What to do and see in Aberdeenshire, Scotland: The Best Historic Sites

May 5, 2022 Roger Rusk

Discover the best top things to do in Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom including Fasque Castle, Admiralty Gateway, East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, Crathie Church, Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life, Provost Skene's House, The Tolbooth Museum, Haddo House, Castle Fraser Garden & Estate, Duff House.
Restaurants in Aberdeenshire

1. Fasque Castle

Fettercairn AB30 1DN Scotland +44 1561 340746 [email protected] http://www.fasquecastle.com
Excellent
90%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 50 reviews

Fasque Castle

Fasque Castle is a naturally exquisite country estate with a beautiful baronial mansion at its heart, all for your exclusive use in the Scottish Highlands. We've carefully chosen a selection of partners who share our vision to bring your ideas to life, taking expert care of every last detail. A vision of excellence we add to all our events, from business to banquets to that biggest of days: your own wedding.At Fasque Castle Estate, we have the spaces, imagination and experience you need for your ideas to flourish. Our trusted partners are on hand to support you all the way, from first thoughts to final farewells. With an eye to the future, we invest the major proportion of our operating profits in the ongoing care and management of this historic location.

Reviewed By stuartsimpson19 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Stayed for two nights in the Avenue Cottage. The cottage was lovely and in a perfect setting. The estate is stunning with good walks taking you past the impressive castle and the other cottages available for hire on the estate. Would have loved to see inside the castle which sadly but understandably was shut. We have already booked a return trip in October.

2. Admiralty Gateway

South Road, Peterhead AB42 2ZX Scotland +44 1779 484161 http://www.admiraltygateway.com
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 121 reviews

Admiralty Gateway

Reviewed By CHume2007 - Nottingham, United Kingdom

Visited with my adult son who lives locally - altogether a really interesting experience giving a great insight into life in prison for serious crime in the 20th century and before - a real eye opener, well-articulated both in what you see and in the excellent audio guide. Would benefit from an additional exhibit about present day prisons. In my view this exhibition might prove unsuitable for young children.

3. East Aquhorthies Stone Circle

Inverurie Scotland https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/east-aquhorthies-stone-circle/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle

4. Crathie Church

Crathie and Braemar 9km west of Ballater, Aberdeen Scotland http://braemarandcrathieparish.org.uk/
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Crathie Church

5. Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life

Pitmedden Garden Pitmedden, Aberdeen AB41 7PD Scotland +44 1651 842352 [email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/pitmedden-garden
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 228 reviews

Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life

Brilliant design and meticulous maintenance give Pitmedden Garden its unique charm. With almost 6 miles of clipped box hedging, the parterres at the heart of the garden are a masterpiece of intricate patterns and sparkling colours. The Great Garden dates back to 1675 when it was originally laid out by Sir Alexander Seton. In the 1950s the Trust re-created the garden based on 17th-century plans of the gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. An orchard planted in 2014 is packed with more than 200 fruit trees. With honeysuckle and jasmine also casting their scent in the garden, Pitmedden really is a delight for the senses. Last Admission at 4pm.

Reviewed By BrianP514 - Cupar, United Kingdom

We were delighted that the gardens had reopened. While the pattered had not been planted with annuals this year, the herbaceous borders were still looking excellent and the fruit trees on the walls, outstanding. The staff were especially welcoming and friendly. Thanks National Trust for Scotland.

6. Provost Skene's House

Provost Skene House 5 Guestrow, Aberdeen AB10 1AS Scotland +44 1224 641086 [email protected] http://www.aagm.co.uk/Visit/ProvostSkenesHouse/psh-overview.aspx
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95 reviews

Provost Skene's House

**Provost Skene's House is temporarily closed to the Public** The House will be closed during the development of Marischal Square. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Reviewed By Jimma21822018 - Darwin, Australia

Beautiful old skene house home of the Lord Provost of by gone days. Situated among recently built modern buildings, However there are plenty of Cafes and restaurants one can choose from in the local area also opposite is the Lovely Granit building where Aberdeen City Council have there head quarters. A nice fountain display is outside this building for all to see. The children enjoy running through the water when the fountain is on fun for them and Mothers and Fathers Well worth a stroll around this area and also near the St Nicholas Shopping center and of course St Nicholas Kirk

7. The Tolbooth Museum

Town House Castle Street/Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BQ Scotland +44 1224 621167 http://www.aagm.co.uk/Visit/TheTolboothMuseum/ttm-overview.aspx
Excellent
44%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 344 reviews

The Tolbooth Museum

Reviewed By countrygal301 - Ottawa, Canada

A fun and informative museum. Lots of interesting information in a free venue. A word lots of climbing up and down cramped staircases.

8. Haddo House

Haddo House Tarves, Ellon AB41 7EQ Scotland +44 1651 851440 [email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/HaddoHouse
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 266 reviews

Haddo House

An elegant mansion house with stunning late Victorian interiors. Noted for its fine furniture and paintings, Haddo also has a terraced garden leading to the Country Park with lakes, walks and monuments. The experience at Haddo House is enriched by the National Trust for Scotland Tearoom and Gift Shop in the Stables courtyard.

Reviewed By journeymaid48 - Fairport, United States

Owned by the Gordon family for centuries this house was redone in Georgian style then extensively remodeled as a Victorian building in the late 19th century. There is amazing artwork and furniture in the house. There is a collection of beautiful china. As Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed at this property there are beds and wardrobes made especially for them on display. An interesting and unique house.

9. Castle Fraser Garden & Estate

Sauchen AB51 7LD Scotland +44 1330 833463 [email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Castle-Fraser/
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 362 reviews

Castle Fraser Garden & Estate

From the striking simplicity of the medieval Great Hall to the well-stocked library and Victorian bedrooms, a tour of the castle gives a sense of walking through history. Each laird stamped his personality on the family seat, from the various ways of spying on those in the Great Hall to trophies gathered on global adventures. The panoramic views from the top of the round tower are spectacular, revealing the courtyard, gardens and estate beyond, ready to be explored. The distinctive peaks of Bennachie can be seen in the distance. The traditional walled garden includes specimen trees, herbaceous borders, a medicinal border and organically grown fruit and vegetables. There are two waymarked walks on the estate that offer magnificent views of the local area.

Reviewed By mireillepearson - Hartley Wintney, United Kingdom

Had an amazing time, visited Castle Fraser and gardens, we had nearly a private tour of the property (4 of us) with an excellent guide, she was French and was so knowledgeable, made our visit very interesting

10. Duff House

Banff AB45 3SX Scotland +44 1261 818181 [email protected] http://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/duff-house/
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 301 reviews

Duff House

This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. A magnificent early Georgian mansion, designed by William Adam for the Earl of Fife. It is considered to be an Adam masterpiece and is one of the most important buildings in the North. The foundation stone was laid on the 11th June 1735 and the building was finished five years later, although it took over 100 years to complete the interior. Duff House is a jewel set in a stunning triangle of coast, river and parkland. There is a tea room and shop on ground-floor level, as well as temporary exhibitions by visiting artists and societies.

Reviewed By H696AOgaryj

Unfortunately we could not see inside Duff house due to Covid-19 restrictions, but even from the outside, it looks magnificent. Be sure to do the forest walks from here to Alvah Bridge, stopping off to see the Icehouse and the Mausoleum.

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