Turriff

Turriff sits on a low hill above the Burn of Turriff where it meets the River Deveron, in the rolling farmland of north Aberdeenshire. It grew up as the trading hub for the surrounding agricultural district, and that role has never really changed: the wide main street of red sandstone buildings still fills with farmers, traders and visitors, especially on show and market days. The town's roots run deep, with a chapel said to have been founded here around 750 AD and a parish church established on the same site by King Malcolm III roughly three centuries later.

Turriff's history has a few notable flashes of drama for a quiet farming town. In 1639, a skirmish here between Royalist and Covenanter forces became known as the 'Trot of Turriff', reckoned by some historians to be the first armed clash of the Civil War in Scotland. Later, in 1913, the town found itself at the centre of the 'Turra Coo' affair, a farmer's stand-off over National Insurance contributions that made national headlines. Today Turriff is better known for its show ring than its skirmishes, but that same independent, agricultural character still defines the place.

Top things to do in Turriff

Turriff makes a relaxed base for exploring Aberdeenshire's castles, coastline and countryside, with plenty to see close to the town itself.

• Turriff Show — held every August since 1864, this is one of the largest agricultural shows in Scotland, drawing around 40,000 visitors over two days for livestock classes, show jumping, trade stands and a genuine slice of farming life.
• Delgatie Castle — just outside town, this castle dates back to around 1050 and has rooms with 16th-century painted ceilings among the finest surviving in Scotland, plus a tea room and castle grounds to wander.
• Fyvie Castle — a short drive away, this National Trust for Scotland property is one of Aberdeenshire's grandest castles, with opulent interiors, a loch-side estate and centuries of Scottish noble history attached to its five towers.
• Turriff Parish Church — the 11th-century church on Castle Street has an unusual double belfry and still houses a bell dated 1559, a reminder of the town's ancient origins.
• River Deveron — one of Scotland's celebrated salmon rivers, with stretches of bank near Turriff popular for fishing and gentle riverside walks.
• The Haughs — Turriff's riverside park and sports ground beside the Deveron, a good spot for a stroll or a picnic away from the main street.
• Banff and Macduff coast — the Moray Firth coastline, with Duff House and the harbour towns of Banff and Macduff, is under half an hour away for a change of scenery.

Getting to Turriff

Turriff sits on the A947, which links Aberdeen to Banff and the Moray coast, with the A98 also passing close by en route to Fraserburgh and Macduff. Aberdeen is around 38 miles to the south-east, roughly an hour's drive, and Aberdeen International Airport is a similar distance away. There is no railway station in Turriff itself; the nearest mainline stations are at Inverurie and Huntly, from where connecting buses or a taxi complete the journey. Regular bus services also run between Turriff, Aberdeen, Banff and Fraserburgh, making the town accessible without a car, though a vehicle is useful for reaching the surrounding castles and coastline at your own pace.

Best time to visit Turriff

Late spring through early autumn suits Turriff best, with long daylight hours for exploring the countryside and coast. August is the town's busiest and most characterful time, when the Turriff Show takes over for its two-day run and the whole area fills with visitors. Summer also brings the best conditions for salmon fishing on the Deveron and for walking the surrounding farmland. Winters are quiet and can be cold and dark, in keeping with its inland, northerly position, but the town's pubs and cafes make for a cosy stop even out of season.

Where to stay in Turriff

Accommodation in and around Turriff is mostly small-scale and personal: guesthouses, farmhouse B&Bs and a handful of small hotels rather than large chains. Options in the town include Fife Lodge Hotel and B&Bs such as Deveron Lodge, while further afield the surrounding farmland has self-catering cottages and rural guesthouses that suit longer stays exploring Aberdeenshire's castles and coast. Rates are generally modest compared with city or coastal resort prices, and booking ahead is worthwhile around the Turriff Show weekend in August, when the town's limited rooms fill up quickly.

Food and drink in Turriff

Turriff's food scene is unpretentious and locally rooted. Traffords Coffee House is a popular stop for home-cooked lunches, while Celebrations of Turriff offers a conservatory restaurant and coffee parlour known for its afternoon teas and home baking. The Kastille on Castle Street serves lunch and dinner alongside a lounge bar, and for something more casual, Spare Kitchen turns out pizzas and burgers. The town also has a scattering of takeaways, including Indian and Chinese options, reflecting its role as a proper working town rather than a tourist strip. Out at Delgatie Castle, the tea room is worth combining with a visit for scones and afternoon tea in a historic setting.