Adventure Collective
Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside Tour by More in Moray - Aberdeen

Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside Tour by More in Moray

Aberdeeneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

8–9 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility; involves walking on uneven terrain at castles and village sites.

Overview

Journey from Aberdeen to the dramatic cliffs of Dunnottar Castle and into the scenic Royal Deeside valley. This private day tour by More in Moray combines coastal fortresses, royal estates, and Highland villages for a full Scottish experience.

$710.20
Lossiemouth, Scotland

Day Tour from Aberdeen: Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside

+5 years old • Group size 1- 6 • 9 hours + • Explore Scotland's Castle Trail

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About This Adventure

Duration

8 -9 hours

Group size

1- 6

About

Stonehaven is a picturesque coastal town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It’s known for its scenic harbour, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic Dunnottar Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous castles.

Royal Deeside is a beautiful region in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, known for its stunning landscapes, historic castles, and royal connections. It follows the course of the River Dee from the city of Aberdeen into the Cairngorms National Park.

On this private day tour from the City of Aberdeen, you will visit two castles: Dunnottar Castle (in Stonehaven) and Balmoral Castle (Royal Deeside). Explore the beauty of Royal Deeside visiting the villages of Ballater and Braemar.

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle is a stunning cliff-top fortress located on the northeast coast of Scotland, near the village of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. It sits dramatically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the North Sea, making it one of Scotland's most iconic and scenic castles.

Ballater Village

Ballater is a picturesque village situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities and attractions. Visit the Old Ballater Railway station for a glimpse of the replica of the Royal Carriage and the Queen Victoria Waiting Room.

Balmoral Castle & Gardens

Balmoral Castle is a summer residence for the British royal family, and visitors can explore the gardens and nearby estate when the royal family is not in residence

Braemar village

Braemar is a village located in the Scottish Highlands, situated in the Cairngorms National Park. It's known for its picturesque surroundings, historical significance, and the famous Braemar Gathering, a traditional Scottish Highland Games event. Braemar is also close to Braemar Castle, which has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

  • All castles are subject to opening date and weather conditions*

What is included

  • A bottle of mineral water
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Mobile phone charger
  • Private Transportation for your party only
  • Driver-guide staff (ENG/PT)

What's not included

  • This itinerary does not include accommodation anywhere along the itinerary
  • Entrance to visitor attractions (castles, natural parks, special tours, distilleries experiences and entry fees, etc.) and suggested tours featured in the itinerary. However, advice on pre-bookings can be provided
  • Meals and drinks at lunch stops and any other stop needed
  • Travel Insurance, including cancellation insurance

*** IMPORTANT NOTES***

  • The choice of Castles/Attractions/Distilleries to be visited on a day is directed related to the time available to travel between sites, opening hours, and pre-booked slots (where applicable)*
  • Castles, local attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, outdoor adventure activities, distilleries, retail shops, breweries, etc. have changed/adapted their visiting operation systems due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. It is recommended to contact them by checking their websites before booking your transportation to consider the dates, times, and routes selected for your experience. Contact us for further details.
  • Be prepared to pre-book all your attractions/experiences in advance due to new capacity restrictions on many premises, including food and beverage places.
  • Many castle visits in the region are seasonal (Spring/Summer) while others are only open for a few months during the year. It is highly recommended to check the attraction opening dates and times on its website before planning your ground transportation. Contact us for more details.

Adventure Tips

Book castle entry tickets in advance

Many castles require pre-booking due to limited capacity—plan ahead to secure your visit.

Wear sturdy, weatherproof footwear

Cliffside paths and estate grounds can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.

Pack layers for changing coastal and inland weather

Expect cool sea breezes near Dunnottar and variable conditions inland around Royal Deeside.

Bring a camera with zoom capability

Capture distant castle details and wildlife views along the River Dee from village vantage points.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Red squirrel
  • Peregrine falcon

History

Dunnottar Castle is famed for its role during the 17th-century Wars of the Three Kingdoms, including a famed defence against Oliver Cromwell’s forces.

Conservation

Local guides emphasize sustainable travel practices to protect fragile coastal habitats and Highland ecosystems, encouraging low-impact visits.

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Adventure Hotspots in Aberdeen

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Waterproof jacket

Essential

Protects against frequent coastal and upland rains typical in Aberdeenshire.

all specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Needed for hiking rugged castle paths and village streets.

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Daypack

Essential

To carry water, snacks, and extra layers during the day tour.

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Camera or smartphone with zoom

Allows capturing detailed shots of castles and wildlife from various viewpoints.

all specific