Location: Braemar
Top Things to do in Braemar
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10 Things to Do in Braemar That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Braemar Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 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 JillyMcCarrick
There was some interesting information here and you could actually imagine people living there. I thought it was a little expensive for the four of us given the amount of time that it took to go around.
2. The Braemar Gathering
Overall Ratings
5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By The_Crofter - Warrington,England
Absolutely loved the Braemar Gathering consider ourselves so lucky to have attended and the weather was glorious which probably added to the experience. Well done and thanks to all the staff that work so hard to make each year a success.Thanks for your comments, glad you had a great day.
3. Mar Lodge Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 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 Trust'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.
Reviewed By maraalfa - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
The lodge is just the start of it, the real star is the nature and beautiful walks. Opted for the river walks and up the glen from the car park 10 minutes from the lodge up the country estate road. Wow just wow, thoroughly recommend...MoreHi maraalfa, Thank you for your wonderful review, we are glad that you enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you back again soon to explore more that this beautiful area has to offer. The Mar Lodge Ranger Team.
4. Glenshee Ski Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Exploress1 - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
I travelled with friends who had some / little ski experience who hadn't skied in Scotland before. We all decided to have the 4 hours beginner lessons (£60) which we thought was good value. We started off at the Dink-Dink which uses the rope tow and all was well. Basic snowplough learnt and we have lunch break after the 2 hrs lesson. After lunch we went up the Claybookie Poma. The poma was (too) fast and there was also a dip just as you leave and all of us fell...even what looks like experience skiers after us fell too.
As we had an instructor, we now know you could ask the operator to slow it down. Why the operator did not slow it down after seeing the multiple 'car crash' is beyond us. Upon finally reaching our destination (gate / opening no. 2) it is quite a steep run for beginners and after couple of runs, we decided to head down to Dink-Dink for more practice! All in all, everyone was very helpful and friendly and I would recommend taking the 4 hours package if you haven't skied before as I couldn't do snow plough turns confidently after only 2 hours lesson. We had so much fun, we have decided to now try the Lecht!
Parking wasn't too bad but most people commented that it was exceptionally quiet Saturday.
Our ski with boots + pole hire was also pretty quick and easy but one of our hired ski was sticking to the snow badly and again...thankfully our instructor had a candle with him and he was able to wax it. We now know to carry a small candle stick as it'll be a pain to head back to the hire place once you're on the slopes. We paid just over £100 for 4 hrs lesson + beginner's ski pass + ski & pole hire and spent about 8hrs at Glenshee.
Food and drinks are quite expensive but it is to be expected. There is a note stating that you're not allowed to bring packed food into the cafe area but there are benches outside and you could easily get back to your car if it's not parked too far to grab a quick bite.
5. Braemar VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
This very modern and good sized visitor centre is well worth visiting, even if you don't need advice, pamphlets etc., and I feel that I must take issue with the guy from Stirling who suggested that the shop is full of tartan tat. As a...MoreHi John. Thank you for your review and your lovely comments about the staff and the selection of gifts and souvenirs. I will make sure that your comments are passed to the ladies who work here - I am sure they will appreciate them.
6. Braemar Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Braemar Golf Course is the highest 18 hole golf course in Scotland at around 1,200 feet above sea level.The greens are amongst the finest in the area and the course is very popular with holiday makers and golfing societies.The course is relatively short, measuring 4,935 off the medal tees, but it will test golfers of any standard.
Reviewed By Lve2travel14 - Fredericksburg, VA
The course was well maintained, the weather beuatiful and the scenery stunning. I e-mailed ahead and described my limited golf ability. Michael, the club house manager, suggested a good time for teeing off which resulted in my ability to play at my pace. The cost for 9 holes and rental clubs was very reasonable. Enjoyed the round and a couple pints in the club house. Great experience. I highly recommend it.
7. Kindrochit Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
As castle ruins go, this one is distinctly on the small side. There are a few notice boards to help you picture what was originally here, but even Reading them all fully you are unlikely to spend any more than 30 minutes here.
By all means have a look if you are in Braemar, but don't stop deliberately just to see this less than impressive ruin.
8. HandMade'n Braemar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Paint your own tile, art, pottery and glass decorating studio. Fun for all ages and no experience required. Braemars' only creative arts activity centre. Individual and groups welcome. Ideal for hen and birthday parties (Crazy Cocktail decorating evenings), children's themed parties and corporate team building events. Taster Sessions and demonstrations in a variety of handicrafts.
Reviewed By Margaret G - Glasgow, United Kingdom
My two friends and I had a great time today hand painting two plates and a bowl. This is not something we would normally do at home, but it was just great. We were expertly encouraged and guided throughout the process and can't wait to see the final results once they are glazed. There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere and plenty of projects and ideas to select, all very reasonably priced. We would thoroughly recommend a visit.
9. Braemar Highland Experience
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Join us to experience an area of outstanding natural beauty with spectacular Mountains, wild open spaces and stunning scenery. Discover a landscape rich in history and folklore, with dramatic Castles, mysterious stone circles and ancient Caledonian pine Forests. Braemar Highland Experience provides unique road and off-road tours in the Cairngorms National Park. We offer tours, on or off road, in our luxurious Land Rover Discovery vehicles. We can also provide bespoke tours tailored to your interests - heritage, wildlife, ancestral research or landscapes full of photo opportunities.
Reviewed By aussiekpn - Melbourne, Australia
We booked this tour through Callater Lodge B&B, the B&B owners are also part owners of this business. Our guide was Eric, an ex-shepherd, who took us on some pretty inaccessible 4WD roads to the high country behind Braemar. We saw less animals than were listed on their brochure, but did see lots of grouse including chicks, lots of mountain hares plus a number of red deer in the distance. The landscape was very impressive and spectacular. We enjoyed the tour and seeing the countryside, but were expecting more stories and local anecdotes from our guide.
10. Wellington Aircrew Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By thetravellingmanUk - uk
Whilst having a walk around the village of Braemar last Saturday, my wife and I came across this rather unusual monument, sited near to the War Memorial.
At first glance it looked like some sort of engine, and on closer inspection it was indeed an engine, and from a crashed Vickers Wellington R1646 aircraft.
The plane crashed on high ground near Braemar, due to poor weather conditions, on the 19th January 1942.
The aircraft was first thought to have been lost at sea, and the wreckage was not discovered until about one month after the plane's disappearance.
The memorial commemorates the eight young crewmembers who lost their lives on that day.
Worth a visit, as is Reading up the history about it.
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