top of page
Teddy at Loch Muick.jpg

Ballater

Surrounded by glorious countryside Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village in the heart of Royal Deeside located in the Cairngorms National Park.

Lying eight miles along the River Dee to the west, its rich history and royal connections are world famous. Ballater is the nearest town to Balmoral Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family, which explains the many ‘By Royal Appointment’ signs that can be seen on local shops and business.


Close by is Royal Lochnagar Distillery which produces one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies. A visit to the distillery is a timeless experience.


This planned agricultural town dates back to the 1800s. A stroll around the town reveals a fascinating range of many speciality shops and galleries.

The Royal Station, which was sadly destroyed by a devastating fire in May 2015, re-opened in August 2018 after a £3 million restoration project.  The historic royal waiting room interior has been painstakingly restored to ensure it retains its previous grandeur.


Red deer, golden eagles and grouse can be easily spotted on the eight mile footpath around the loch.

For golf lovers there is the Ballater Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the upper Deeside within a circle of hills and glorious hills making the golfing experience truly delightful.

Ballater & Royal Deeside

Events

  • Ballater Highland Games

  • Braemar Gathering 

  • Lonach Gathering 

  • Aboyne Highland Games

  • Echt Show

  • Farmers' Market 

  • Ballater Victoria Week

  • Ballater Walking Festival

  • Run Balmoral

  • Royal Deeside Golf Classic

  • Ballater Golf Week

  • Ballater Winter Festival

  • Ballater Duck Festival

Things To Do

  • Highland Games 

  • Fishing 

  • Skiing 

  • Hill Walking 

  • River Walks

  • Mountain Biking

  • Shopping 

  • Horse Riding 

  • Whisky Tasting 

  • Foraging 

Places to Visit

  • Balmoral Castle 

  • Ballater Station

  • Braemar Castle 

  • Crathes Castle 

  • Dunnotar Castle 

  • Royal Lochnagar Distillery

  • Loch Muick 

  • Lochnagar 

  • Burn O'Vat 

  • Deeside Activity Park 

  • Glen Tanar Estate 

Eat & Drink

Rothesay Rooms 
Clachan Grill 
Balmoral Bar 
Bridge House Cafe 
Rock Salt
The Carriage 
Lochnagar Indian Brasserie

bottom of page