Ballater Accommodation Options and 10 Things to do in Ballater
Ballater is a beautiful town in the Scottish Highlands that has excellent scenery, accommodation options, and some of the best attractions. It is also known for multiple outdoor activities and restaurants. We’ve put together a list of seven things to do while you’re visiting Ballater, so use this guide to plan your visit!
- Hike the Cairngorms: The Cairngorm Mountains are a short drive from Ballater and offer some of the best hiking in Scotland. There are trails for all experience levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s something for you.
- Cycle the Dee Valley: The River Dee runs right through Ballater and is a beautiful area for cycling. There are plenty of cycle paths that will take you along the river, or if you prefer to challenge yourself try some mountain biking in nearby forests!
- Tour Royal Deeside: Royal Deeside is an excellent day trip from Ballater and offers a huge variety of things to do. There are castles, parks, gardens and more that will keep you busy for the whole day!
- Visit Glen Muick: This beautiful glen is on one side of Lochnagar National Park – another great place to visit when in Royal Deeside. The scenery here is stunning all year round and there are plenty of trails to hike for those looking for a challenge.
- Go Fishing: There’s no better way to spend a summer afternoon than by the River Dee, fishing from its banks. You don’t need any experience or special license – just bring your rod and enjoy this peaceful pastime!
- Explore Drum Castle: This historic castle is open to the public and well worth a visit. There’s a lot of history here as well as beautiful gardens, so it’s perfect for a day out with the family.
- Indulge in some Local Cuisine: Ballater has some excellent restaurants serving up traditional Scottish cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or something lighter, you’ll find something to suit your taste.
- Visit Balmoral Castle: Balmoral Castle is a Ballater attraction that shouldn’t be missed. Queen Elizabeth II spends her summer holidays here, so even if you’re not lucky enough to see the inside of the castle, it’s still interesting just to visit!
- Go on a Ballater Golfing Holiday: With over 30 golf courses within an hour radius of Ballater and some historic links courses, Ballater is the perfect destination for a golfing holiday!
- Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre: The only place in the UK where you can see free-roaming reindeer, this is one of our favorite Ballater activities. During your visit to the center, you’ll learn all about these amazing animals and even get to feed them some carrots.
- The Ballater restaurants are some of the best in all of Scotland. With so many different types of food available, you’ll never be bored with your meal options!
What are the best times to visit Ballater?
The best time to visit Ballater is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. Springs are special because of the abundance of wildflowers, and in summer you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. If you’re looking to see the autumn colors, Ballater is also a great place to visit in September and October. Winters can be cold and snowy, so make sure you pack your winter gear if you’re visiting during this time!
However, there are things to do in Ballater all year round so don’t let the cold weather stop you from visiting. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, Ballater accommodation is available to suit all needs.
As for the Ballater Accommodation options, Riverside Cottage and Dormie Cottage are among the outstanding options. Each of them can accommodate up to 6 people. So, these are best for family or friends’ tours to Ballater. The location of both the cottages is ideal as you can enjoy both nature and city life.
You can relax on a cozy living room sofa, watching your favorite Netflix shows after hiking cairngorms. The kitchen is equipped with everything you need to prepare a meal and has enough dining space for 6 people. You can also dine in a secluded private garden. These Cottages provide a hot tub which is not easy to find in Ballater accommodation options.
The Ballater Accommodation also offers a barbeque for you to enjoy your meals in the garden. The cottages are close to all amenities and have easy access from Ballater town center.
If you are looking for a Ballater accommodation that can offer more than just a place to sleep, then look no further! These cottages provide everything you need and more while also being pet friendly. With so much to do in Ballater, you’re sure to have a great time during your stay!