Location: Braemar
Top Things to do in Braemar
Top 10 Things to do in Braemar, Scotland
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. Linn O' Dee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
The Linn O' Dee gives unrivalled access to some fine examples of classic features of a Highland landscape: remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest, heather moorland and parts of the high Cairngorm plateau. Fifteen of the Cairngorms Munros can be found on Mar Lodge estate. The less adventurous can enjoy our way marked trails, starting from the car park. The car park also hosts a seasonal information hut and toilet facilities. Parking in the car park is £3 per day for non members or free for National Trust for Scotland or National Trust members.
Reviewed By FrankW1949_12 - Yarraville, Australia
Worth the short drive to view this gorge where the river changes from a gentle stream to a raging deep gorge and back to a gentle stream
3. Mar Lodge Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Mar Lodge Estate occupies nearly 7% of the Cairngorms National Park, covers some of the most remote and scenic wild land in Scotland, including four of the five highest mountains in the UK. Within its boundaries are fine examples of classic features of a Highland landscape: remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest, heather moorland, juniper scrub and a part of the high Cairngorm plateau. Fifteen of the National Trust for Scotland's 46 Munros can be found in the Cairngorms around Mar Lodge. The estate is recognised as one of the most important nature conservation landscapes in the British Isles: over 40% of the estate is covered by national and international nature conservation designations. Visitors can park in either the Linn of Dee or Linn of Quoich car parks and enjoy many outdoor pursuits such as woodland walks, hillwalking, cycling, climbing and horse riding.
Reviewed By marmalade1443 - Invergarry, United Kingdom
This was our fourth visit to Mar Lodge this time staying in the Braeriach apartment which was perfect for a couple. The rooms are large and the view down the main drive is magnificent. Despite later arrival times and earlier departure to allow for cleaning we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. This is a perfect location to bag Munro’s and explore the surrounding area. Our only request would be clearer information in the apartment about what items could be recycled. A very small point but would be good to know. We certainly plan to visit again
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. Wellington Aircrew Memorial
7. Creag Choinnich
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By ZaZa210684 - Derby, United Kingdom
Because myself and my husband were bowled over by the scenery once we had gotten to the very near top only because I'm afraid of heights there is actually another 5 - 10 minutes of climbing to the very top point. The views you can see are that of Braemar Village and the River Dee to your right and to your left is that of Glenshee Road and the Cairngorm Mountains. The walk up is fairly easy, so long as you are fit and agile, however, I would take your time coming down as there are some areas of steep hills.
8. Glenshee Ski Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By erinalba - South Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Took a last minute trip up on a Sunday beginning of March. Was really great! Staff could not have been nicer !!! Loads of medics on the slope (although gladly not in much action). Tow staff were all fab, patient and friendly! One of our party was a complete novice and had a lesson with the ski school and got on brilliantly! Staff in the cafe were very busy and all had smiles on their faces! Food reasonably priced and the place was packed! Think it was about 2.30 for a coffee and 3 quid odds for a beer. They also had vegan and veggie options which was good to see. No wi-Fi which didn’t bother us at all. Great atmosphere in cafe because if it! Brilliant amount of parking with attendants to guide into spaces. Queues for tickets and equipment hire moved quickly with no issues. The only thing that needs a bit of TLC was the loos.. bit tired and could do with a refurb. Overall still really good venue. A thing we missed out on was booking 48hours in advance to exploit their ‘mega deals’ of hire and lift pass as a combo... but will defo be back to do so soon! Prices generally great value for money though especially for last minute .. lesson was £30 for 2 hours for complete beginner, and about 60 quid each for lift pass and kit hire. Brilliant day all round! Thanks again x
9. Kindrochit Castle
10. 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.
