Location: Braemar
Top Things to do in Braemar
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What to do and see in Braemar, Scotland: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Linn O' Dee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
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
2. Mar Lodge Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 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 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
3. Braemar Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 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 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!
4. The Braemar Gathering
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
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.
5. Braemar Golf Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 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 797seamusc
Really enjoyed my round of golf then drinks and meal clubhouse staff let us stay in the car park in our Motorhome
