Campsites in Aberdeenshire

This part of Scotland is bordered on three sides by the coast - taking in dog friendly sandy beaches, clifftop walks - and even a city centre beach in Aberdeen! All that access to the sea led to invaders, and this shire has an impressive array of castles too that would be sure to see off any ancient enemies. 

From the enormous Cairngorms National Park - home to many endangered species - to the ultimate road trip in the NC500 and adventures in the heather on foot, there's plenty to keep all comers amused while camping in Aberdeenshire.

Our favourite things to do in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire's highlights include:

• Balmoral and Craigievar Castles
• Cairngorms
• Royal Deeside

A castle for every season and great tipples

There is much to do in Aberdeenshire from outdoor activities such as walking, fishing and cycling to exploring the areas heritage by visiting its grand country houses and museums.

Learn the history of Aberdeenshire by visiting one of its many castles. The queen's beloved Balmoral Castle - with salmon fishing, safari tours of Scotland's wild hills, golf and of course a chance to rub shoulders with the royals - is a must-see.

If it's walled gardens and mazes you fancy, Crathes Castle is a great choice, along with the magnificent views from on high at Dunnottar Castle and no Disney fan could miss Craigievar Castle - its pink fairytale outline is rumoured to have appeared in Walt's classic Cinderella film!

Other buildings of note include Crathie Kirk, Cairness House, and Duff House.

There are some fascinating and fun museums in the area. Fans of all things quirky will like Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum a prison door from the museum's former life and other curiosities from its long history. Motorheads will love the Grampian Transport museum which includes some of the fastest cars ever made!

Steam off into the sunset and get some whopping views from the Royal Deeside Railway. This grand area is home to a royally appointed distillery and there are seven other distilleries all producing secret malts and unique flavours across Aberdeenshire - so why not join a tour?

The bustling city of Aberdeen has a wealth of attractions including the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Aberdeen Art Gallery, the Arts Centre, the Stratosphere Science Centre, the historic Provost Skene's House and the Glen Gairoch Distillery.

Scenery to be remembered

Aberdeenshire's dramatic landscape is a treat for walkers. You might be only strolling lochside (Loch Tummel is a highlight and Loch Muick sits at the base of an awe-inspiring mountain) or working up a sweat at Bennachie with its five summits, Lochnager Mountain, Ben Avon, Mount Keen or Clachnaben Hill.

The Cairngorms, formed 1000s of years ago by glaciers, now see some of Britain's most endangered wildlife living happily. You can do so much here - from walking in ancient pine forests, to biking beside cool waters, horse riding or even quad biking and adrenaline options.

Gentler strolls can also be had around Loch Kinrod, or the Ythan Estury. The dramatic sea caves the Bullers of Buchan are breathtaking, or the National Trust owned Pitmedden Garden offers manicured lawns and colourful floral displays.

Family choices 

Got little ones with you? The Den and The Glen is a perfect venue - with 28 acres of space and both indoor and outdoor play areas, or you can walk on the wildside at Zoology Museum and Botanic Garden, or Wynford Farm Playbarn.

Bring the older ones for a stroll along Union Street in Aberdeen - it's just as rich in history as it is in great shopping! - and then to see the terrapins bobbing about in the Winter Gardens, Duthie Park.

If the kids crave a chance to plait horse manes, say hello to a pig and cuddle a guinea pig you'll find all you need at Doonie Rare Breeds Farm and Belwade Farm which are both packed with animal attractions.

Is that all too tame? Well you can knock their socks off with dune surfing at Balmedie Beach - the perfect way to burn off your holiday calories. Follow that by hitting the water and trying your hand at surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking.