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Discover Aberdeenshire with our most loved tours! From royal estates to rugged coastlines, we take you beyond the guidebooks to explore the stories, scenery, and charm of northeast Scotland. Each tour is led by a local guide and crafted to give you a relaxed, unforgettable experience.
Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire
With 165 miles of coastline, we have some dramatic landscapes and charming fishing villages along the sea’s edge.
Stop 1: Gardenstown & Crovie
Our first visit is the village of Gardenstown, a small community built on the edge of the hillside. There is a walk along the coastal path which take you to Crovie, which dates from the 18th century. The smallest and most remote of Buchan cliff-foot fishing villages.
Stop 2: Pennan
The people of Pennan were dependent on the sea. Where the men would catch the fish, and women to try to sell it to clients in the country.
Pennan became famous in the 1980s for being used as one of the main locations for the film Local Hero and representing the fictional village of Ferness. New Aberdour Beach.
Stop 3: Fraserburgh
The town name means, ‘burgh of Fraser’, after the Fraser Family who bought the land in 1504 and built the family castle.
Stop 4: Peterhead
Scotland’s largest fishing port, our visit here will take you right to the source, and the chance to try a fresh fish & chip lunch.
Stop 5: Buller’s of Buchan
Nature lovers will love this stop. During spring and summer, it is a haven for seabirds who build their nests on the cliffs to breed. Home to cormorants, kittiwakes, crossbills and our beloved Puffins too.
Stop 6: Collieston & Newburgh
Follow in the footsteps of Philip Kennedy and the smugglers of the northeast and finish the day with a visit to the Seal Beach at Newburgh.
Balmoral and Royal Deeside
Experience the beauty of Royal Deeside with its connections to the Monarchy, stunning scenery, and beautiful locations to visit.
Stop 1: Falls of Feugh
This lovely hidden gem of the river Feugh and the cascade of water as it nears the river Dee.
Stop 2: Balmoral Castle & Estate
The most famous castle in Deeside is Balmoral Castle and the history with the Royal family who have loved Aberdeenshire for generations. Balmoral Castle & Estate was the late Queen Elizabeth’s private country retreat in Scotland.
Stop 3: Ballater
Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village. Stroll around the town to see an interesting range of specialty shops, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy some of the local food & drink.
Stop 4: Cambus O’May Suspension Bridge
The Cambus O’ May bridge spans the river Dee. A lovely place to watch the river flow past the hills.
Stop 5: Tomnavarie Stone Circle
Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a kind of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago.
Stop 6: Queen’s View
Just outside the village of Tarland is the Queen’s View. The view is particularly loved by the royals who find it an unspoiled beauty spot and a view which epitomises Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeen City Food Tour
Join us on a delicious stroll through Aberdeen’s city centre, where rich history and local flavours go hand in hand. Along the way, we’ll sample classic Scottish and Northeast treats. This tour offers a real flavour of Aberdeen — past and present.
Stop 1: Aberdeen Maritime Museum & Harbour View
We kick things off where the city meets the sea — at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum overlooking the bustling harbour. Here, we delve into the city’s deep fishing heritage, shipbuilding past, and maritime trade. It’s a chance to imagine Aberdeen’s historic shoreline lined with smokehouses, fish markets, and granaries.
Stop 2: The Green & Merchant Quarter
Once the edge of medieval Aberdeen, The Green tells stories of bustling trade, women brewsters, and brewing traditions that stretch back centuries. Before industrialisation, brewing was a domestic skill, and many women earned a living crafting small-batch ales.
Stop 3: Union Terrace Gardens
In the shadow of the Wallace Monument and above what was once a lively stream powering Aberdeen’s early mills. We reflect on the vanished mills of Denburn, and the city’s connection to the textile and grain trades. Around us are layers of architectural history — the striking Triple Kirks spire, St. Mark’s Church, the grand His Majesty’s.
Stop 4: Marischal College & Broad Street
Standing before the gleaming granite façade of Marischal College, we turn to Scotland’s favourite grain — oats. From porridge to bannocks, oatcakes to crowdie cheese pairings, oats have fuelled Scots for centuries. We enjoy a taste of local oatcakes and cheese, while hearing how Robert the Bruce supported Aberdeen in times of conflict — and how the city gave back.
Stop 5: Castlegate & Mercat Cross
In the historic Castlegate, where the Mercat Cross once marked the centre of trade and proclamation, we explore Aberdeen’s market culture. For centuries, this was the place to buy, sell, and celebrate — from weekly markets to royal visits. It’s also a chance to highlight Aberdeenshire’s legacy in brewing and distilling — from traditional farm ales to the global success of names like Chivas Brothers.
Stop 6: Provost Skene’s House
We finish at one of Aberdeen’s oldest surviving townhouses — Provost Skene’s House. This museum tells stories of Aberdonians who shaped the world. Nearby, Guest Row and Ragg’s Lane once buzzed with bakers and local shops feeding the city centre. We wrap up the tour with a scoop of Mackie’s ice cream — a creamy, locally made treat from Aberdeenshire dairy farms. A sweet way to end our journey through Aberdeen’s flavours, past and present.
This tour is for over 16’s only.
Dunnottar Castle & Coastal Heritage
Aberdeenshire is a wonderful combination of castle country and miles of rugged and beautiful coastline. Discover some of its maritime history, coastal villages lost and thriving and how to the sea influences the culture and heritage.
Stop 1: Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is a dramatic and historic ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. Once a formidable fortress, it played a significant role in Scottish history, including sheltering the Scottish Crown Jewels from Oliver Cromwell’s forces in the 17th century. The castle’s stunning location and rich history make it a must-visit for those exploring the region, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Scotland’s past.
Stop 2: Mill of Benholm
One of the few oat mills remaining in Aberdeenshire. The Mill of Benholm comprises of the mill with the waterwheel and kiln, the former miller’s house and byre, a mill pond all in a beautiful and peaceful setting
Stop 3: Working harbour – Gourdon
Gourdon is a small, traditional fishing village known for its active harbour, where you can still see local fishermen at work, it offers a glimpse into Scotland’s fishing heritage.
Stop 4: Seaside resort town of Stonehaven
Stonehaven is a charming coastal town offering a mix of history and natural beauty. Stroll around the picturesque Stonehaven Harbour, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the sandy beach and admire the sculptures along the boardwalk. History enthusiasts can visit the Tolbooth Museum to learn about the town’s heritage, or go in search for an ice cream at one of the town’s many ice cream shops.
Stop 5: Girdle Ness Lighthouse & Greyhope Bay
Girdle ness Lighthouse, located on the outskirts of Aberdeen, is an iconic coastal landmark overlooking Greyhope Bay. Greyhope Bay, with its rocky shoreline and sweeping sea views, offering the chance to spot dolphins and seabirds.
Stop 6: Historic Fittie
Footdee, known locally as “Fittie,” is a charming and historic village at the eastern end of Aberdeen’s harbour. Established in the 19th century, Fittie is famous for its quaint, grid-patterned cottages and unique atmosphere.