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