Things to do in Banchory, including Milton of Crathes and Drumoak

Things to do in Banchory – Roughly twenty miles west of Aberdeen, Banchory is a welcoming first stop for all ages when exploring Royal Deeside. Here’s a list of activities, both fun, historic and modern, indoors and outdoors to choose between.

Climb Scolty Hill – Things to do in Banchory

FREE A manageable ascent for little legs. Rewarding views and a tower at the top, make this a great family hike. And, yes, you can climb to the very top of the tower. FYI – the tower is a 19th century memorial to General William Burnett who fought alongside Wellington. Now you know. Get directions here.

Read our Guide to Aberdeenshire Walks here.

Cycle the Deeside Way – Things to do in Banchory

FREE Banchory is roughly half way along the 41 mile Deeside Way that stretches from Aberdeen to Ballater. This relatively flat former railway line is ideal for cycling, jogging, dog walking and rural walks. Read our guide to cycling from Aberdeen to Banchory and back over a weekend. A lovely way to get around, and see the countryside too.

Visit Crathes Castle – Things to do in Banchory

FREE CASTLE/GARDENS ENTRY FOR MEMBERS AND FREE TO ALL TO EXPLORE THE GROUNDS – Crathes Castle is known for a spooky ‘green lady’, but despite many visits I’ve never seen her. Crathes is a 16th-century tower house, complete with turrets, towers and painted ceilings. Outdoors, scenic walking trails and a Walled Garden are attractions, plus an outdoor play area (called Wild Wood Adventure Play). A ‘Go Ape’ offering rope climbing fun is also situated on the estate for all your wee monkeys.

Available at Crathes – castle (castle entry free to NTS members), toilets, grounds, Walled Garden, Wild Wood Adventure Play, café and shop. nts.org.uk

Explore the A berdeenshire Castle Trail here.

Wild Swimming at Glebe Park, Drumoak

FREE – Local knowledge helps find spots where there’s little or no current for paddling or swimming. Head to Glebe Park near Drumoak. Here you’ll find picnic tables, greenery, ample space to kick a ball etc. plus a wonderful spot for wild swimming, or for launching kayaks and SUPs. My kids love swimming here. [Sounds obvious but visitors are responsible for their own safety, there is no life guard, and you must judge the situation independently.]

Meet Highland Cattle

Head to Aberdeenshire Highland Beef to get up close and personal to farmer Grace’s herd of Highland coos! Topics covered include everything from breeding and feeding, plus get hands on grooming a coo. Includes a beef tasting plus tea/coffee.

Love animals? Discover where to meet Shetland ponies, reindeer, Highland cows and alpaca.

Visit Drum Castle and Mains of Drum

[Pics above courtesy of VisitScotland / Kenny Lam] CASTLE ENTRY FREE TO MEMBERS AND IT’S FREE TO ALL TO EXPLORE THE GROUNDS – This Jacobean mansion house offers another ‘king of the castle’ moment for little ones when you climb to reach the top of a 700 year old tower. Our kids were also surprisingly interested in Drum Castle’s library too, with its wall to wall books, some 4,000 volumes. Another National Trust for Scotland gem. Read more about Drum Castle here.

Available at Drum – castle (castle entry free to NTS members), grounds (free), toilets, Walled Garden (free), playground (free), cafe and shop. nts.org.uk

Bellfield Park Playground and Ice Cream

FREE In Banchory town centre you’ll find a large playground (split into two main areas for little kids and bigger kids) plus a flying fox. There’s lots of green space for events, kicking a ball, tag etc. Plus the shops nearby sell treats like ice cream and coffee.

Falls of Feugh

FREE Just outside Banchory are situated these picturesque waterfalls where it’s possible to watch salmon leaping up river. A gorgeous tearoom, that does excellent cakes and afternoon tea, allows you to make a treat of it.

Royal Deeside Railway & Milton of Crathes

Milton of Crathes is the spot where you’ll find a traditional steam engine, harking back to the days when Queen Victoria caught the train towards Balmoral. Book a short return journey to follow in the footsteps of the Royals in Deeside, and look out for themed trips including Cream Tea Specials and Santa Specials.

Milton of Crathes is also home to independent gift shops, fashion boutiques, an art gallery, cafe and restaurant.

Battle Ground – Things to do in Banchory

If your kids fancy laser tag, paintball or a host of other lively activities Battle Ground is the place to send them! My boys have been lucky enough to attend birthday parties here too.

Knockburn Loch – Things to do in Banchory

For water sports such as SUP and wild swimming, head south of Banchory to Knockburn Loch. Camping also an option. Plus kids camps run regularly.

Where to Stay

Banchory Lodge Hotel is beautifully situated on the River Dee and on the Deeside Way. The rooms are traditional with plenty of modern twists. Opt to dine inside at the classic restaurant, or head outdoors to the beer garden and ‘sitooterie’ dining sheds. Really quirky, funky dining spaces for all ages to enjoy. Read a full review of Banchory Lodge hotel here.

Banchory is a great first stop in Deeside, carry on to a series of gorgeous towns, such as Ballater and Braemar to really get a sense of the place.

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