Location: Ballater
Top Things to do in Ballater
The 10 Best Things to do in Ballater, Scotland
1,446 (2001 census)
Restaurants in Ballater
1. Deeside Nature Activities
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
We offer half- and full-day wildlife-watching tours spotting the region’s charismatic birds, and animals. Luxury Land Rover excursions bordering Balmoral Estate looking for 3 species of Deer, Grouse, Dippers and hopefully a few birds of prey including Peregrine, Osprey and Golden Eagle whilst describing the conservation and land management issues related to typical highland estates.
2. Larks Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Larks Gallery is a friendly contemporary gallery featuring original Scottish paintings and artisan craft such as ceramics, glass, wood, sculpture and jewellery.
3. Loch Muick
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By Midhill
Enjoyed the 10 mile walk on a lovely autumn day. The tree colours were beautiful and the Loch and surrounding area stunning. It’s a flat walk with a few rough paths to navigate , just the place to get away from it all.
4. Ballater Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
5. Yellow Welly Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
A well-known local character often to be found in yellow wellies with his two chocolate cocker spaniels in tow, Simon can often be found stalking the corridors (sometimes in Jacobite or other disguise) and entertaining visitors at Braemar Castle. An Elder at Crathie Kirk, he can tell you many behind the scenes stories, has unparalleled knowledge of the locality and its traditions, is entertaining, well versed in local folklore and can show you some of our local hidden gems.
6. The Ballater Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
The Ballater Gallery offers desirable pieces from mainly Scottish artists, who have achieved international reputation. We source original paintings, sculptures and objects d'art to appeal to all tastes and budgets, bringing a unique and ever changing collection of Scottish and British pieces together under one roof. The Ballater Gallery, opened in the Summer of 2019, in the Scottish town of Ballater, at the heart of Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. We are open seven days a week, with friendly and professional staff available to meet your requirements.
Reviewed By JJ9955
What a highlight when visiting Ballater recently to discover the fabulous Ballater Gallery with its amazing selection of Scottish Artists including Ian Faulkner, Marion Drummond, Alison Cowan and many many more. Friendly knowledgeable, welcoming staff make sure this will be a regular stop when visiting Royal Deeside.
7. Ringing Stone
8. Ballater Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
Founded in 1892, this scenic 18-hole golf course offers its toughest challenge on its opening six holes, which include two difficult par threes.
Reviewed By TamC223 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Great food and drink in lovely surroundings served by pleasant and efficient staff. Fantastic for watching golfers on the 18th green while eating or enjoying a drink. Prices are very reasonable. Open to non members and fairly relaxed dress code for a golf club.
9. Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
Neighbouring Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar is the perfect place to discover how Scotch Whisky is made. Watch as our team of operators tend to our traditional mashtun, gleaming copper stills and fill casks at our traditional distillery, which retains much of its original charm. The tour ends with a dram of the award-winning Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Single Highland Malt. Following Scottish Government guidelines through their phased re-opening approach, the time has come to open our doors and welcome back our visitors from 26th April 2021. To ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees and visitors, we will be implementing a number of precautionary measures. Find out how we are keeping you safe on our website before you visit us.
Reviewed By fionaBan - Peterculter, United Kingdom
I took my mum and dad here to tour this magnificent gem in Royal Deeside. It was fantastic. A small distillery which allows you to get an appreciation for the art of whisky making. We were greeted with a very warm welcome by Eric, followed by an amazing tour of the distillery by Alex who was so helpful and friendly showing us around patiently answering our list of questions and we shared stories which made the tour feel really personal then afterwards we enjoyed a wee dram. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Royal Lochnagar and I’d like to thank both Alex and Eric for making out time there so special.
10. Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By suewB7164YW
Lovely easy and mainly flat circular walk of about 5 miles around Loch KInord following the well signposted 'Duck' route. Nice clean toilets and a couple of picnic benches available at Visitor Centre where there is a car park which can get full on popular days. Walk starts just across the road from the visitor centre
