Location: Ballater
Top Things to do in Ballater
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Top 8 Budget-friendly Things to do in Ballater, Scotland
1,446 (2001 census)
Restaurants in Ballater
1. Loch Muick
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By Midhill
Enjoyed the 10 mile walk on a lovely autumn day. The tree colours were beautiful and the Loch and surrounding area stunning. It’s a flat walk with a few rough paths to navigate , just the place to get away from it all.
2. Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 990 reviews
Neighbouring Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar is the perfect place to discover how Scotch Whisky is made. Watch as our team of operators tend to our traditional mashtun, gleaming copper stills and fill casks at our traditional distillery, which retains much of its original charm. The tour ends with a dram of the award-winning Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Single Highland Malt. Following Scottish Government guidelines through their phased re-opening approach, the time has come to open our doors and welcome back our visitors from 26th April 2021. To ensure the health and wellbeing of our employees and visitors, we will be implementing a number of precautionary measures. Find out how we are keeping you safe on our website before you visit us.
Reviewed By fionaBan - Peterculter, United Kingdom
I took my mum and dad here to tour this magnificent gem in Royal Deeside. It was fantastic. A small distillery which allows you to get an appreciation for the art of whisky making. We were greeted with a very warm welcome by Eric, followed by an amazing tour of the distillery by Alex who was so helpful and friendly showing us around patiently answering our list of questions and we shared stories which made the tour feel really personal then afterwards we enjoyed a wee dram. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Royal Lochnagar and I’d like to thank both Alex and Eric for making out time there so special.
3. Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By suewB7164YW
Lovely easy and mainly flat circular walk of about 5 miles around Loch KInord following the well signposted 'Duck' route. Nice clean toilets and a couple of picnic benches available at Visitor Centre where there is a car park which can get full on popular days. Walk starts just across the road from the visitor centre
4. Cambus O'May Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By lucyhelliker - Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom
I come every year and still discover new parts of the Cambus o’ May! Am NOT a Walker as such, just with the dog when at home and this place I find just right in terms of interest and ease. It’s also good in the wet because of the tree cover. Have discovered a lovely lake and bridge here too. It’s a fabulous place
5. Ballater VisitScotland iCentre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By lucyhelliker - Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom
A really delightful establishment. Greeted at the door with quick chat about Covid rules then got into a city chat as the lady (a retired police inspector) was just so lovely! Very helpful lady inside helping me to choose a gentle walk (round the golf course, flat and fabulous along the Dee). Good gift shop with Gist jewellery which is fab. Sadly cafe closed since March. We were made so welcome.
6. Burn O'Vat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By Deeaberdeen - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Visited Burn O Vat yesterday and glad we did Good car parking, lots of spaces Follow the lower trail for about 5 minutes, over a small bridge and find yourself facing large rocks Climb through a tiny fap in the middle of the large rocks, climbing over stones to get through, and water You need non slip shoes A you find yourself in a beautiful place with a water fall Its stunning and peaceful You can climb up i believe but i didnt chance it we marveled at the beauty of it and how long its been there It was apparently created by the iceage Splitting the rocks in two We took a walk up the steps after coming back out the cave And you can find yourself looking down at the warerfall Its very high, a bit too high if you dont like heights We walked back towards the car park on the upper path And you find a viewing point for loch kennard Its beautiful
7. Crathie Kirk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By RicRiordon - Meaford, Canada
We visited here the day of our departure from the area and the day before the Queen and her companions came to worship there apparently. Although we missed Her Royal Highness, I'm afraid I might have found her presence and my motives for worship somewhat challenged by her celebrity – maybe just as well. We were fortunate to have a quiet visit and hear the enthusiastic stories of our church hostess on the Royal's frequent visits to this humble building over the decades. This place of worship is full of interesting history, sculptures and photographs, well worth a visit.
8. Old Royal Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By n0ggin - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Been here a couple of times since transformation and what a superb job they have done. At the front there is lots of local info, quality gifts and crafts, local library, weather info. At rear is separate tearoom cafe , reproduction rail carriage etc.. really well done and beautiful decor. Menu is very good and was only after ordering my usual excellent Cullen Skink and carrot soup did we notice that you can get smaller plates for £1(!) less. Really very reasonable prices. Self service but all with a smile and couldn’t be more helpful and cheery. All in all a great addition to Ballater
