Holiday Cottages in Aberdeenshire

Follow Aberdeenshire's historic Castle Trail

Nicknamed "Scotland's Castle Country", the county of Aberdeenshire is home to over 260 castles, stately homes and ruins. There are more castles here per acre than anywhere else in the UK, and if you're a culture vulture then you can follow the signposted Castle Trail to discover all 19 of them. It's an easy drive between each one, just look out for the distinctive brown and white Castle Trail road signs throughout the area. Highlights include the fairtytale turrets of Craigievar Castle in Alford, the well-preserved 16th-century tower house of Crathes Castle in Banchory, and of course, the renowned Balmoral Castle, Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family which now has certain areas open to the public. The trail is a fantastic way to take in the incredible history of the area whilst making the most of the scenic location. We have accommodation options across the county, making it easy to base yourself close to one of these incredible sites. Guests can take advantage of a prime location with incredible amenities like Scottish hot tub lodges, cosy open fires and onsite entertainment.

Explore nature and wildlife

Nature lovers will be enthralled by Aberdeenshire's diverse landscapes. From the dramatic cliffs and golden beaches of the coastline to the rolling hills and mountains of Cairngorms National Park, this region offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Head for a dog walk through ancient forests or enjoy a family picnic in one of the many country parks. In Cairngorms National park, you can explore scenic trails like Lochnagar and Lairig Ghru, keeping your eyes peeled for red deer and even golden eagles. Keen wildlife watchers should head to RSPB Scotland Troup Head, a spectacular nature reserve where you can observe seabird colonies, including razorbills and puffins. With such a vast coastline to explore, you can also hop on a boat trip to try and spot dolphins and seals out in the North Sea. Exciting day trips like these are perfect for families, friends or couples looking to get out and explore the county in the fresh air, with exciting things to discover in every season! Book one of our dog-friendly holidays in Scotland so you can bring your four-legged friend along too.

Indulge in local fare and culinary delights

This Scottish region has a renowned culinary scene that's not to be missed. Savour freshly caught seafood in pretty coastal towns like Stonehaven, Macduff and Fraserburgh; sample farm-to-table delights in rural gems like Braemar, Turriff and Banchory; or warm up with a wee dram of whisky at one of the county's many distilleries. One of the region's must-try dishes is Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish seafood soup originating from the coastal town of Moray, close to Aberdeenshire. Our self-catering holiday homes give you the choice to eat out or stay in and enjoy homecooked cuisine. For fishing enthusiasts, salmon and trout can be caught on the River Dee and there are plenty of coastal spots for sea angling, so pack your rods and you might be lucky enough to catch dinner to cook in your cottage in Scotland! Be sure to check rules and regulations first.