Things to Do in Aberdeenshire
41 attractions and days out
Photo © Fabio Barbosa, Google Maps
Aberdeenshire's attractions stretch from the castle-studded coast to the hills around Royal Deeside, giving days out here plenty of range. Stonehaven draws visitors for Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically above the sea, while Peterhead Prison offers a very different kind of history further up the coast at Peterhead itself.
Inland, Ballater and Aboyne make good bases for exploring former royal connections, with The Old Royal Station and the countryside around Muir of Dinnet nearby. Families tend to head for Willows Animal Sanctuary or Belwade Farm, while Newburgh Beach near Ellon suits a slower coastal outing.
Smaller, more specialist places round out the picture, from the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum to The Cabin Equestrian Centre, so it's worth mixing a big-name sight with something quieter depending on which part of the county you're in.
⭐ 5.0
Museums & Galleries
Aberdeenshire Farming Museum
Step back in time at this rural heritage museum within Aden Country Park, exploring traditional farm life through fascinating displays and exhibits, with wheelchair access and onsite parking available.
⭐ 5.0
Parks & Play Areas
Formartines Visitors Centre
A rural play area in Tarves with an onsite restaurant serving meals and snacks, though facilities are limited with no toilets or wheelchair access available.
⭐ 4.9
Aquariums & Sea Life Centres
Macduff Marine Aquarium
Discover fascinating sea creatures from Scotland's coastal waters at this family-friendly aquarium, featuring full wheelchair and pushchair access throughout, plus baby changing facilities.
⭐ 4.8
National Parks & Reserves
Muir of Dinnet
Explore stunning Highland scenery at this Dinnet nature reserve offering woodland trails and lochside walks, complete with restaurant, parking and family facilities including baby changing rooms.
⭐ 4.8
Sightseeing & Attractions
Peterhead Prison
Step inside Scotland's most notorious former jail to discover 130 years of harsh prison life through original cells, exercise yards and fascinating exhibitions suitable for all ages and abilities.
⭐ 4.8
Horse Riding
The Cabin Equestrian Centre
Saddle up for family fun at this Ordyfauld riding centre, where young equestrians can enjoy horse activities in a welcoming countryside setting with basic facilities including toilets on site.
⭐ 4.8
Zoos & Animal Parks
Willows Animal Sanctuary
Meet rescued horses, donkeys and other animals at this working sanctuary near Fraserburgh, where families can discover the stories behind compassionate animal welfare work.
⭐ 4.7
Farm Parks
Belwade Farm World Horse Welfare
Meet friendly ponies and donkeys at this welcoming Aboyne farm, complete with restaurant facilities, accessible amenities and plenty of equine friends to pet and enjoy.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Bennachie Visitor Centre
This family-friendly base for exploring the Bennachie hills offers accessible facilities including dining options, baby-changing rooms and welcomes both dogs and wheelchair users to enjoy the woodland trails.
⭐ 4.7
Petting Farms & Zoos
Westerton Farmers
Meet friendly farm animals up close at this accessible petting zoo near Laurencekirk, where families can enjoy hands-on encounters and bring along their own picnic to make a day of it.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum
This historic harbourside museum welcomes families for a fascinating glimpse into local heritage, with snacks on offer and the option to enjoy your own picnic by the water.
⭐ 4.7
Historic Houses & Gardens
Haddo House Aberdeenshire
Nestled in Aberdeenshire's scenic countryside, this elegant Georgian mansion offers wheelchair-friendly exploration and baby facilities, making it an ideal family retreat.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
The Salmon Bothy
This compact museum on Links Road explores the heritage of salmon fishing through engaging displays, with onsite parking available though facilities are limited and access may prove challenging for some visitors.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Grampian Transport Museum
Explore Scotland's fascinating vehicle heritage at this family-friendly museum where all areas welcome wheelchairs and pushchairs, with accessible facilities throughout including baby changing rooms.
⭐ 4.6
Adventure & Activity Centres
Deeside Activity Park
Pack thrills into your family adventure at this Aboyne action centre, where go-karts, quad bikes, archery and downhill sledging await visitors of all abilities.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Braemar Castle
This historic Highland fortress in Royal Deeside welcomes families with picnic areas, onsite parking and baby facilities, though limited wheelchair access means it's best suited to mobile visitors.
⭐ 4.6
Indoor Soft Play
Dizzy Rascals Indoor Playcentre
Let your little ones burn off energy at this welcoming soft play venue featuring an onsite restaurant, accessible facilities and convenient parking for hassle-free family visits.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Drum Castle- Garden and Estate Aberdeen
Step back through seven centuries of heritage at this historic tower house surrounded by woodland trails and Victorian rose gardens, perfect for families exploring Scotland's past.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Dunnottar Castle
Perched dramatically on craggy clifftops above the North Sea, these evocative medieval ruins near Stonehaven offer spectacular coastal views and a captivating glimpse into Scotland's turbulent past.
⭐ 4.6
Horse Riding
Halymyres Stables
Experience quality equestrian activities at this welcoming Dunnottar stable, complete with onsite parking, dining facilities and full wheelchair access for visitors of all abilities.
⭐ 4.6
Beaches & Coastline
Newburgh Beach
This Scottish coastal spot near Gallowshill offers families the chance to watch for marine wildlife including dolphins and seals while enjoying a picnic on wheelchair-accessible shores.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Tolquhon Castle
Explore the atmospheric ruins of this 16th-century fortified mansion near Tarves, where families can enjoy a picnic while discovering Scottish history. Wheelchair accessible with parking and toilets onsite.
⭐ 4.6
Museums & Galleries
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
Discover Scotland's maritime heritage at this unique attraction housed in Kinnaird Head, showcasing the fascinating history of the nation's coastal beacons and their keepers.
⭐ 4.6
Skiing & Snowboarding
Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre
Britain's unique all-weather skiing venue at Hill of Haugh lets families hit the slopes year-round, with accessible facilities, onsite dining and parking making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
⭐ 4.6
Castles & Palaces
Craigievar Castle
This remarkable Scottish baronial tower near Alford showcases fairytale turrets and pink harled walls rising seven storeys high. Snacks available on-site, though facilities are limited and accessibility is challenging.
⭐ 4.5
Parks & Play Areas
Aden Country Park
This accessible Aberdeenshire park offers families woodland walks, play areas and an onsite restaurant, with full facilities including baby changing and convenient parking for stress-free days out.
⭐ 4.5
Beaches & Coastline
St Cyrus
This Aberdeenshire coastal gem offers sandy shores perfect for family picnics, with onsite dining, parking and facilities making it an accessible day out near Laurencekirk.
⭐ 4.5
Lidos & Outdoor Pools
Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool
Take a refreshing dip in this classic outdoor pool set within Queen Elizabeth Park, featuring an onsite restaurant and wheelchair access, plus the option to pack your own picnic for a full day out.
⭐ 4.5
Beaches & Coastline
Fraserburgh Beach
Enjoy golden sands and sea air at this welcoming Scottish coastal spot where four-legged friends can join the family fun, plus wheelchair access makes it easy for all to visit.
⭐ 4.5
Beaches & Coastline
Inverbervie Beach
This pet-welcoming Scottish coastal spot features a sweeping crescent of shingle and stones, perfect for family picnics with onsite parking and wheelchair access available.
⭐ 4.4
Skiing & Snowboarding
Glenshee Ski Centre
Scotland's biggest snowsports destination offers thrilling slopes for winter family adventures amid breathtaking Highland scenery, with skiing, snowboarding and sledging across extensive terrain.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
Arbuthnot Museum
Explore local heritage at this welcoming St Peter Street museum offering wheelchair access, nearby parking, and an onsite restaurant. Families can enjoy their own picnics in this accessible venue.
⭐ 4.4
Trampoline & Bounce Parks
Skyline Trampoline Park
Jump into action at Aberdeenshire's premier indoor trampoline venue, where families can bounce together across multiple zones. Pushchair-friendly with baby changing facilities available.
⭐ 4.4
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Deveron Community and Sports Centre
This Banff leisure hub welcomes families with accessible facilities including pool areas, baby changing rooms and dining options, all easily navigable with pushchairs.
⭐ 4.3
Bowling Alleys
Strikers at Fraserburgh Leisure Centre
Bowl a strike at this ten-pin bowling venue within Fraserburgh Leisure Centre on Seaforth Street, featuring onsite parking and a restaurant serving food and snacks for hungry bowlers.
⭐ 4.1
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Peterhead Leisure Centre
A community leisure facility on Balmoor Terrace offering swimming and fitness activities for families, though visitors should note limited accessibility features and facilities.
Castles & Palaces
Balmoral Castle
The Scottish Highlands residence of the Royal Family welcomes visitors to explore its historic rooms and stunning estate grounds, with baby changing facilities and wheelchair hire available for £1.
Beaches & Coastline
Cullen Bay
This wheelchair-accessible Scottish beach boasts beautiful golden sands where young children can paddle and play, with picnics welcome though facilities are limited.
Railways & Transport
The Old Royal Station
Step back in time at this historic railway station that served the Royal Family for a century, featuring captivating exhibits including the preserved royal waiting room and memorabilia from its distinguished past.
Indoor Soft Play
Brewster Bear Fun Factory
This free-to-enter play destination beside Balquharn Brewers Fayre offers indoor and outdoor fun zones for youngsters, complete with onsite dining, full facilities and accessible amenities.
Beaches & Coastline
Cruden Bay
This wheelchair-accessible Scottish beach welcomes four-legged friends and offers a perfect sandy playground for children, with picnics encouraged along the scenic shoreline.
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