Aberdeenshire is a historic Scottish county featuring dramatic landscapes, medieval castles, and a vibrant cultural heritage centered around Aberdeen, with excellent transport links and diverse outdoor activities.
Elgin Cathedral
Elgin Cathedral is a historic medieval ruin in Elgin, Moray, Scotland, once the seat of the bishops of Moray. Established in 1224, it was the second-largest cathedral in Scotland and features notable Gothic architecture, including an octagonal chapter house and impressive stone carvings. The cathedral suffered extensive damage from fire and attacks in medieval times, and now stands as a scheduled monument and popular outdoor heritage attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Located in Elgin
Elgin is a historic market town in Moray, Scotland, known for its impressive medieval cathedral ruins, rich history, cultural venues, and whisky distilleries nearby. It offers walkable town centre attractions including historic sites, museums, arts venues, and a vibrant food and nightlife scene.
St Machar's Cathedral
St Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen is a historic Church of Scotland building with medieval origins, featuring a renowned heraldic ceiling, notable stained glass, and fortified architecture. Visitors can explore the preserved nave and aisles, medieval tombs, and significant artworks within this religious landmark.
Corgarff Castle
Corgarff Castle is a historic 16th century castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, restored and maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors can explore both the castle interior and its outdoor grounds, discovering its rich history as a fortress, barracks, and heritage site.
Haddo House
Haddo House is a Georgian Palladian stately home near Tarves, Scotland, with Victorian interiors, extensive historic gardens, a noteworthy art collection, and a theatre. It has historic significance as a former prime minister's residence and WWII maternity hospital.
Kinnaird Head Lighthouses
Kinnaird Head hosts two lighthouses in Scotland, including a historic lighthouse built in a converted castle that now serves as the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, featuring technical and personal lighthouse artifacts and exhibits. The site offers a blend of indoor museum exhibits and outdoor lighthouse structures.
Deer Abbey
Deer Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery founded in 1219 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Visitors can explore the historic stone ruins and cloister remains in an outdoor setting, reflecting the site's religious and architectural history.
Pitmedden Garden
Pitmedden Garden is a 17th-century formal walled garden in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, featuring geometric parterres, herbaceous borders, and a historic orchard, open for public visits.
Dallas Dhu distillery
Dallas Dhu is a historic Speyside single malt whisky distillery in Forres, Moray, now operating as a whisky museum featuring tours of original distillery buildings and malt barn, with plans to reopen under new management.
Duff House
Duff House is a Georgian estate house in Banff, Aberdeenshire, now part of National Galleries Scotland, offering historic architecture, fine art displays, and extensive grounds.
Drum Castle
Drum Castle is a historic 13th-century tower house near Drumoak, Aberdeenshire, with extensive grounds including walled gardens and a rose garden. Visitors can explore the castle interiors, chapel, and exhibitions, plus enjoy the gardens and facilities such as a playground, shop, and tearoom. Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, it offers a rich cultural and natural experience year-round.
Brodie Castle
Brodie Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century Z-plan tower house with fine antique interiors and extensive grounds featuring a national daffodil collection and a Pictish monument, open to the public and managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
