Top 10 Things to do in Braemar, Scotland

September 8, 2021 Roseanne Arnett

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

Cluniebank Road, Braemar Scotland http://canmore.org.uk/site/339882/braemar-cluniebank-road-war-memorial
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

War Memorial

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

7 Miles Beyond Braemar Past Inverey on the Linn O' Dee Road, Braemar AB35 5YB Scotland +44 1339 720164 [email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/property/mar-lodge-estate/
Excellent
73%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
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4.5 based on 297 reviews

Linn O' Dee

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

Estate Office, Mar Lodge, Braemar AB35 5YJ Scotland +44 1339 720163 [email protected] http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Mar-Lodge-Estate
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 93 reviews

Mar Lodge Estate

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

About 0.75 miles north-east of Braemar, on minor road just to north of A93, south of River Dee, Braemar AB35 5XR Scotland +44 1339 741219 [email protected] http://www.braemarcastle.co.uk/
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 497 reviews

Braemar Castle

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

Braemar AB35 5UH Scotland +44 1339 741527 [email protected] http://www.braemargathering.org/information.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 121 reviews

The Braemar Gathering

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

Old Military Road, Braemar Scotland
Excellent
64%
Good
36%
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4.5 based on 11 reviews

Wellington Aircrew Memorial

Reviewed By DayTrip621219

Was in Braemar today and came across this monument, was not well sign posted but once we found it we were very pleased that we had

7. Creag Choinnich

Braemar Scotland
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Creag Choinnich

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

Cairnwell, Braemar AB35 5XU Scotland +44 1339 741320 http://www.ski-glenshee.co.uk/
Excellent
46%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
7%
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 226 reviews

Glenshee Ski Centre

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

Braemar Scotland
Excellent
20%
Good
63%
Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 30 reviews

Kindrochit Castle

10. Braemar Highland Games Centre

The Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion Princess Royal & Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Broombank Terrace, Braemar AB35 5YX Scotland +44 1339 749220 [email protected] http://www.highlandgamescentre.org
Excellent
53%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
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11%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 17 reviews

Braemar Highland Games Centre

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.

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