Location: Braemar
Top Things to do in Braemar
7 Sights & Landmarks in Braemar That You Shouldn't Miss
Braemar /breɪˈmɑːr/ ( listen) is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, around 58 miles (93 km) west of Aberdeen in the Highlands. It is the closest significantly-sized settlement to the upper course of the River Dee sitting at an altitude of 339 metres (1,112 ft).
Restaurants in Braemar
1. War Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Markeverett - Callander, United Kingdom
It makes you realise when you come to a small place and see a memorial to the fallen men and women of both world wars. Regrettably too many people don’t realise that if it hadn’t been for these people life would be very different now! Beautiful and peaceful setting .
2. Braemar Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Enjoy a guided tour of 12 furnished rooms in this 17th century Castle. Ghosts and villains, Jacobites and high fashion, the story begins in 1628 when the Earl of Mar built Mar Castle as his Highland hunting lodge. Associated with all 3 Jacobite uprisings, the castle was burned by the infamous Jacobite, the Black Colonel, and was the base for the Earl of Mar as he planned the 1715 uprising. After the 1745 rebellion, it was a garrison for Hanoverian soldiers stationed there to make sure that no-one dared break the law and wear tartan or carry weapons. In the 20th century, the castle was home to American fashion journalist, Editor of Harper's Bazaar and wife of the Chief of Clan Farquharson, who decorated the rooms in her signature Schiaparelli pink. English and German audio guides and tours with friendly local guides who enjoy sharing their knowledge and stories of the area. There are hidden teddy bears for the children to count as well as a small gift shop which also sells teas, coffees and hot chocolate.
Reviewed By StigJim - Alliance, United States
Although the young volunteer who gave us the tour said she’d only been doing tours for a couple of weeks, she did a beautiful job. The castle has a fascinating history and the furnishings tell the story of what life here was like at various times in the castle’s history. We are glad we made this part of our Scottish castle tour!
3. The Braemar Gathering
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By itchyfeet2014 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The sun was shining this year. All our travel plans went well. We were ushered in to car park 5 and a five minute walk through some woods took us to The Braemar Gathering. What a stunning location, what an amazing day of fantastic events. It was all go for hours. A visual spectacle that had us on the edge of our seats with tug of war, hammer throwing, caber tossing, fell running, relay races, fantastic Highland dancing, wonderful pipe bands and lots more. The highlight was the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen and the royal party. The Queen looked wonderful. Clearly the royals enjoy the day- they looked like they were! The whole day was so relaxed. The time just flew in. It was great to have a seat in area C but a bit of a squeeze to get in and out. This area was opposite the Royal Pavillion so we got a lovely view of Her Majesty. There are lots of stalls selling drinks, burgers and lots more. Plenty of toilets and ticket upgrades are available once inside the arena. Quite simply the loveliest of days out. We followed the pipe bands from the centre of Braemar at 12 am into the arena. We had wonderful views of the pipers and it was a brilliant atmosphere. Scotland at its very best. Buy your tickets early on line, but there are tickets available on the day.
4. Wellington Aircrew Memorial
5. Kindrochit Castle
6. Memorial Drinking Fountain
7. Braemar Highland Games Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Braemar Highland Games Centre explores a living tradition, the Highland games, focusing on the world-famous Braemar Gathering and its long-standing royal connections. Housed in The Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion, the stunning new building was unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen in September 2018.
Reviewed By USNA2003 - Tryon, United States
We bought our tickets several months in advance. I do recommend that you purchase a reserved seat. You'll enjoy the day so much more if you can watch from a seat, rather than standing in the outskirts. There are covered seats, and uncovered seats. I think when we purchased our seats there were only uncovered seats available. We took our chances that the weather would cooperate- miraculously it did. The weather was sunny on Sept 7, 2019, with temps in the low 70s. All the activities take place within a grassy stadium, and several go on at the same time. It's like watching a three-ring circus! So having reserved seats makes it all the more enjoyable. Among the contests are the caber toss, shot put, tug o'war, dance competitions, and track and field events. The queen and some members of the royal family motored into the stadium at 3:00 PM, and watched from the "royal pavilion" (directly across from our seats), so that was fun. Throughout the day, 12 bagpipe bands performed, sometimes marching in all all together; they were glorious. The various tartans and kilts were gorgeous. On the grounds are various food, beverage, and merchandise tents. We're so glad we attended (and were lucky to have good weather.) As you know, weather is always iffy in Scotland.
