Location: Ballater
Top Things to do in Ballater
The 9 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Ballater, Scotland
1,446 (2001 census)
Restaurants in Ballater
1. 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.
2. Ballater VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By lucyhelliker - Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom
A really delightful establishment. Greeted at the door with quick chat about Covid rules then got into a city chat as the lady (a retired police inspector) was just so lovely! Very helpful lady inside helping me to choose a gentle walk (round the golf course, flat and fabulous along the Dee). Good gift shop with Gist jewellery which is fab. Sadly cafe closed since March. We were made so welcome.
3. Deeside Books
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
4. Dee Valley Confectioners
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
5. Crathie Kirk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By RicRiordon - Meaford, Canada
We visited here the day of our departure from the area and the day before the Queen and her companions came to worship there apparently. Although we missed Her Royal Highness, I'm afraid I might have found her presence and my motives for worship somewhat challenged by her celebrity – maybe just as well. We were fortunate to have a quiet visit and hear the enthusiastic stories of our church hostess on the Royal's frequent visits to this humble building over the decades. This place of worship is full of interesting history, sculptures and photographs, well worth a visit.
6. Glenmuik Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
7. Old Royal Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By n0ggin - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Been here a couple of times since transformation and what a superb job they have done. At the front there is lots of local info, quality gifts and crafts, local library, weather info. At rear is separate tearoom cafe , reproduction rail carriage etc.. really well done and beautiful decor. Menu is very good and was only after ordering my usual excellent Cullen Skink and carrot soup did we notice that you can get smaller plates for £1(!) less. Really very reasonable prices. Self service but all with a smile and couldn’t be more helpful and cheery. All in all a great addition to Ballater
8. The Balmoral Bar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 12 reviews
9. The Cambus O’May Cheese
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By MossmanJoe - Inverurie, United Kingdom
Walking the Deeside way and dropped in for cheese only to find a great little coffee shop too. The coffee was really nice. Friendly staff. There was a variety of little snacks however, the cheese scones fresh from the oven were hard to beat. It’s a family run business and nice to see. We had a chat to the cheese maker, who was happy to chat. His memories of his family making cheese inspired this boutique business. 6 generations of cheese making experience make this cheese. Original family recipes. Great cheese that was value for money and tasty! The process of making the cheese which can be seen is interesting. Loved this little place.
