Crathes Castle is a classic Scottish tower house set within stunning grounds. Inside, discover richly decorated rooms, painted ceilings, and a fascinating collection of portraits and artefacts.
Dunnottar Castle
13 miles from Deeside
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic ruins. Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery, it’s a truly unforgettable place to explore.
Drum Castle & Gardens
5.5 miles from Deeside
With over 700 years of history, Drum Castle combines a medieval tower with later extensions and beautiful grounds. Explore its historic interiors and wander through the renowned Garden of Historic Roses, showcasing centuries of cultivation.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Aberdeenshire
Keep the whole family entertained with a fantastic selection of attractions for all ages. Discover adventure parks, wildlife centres, interactive museums and indoor play facilities, perfect for creating unforgettable family memories whatever the weather.
Discount Value: 10% discount on entry
Online Code: Show your booking confirmation email
The Den & The Glen
1 mile from Deeside
Indoor soft play and restaurant, alongside The Glen, a magical outdoor world filled with nursery rhyme and fairy-tale characters set across 28 acres of scenic grounds.
Discount Value: 15% discount
Online Code: WoodLeisure15
Aberdeen Science Centre
9 miles from Deeside
One of Aberdeen’s top visitor attractions, offering interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences for all ages, perfect for a fun and educational family day out.
Stonehaven Outdoor Pool
10 miles from Deeside
A unique Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool filled with heated seawater, offering a fun and refreshing day out during the warmer months.
Featured Attraction
Experience the Beauty of Royal Deeside
Nestled along the banks of the River Dee, Royal Deeside is one of Scotland’s most scenic and historic regions. Renowned for its picturesque villages, royal connections and spectacular landscapes, it’s home to attractions including Balmoral Castle, ancient pine forests and some of the country’s most beautiful walking routes. Whether you’re exploring charming towns or enjoying the peaceful countryside, Royal Deeside is a must-visit during your stay.
From bustling market towns to picturesque villages, Aberdeenshire is full of places waiting to be explored. Wander independent shops, enjoy welcoming cafés and restaurants, or simply soak up the character and history of some of Scotland’s most beautiful communities.
Beautiful Beaches in Aberdeenshire
From wide sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs to charming fishing villages and bustling harbours, Aberdeenshire’s coastline offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll, wildlife spotting or a traditional seaside day out, the coast is well worth exploring.
Balmedie Beach
This Park has a long stretch of beautiful sandy beach behind which are sand dunes, great and small, to explore. A total of 1700 metres of boardwalk assists visitor access through the dunes. The park is part of a dune system that stretches 14 miles from Aberdeen to just north of the mouth of the River Ythan at Newburgh.
Aberdeen Beach
A short distance from Aberdeen city centre, you might be surprised to find a mile-long beach of golden sand. The Art Deco-inspired esplanade runs from Footdee (pronounced locally as Fittie), an idyllic fishing village with buckets of charm, to Donmouth Nature Reserve.
Stonehaven Beach
Stonehaven is a popular sand and shingle coastal resort beach, which is well used by water sports enthusiasts. The area designated is Stonehaven Bay, which is approximately 1.1km in length, bound by the overflow of River Cowie to the north and the River Carron to the south by the salmon lane.
Outdoor Activities in Aberdeenshire
With rolling hills, forests, rivers and open countryside, Aberdeenshire is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Enjoy everything from cycling and mountain biking to watersports, wildlife watching and adventure activities, all surrounded by spectacular Scottish scenery.
Stonehaven Paddleboarding
10 miles from Deeside
Stonehaven Paddleboarding offers year-round watersports experiences from sunrise to sunset along Aberdeenshire’s stunning coastline. With top-quality equipment provided, including paddleboards, kayaks, wetsuits, and safety gear, it’s a great way for all abilities to get out on the water.
Discount Value: 10% discount
Online Code: deesideholiday
Battle Grounds Paintball
9 miles from Deeside
Home to a fantastic range of activities: airsoft, attack sense, archery, axe and knife throwing, laser tag, bubble football and the North East of Scotland’s paintball specialist.
Aberdeen Snowsports
6 miles from Deeside
Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports is home to Aberdeen’s only dry ski slope, offering year-round skiing and snowboarding in Garthdee. With lessons, coaching, and open sessions for all abilities, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers looking to have fun and build confidence.
Popular Walks in Aberdeenshire
Take in breathtaking scenery as you explore Aberdeenshire’s network of walking trails, forest paths and riverside routes. From gentle woodland strolls to rewarding hill walks, there’s no better way to experience the area’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
The Deeside Way
A long-distance riverside route following the River Dee from Aberdeen to Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park. This well-marked path is ideal for both walking and cycling, offering a scenic and accessible way to explore the area.
Dunnottar Castle Walk, Stonehaven
A dramatic coastal walk leading to the iconic Dunnottar Castle, perched on a rocky headland. Starting from Stonehaven harbour, the route offers stunning sea views and one of Scotland’s most memorable historic landmarks.
Ley Way, Crathes Castle
A scenic woodland walk through the grounds of Crathes Castle, also known as the Red Squirrel Trail. The route passes through varied woodland, open countryside, and the castle’s famous gardens.
Stay at Deeside Holiday Park
Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend getaway, a family holiday or an outdoor adventure, Deeside Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation to suit every style of break. From luxury lodges with hot tubs to camping and touring pitches, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable stay in the heart of Aberdeenshire.
Lodges with Hot Tubs
Unwind in one of our spacious self-catering lodges, complete with your own private hot tub. Perfect for couples, families and groups, our lodges provide the ideal base for exploring Aberdeenshire before relaxing beneath the stars.
Caravan Holidays
Our modern holiday caravans offer everything you need for a comfortable stay, with well-equipped kitchens, cosy living areas and a choice of layouts for couples, families and friends. Enjoy the freedom to explore Aberdeenshire at your own pace.
Glamping Pods
Enjoy all the fun of the great outdoors without sacrificing home comforts. Our glamping pods provide a warm, cosy and convenient place to stay, making them ideal for couples, families and anyone looking for a hassle-free camping experience.
Touring Pitches
Bring your caravan, motorhome or campervan and enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by beautiful Aberdeenshire scenery. Our fully serviced touring pitches offer excellent facilities and make the perfect base for exploring the region.
Camping Pitches
Pitch your tent and experience the beauty of the Scottish countryside. Our spacious camping pitches provide everything you need for a comfortable outdoor stay, with modern facilities and easy access to the many attractions and walking routes nearby.
