72 Hours in Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside

31st August 2026

Scotland’s east coast is filled with beautiful and historically significant locations. Knowing how much there is to be experienced here, our team would always recommend an extended stay, but in case time is of the essence in this part of Scotland, we have compiled a weekend itinerary that highlights the very best of Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside.

Friday Afternoon

Upon arrival in Aberdeen, checking in to the Marcliffe is a great way to start your trip. The hotel has the feeling of a luxe country estate but within the bounds of the city.

Aberdeen developed as an important trade city in the Middle Ages due to its position between the River Dee and the River Don. Its proximity to the North Sea helped secure the city’s position as a fishing, shipbuilding and international trade hub. In the 12^th century, Aberdeen was also granted the status of Royal Borough by King David I, which boosted the area’s reputation. Often referred to as ‘the Granite City’, Aberdeen became famous for its locally quarried grey stone. This material was used extensively throughout the city, and as you explore, you’ll notice the distinctive silvery grey rock in the vast majority of the city’s historic buildings.

After a bit of exploring, you can return to The Marcliffe for an exquisite dinner in their Conservatory restaurant. The eatery offers a celebration of delicious locally sourced produce in a fine dining setting, with a curated wine list.

Saturday

After a hearty cooked breakfast, it’s time to leave the city and travel inland. Castle Fraser can trace its roots back as far as 1450, when it began life as a tower house. During the following centuries, it was expanded into one of Scotland’s largest and most impressive fortified residences, becoming the long-time home of the Fraser Family for more than 400 years. Today, it reflects the changing fortunes and tastes of its occupants over the centuries, from defensive features to grand ballrooms and later additions like the elegant family rooms and landscaped gardens. The castle and grounds are cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, which keeps this fabulous piece of history alive for generations to come.

After a private guided tour of the interiors of the Castle, a quick stop at the Courtyard Tearoom, which uses fresh produce grown in the gardens, will refuel you for an afternoon spent exploring the expansive castle grounds. As well as the beautifully maintained lawns, the grounds include waymarked walks through woodland and parkland with opportunities to spot roe deer, red squirrels, buzzards and dragonflies.

Before you conclude your visit to Castle Fraser, Away from the Ordinary can organise an exclusive after-hours whisky tasting inside the castle to enjoy once everyone else has gone home, allowing you to enjoy a selection of delectable drams in a magnificent setting.

Saturday Evening

There are few Saturday evening activities which are more enviable than checking in to the Fife Arm s. Upon arrival, you’ll have the choice of relaxing in one of the hotel’s luxurious lounges, or stretching your legs after the drive with a stroll through the village of Braemar. For dinner, you’ll visit The Clunie Dining Room, which is known for its exceptional use of seasonal Scottish produce cooked over an open fire. After dinner, a dram at Bertie’s Whisky Bar is the perfect way to round off your evening. Even if you’re not a whisky enthusiast, the atmosphere is intoxicating.

Sunday

Sunday morning calls for a slow start and some time outdoors to blow away the cobwebs from your succulent meal last night. You are in the Cairngorms, after all. After breakfast, take a guided walk with an expert Ghillie through native Scots Pine woods and experience the magic of the Cairngorms National Park.

While you are out in the wilderness, try your hand at fly fishing with a guide from Twin Peaks Fly Fishing. If you have never tried fly fishing before, it is a beautifully serene and mindful way to experience the beauty of the place.

Sunday Evening

After your day outside in the Cairngorms, come in to the warm and experience a guided tour of the Fife Arms’ art collection. The hotel is famous for its eclectic mix of over 16,000 pieces, from landscapes and society portraits to abstract contemporary works, including a Picasso in the drawing room. If you’ve worked up an appetite from all the art and culture, the hotel serves afternoon tea, which feels entirely appropriate to indulge in with your Victorian-style surroundings.

Celebrate your final evening with cocktails in Elsa’s bar, named in honour of Elsa Schiaparelli, who was first introduced to Braemar by her great friend, Frances Farquharson, the first wife of the 16th Laird of Invercauld and former editor of Harper’s Bazaar. Elsa’s signature menu pays homage to Schiaparelli’s iconic collections of the 1930s, spanning the diverse influences of history, art, and the natural world. The cocktails combine flavours and textures to honour the boldness, creativity, and complexity of their inspirations. The perfect way to round off a weekend at The Fife Arms.

Monday Morning

Before moving on to your next destination, we recommend an exhilarating off-road 4×4 experience to round off your trip. This activity is always an unexpected client favourite; many say it was the highlight of their trip.

Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside are such a beautiful part of Scotland, and often far less travelled than other areas. If you would like to begin planning a weekend in this gorgeous region as part of a longer trip around Scotland, get in touch with Away from the Ordinary today.