Banchory

Banchory is a town that caters well to visitors looking for a settled base rather than a quick stop. There are seven hotels and guest houses here, ranging from the Banchory Lodge Hotel and Tor-Na-Coille Hotel (both rated 4.5) to the Douglas Arms and The Stag, plus three caravan parks for those travelling with their own accommodation. The camping options are particularly well-regarded, with Banchory Lodge Caravan Park rated 4.8 and Silverbank rated 4.7. This mix suggests the town draws a steady stream of people who come to stay a night or more.

Eating out covers genuine variety. Crathes Castle and several smaller venues including Milton Restaurant, Buchanans Bistro and Mackenzies@banchory all rate between 4.4 and 4.6. The WRVS Tea Bar offers a simpler option at the same high rating. Twinpeakes Fly Fishing stands out with a 4.9 rating, though at just 79 reviews it is a smaller operation. Between these, visitors will find enough choice to avoid eating at the same place twice during a short stay.

Drum Castle Garden and Estate is listed as the main attraction, rated 4.6 from over 1,600 reviews. Beyond this single entry in the records, the town's appeal seems to rest on its position as a place to settle in and explore the wider area rather than on a concentrated list of things to do within it.