Have you been trying to plan your next holiday but can’t decide on a destination? Maybe you feel like you’ve been to so many beautiful places in the UK and you’re trying to find someplace new and exciting to visit. Have you thought about visiting Aberdeenshire? This stunning part of Scotland has access to the North Sea and there are countless unforgettable natural reserves, cities full of culture and hidden gems all around. We bring you this guide on things to do in Aberdeenshire and our favourite campsites where you can stay with your rented Goboony motorhome. Read on to discover more!
#1 Speyside Way
Speyside Way is an incredibly long and beautiful walking and cycling trail that follows the River Spey through breathtaking nature of Banffshire, Morayshire and Inverness-shire. The route is over 100 km long and you can choose which parts of it you want to see or if you are a true adventurer, you may even do the whole path! This might mean you may have to find a campsite on the way to spend the night in, so keep reading to see our campsite recommendations for this area!
#2 River Spey
If you will be walking or cycling the Speyside Way, it would be a shame not to also take some time to explore the river, known for salmon fishing and crystal clear water. You can meet local fishermen or just walk at the banks, taking in the beauty and serenity of the river. The area around River Spey is definitely a must see in Aberdeenshire!
#3 Whisky Distilleries
If you’re visiting Aberdeenshire, a tour of a whisky distillery should definitely be on your list. Conveniently, the area close to River Spey is abundant with amazing whisky distilleries that you will surely enjoy. GlenDronach or Knockdhu distilleries are some of the most special ones, alongside Ardmore or Fettercairn. To be completely honest though, if you just look for a whisky distillery closest to you, you won’t be disappointed; each one is a gem and the visit will likely be one of your favourite things to do in Aberdeenshire!
#4 Dunnotar Castle
There are numerous castles in Aberdeenshire that are just beautiful, however, Dunnotar castle should definitely make it to your list! This medieval fortress ruin is perched on a rocky headland surrounded by water and greenery, and makes for an absolutely magnificent visit. You will admire it on the winding path that leads you uphill towards it and once you reach the top, you will never want to forget the breathtaking views from the castle!
#5 Lochnagar
When you visit Aberdeenshire, you should definitely take some time for a hike to the Lochnagar mountain. It towers over one of the most wonderful corries in Scotland and is part of the Lochnagar National Scenic Area, of which there are only 40 across all of Scotland. If that is not enough to persuade you, it was even featured in one of Lord Byron’s poems, where its beauty was celebrated. Of the things to do in Aberdeenshire, trekking up Lochnagar should be one of your priorities!
#6 Camping
We’ve chosen a few of our favourite campsites that we like to stay at when we visit Aberdeenshire! The first one is Speyside Gardens, which is perfectly located for a visit to the River Spey, for a hike on Speyside Way and it is close to numerous whisky distilleries in the area! This beautiful caravan park is perfect if you don't only want to make trips into the exquisite nature of the surrounding area, but also wake up to vast green fields and mountains around you. If you want to take your morning coffee outside of your motorhome and feel like you’re in the middle of a postcard, this is the place for you! Great, clean facilities and friendly staff are of course a given at Speyside Gardens.
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is located closeby to Stonehaven and so you can take a trip to Dunnotar Castle and the surrounding areas. You will also be a short drive away from the sea and you can expect a wonderful service.
Last but not least, we would like to recommend Dovecot Caravan Park, from which you can go on walks, hikes or visit the surrounding castles and whisky distilleries. A family friendly park with beautiful surroundings, this is the place to stay in if you are in the area!
Speyside Gardens: 57.474463, -3.198645
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site: N 56.97114, W 2.20543
Dovecot Caravan Park: 56.787046, -2.576867
Hopefully now you are more than ready and excited for your trip to Aberdeenshire, the hidden gem of Scotland! Rent a motorhome with Goboony, book a campsite and get ready for a relaxing holiday full of fresh air, wonderful nature and delicious whisky!
