Grampian
Grampian
The Grampian region, located in the northeastern part of Scotland, is one of the most diverse areas of the country, offering a blend of coastlines, mountains, quaint villages, and formidable castles. Named after the majestic Grampian Mountains that dominate the western edge of the region, it has a distinctive character that combines the best of the Lowlands and the Highlands.
Geographically, the Grampian region stretches from the east coast of Scotland to the boundary of the Highlands, encompassing Aberdeenshire and Moray and covering a vast expanse that includes some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.
The Cairngorm National Park forms the backbone of the region and is a key attraction for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, climbing, and wildlife spotting, especially at places like Ben Macdui (one of Scotland’s tallest mountains at 4,295 feet) and the pretty village of Braemar – officially the coldest place in Britain.
Flowing through the heart of the region is the River Spey, renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing, and the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail which takes visitors through a collection of distilleries where they can explore the process of whisky-making and sample some of the world’s finest single malts.
The region’s coastline is equally captivating as it’s home to a rich variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, and a plethora of bird species. The coastline also boasts some stunning beaches, with Lossiemouth East Beach and Balmedie Beach near Aberdeen being two highlights.
The city of Aberdeen, meanwhile, offers visitors the chance to enjoy historic attractions like the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the stunning architecture of Marischal College, and the step-back-in-time atmosphere of Footdee village.
No visit to the Grampian region would be complete without exploring its wealth of historic castles. The Castle Trail is a unique journey through Scotland’s history, taking in 19 magnificent fortresses including the royal Balmoral Castle and the stunning Dunnottar Castle which is located at the top of a rocky headland near the town of Stonehaven.
Find places to visit and things to do in Grampian with these visitor guides.
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11 Best Free Things to Do in Aberdeenshire & Moray
Visiting Scotland’s tourist attractions can be an expensive business, especially for those visitors travelling with a family. In this article you will discover a list of completely free-to-visit attractions in Aberdeenshire and Moray that are suitable for all ages, including historic buildings, walking routes, museums, and public parks.
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Aberdeenshire Castle Trail
The scenic region of Aberdeenshire on the northeast corner of Scotland is a firm favourite with visitors thanks to the remarkable number of historic castles dotted around the coastline. Discover Scotland’s castle trail in Aberdeenshire with this guide which includes facts about each castle on the trail along with the history of Scottish castles and…
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Banff Heritage Trail
Take a walk through the historic harbour town of Banff in northeast Scotland with this heritage trail which leads you through the historic town centre as well as along the coastline and the harbour. There’s a huge amount of history in this wee town including a pre-reformation market cross, a tollbooth, the gorgeous 18th-century Duff…
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Braemar
Braemar is a small village in Aberdeenshire that is located near the River Dee. The village is a popular tourist destination due to the number of outdoor activities on offer with hikers using the village as a base to explore Glen Tilt, Glen Dee, Glen Derry and Glen Feshie. The annual Highland Games Gathering is…
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Cullen
Although the fishing village of Cullen in Moray is famous for its Cullen Skink soup, visitors can also enjoy its golden beaches and extensive golf course. Discover this hidden gem in Banffshire with this guide which includes an overview and good-to-know visiting advice.
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Dallas Dhu Distillery
Step back in time with a visit to Dallas Dhu distillery, the 19th-century whisky distillery that became a tourist attraction after spirit production ended in 1983. Discover the historic attraction in this guide which includes an overview and helpful visiting advice.
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Duff House
Duff House is a magnificent Georgian mansion situated in the north-Scotland coastal town of Banff. The mansion is home to a large collection of artworks and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Discover this grand mansion house with this guide which includes an overview and helpful visiting advice.
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Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle is set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the North Sea near the coastal town of Stonehaven. The 15th-century castle was the home of the Earls Marischal and it offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s past.
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East Beach, Lossiemouth
Lossiemouth East Beach is situated on the shores of the coastal village of Lossiemouth in the Morayshire region of northeast Scotland. This wide, golden expanse of clean sand is a popular spot for summer tourists, but it’s also worth visiting at all times of year for anyone looking for an enjoyable walk by the sea.
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Elgin Cathedral
Named the ‘Lantern of the North’, Elgin Cathedral has dominated the Morayshire town of Elgin for nearly 800 years and is one of the city’s top attractions. Discover this fascinating cathedral in this guide which includes an overview and helpful visiting advice.
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Facts About Aberdeen
Nestled against the sparkling North Sea and surrounded by the rolling fields of Aberdeenshire lies the vibrant and historic city of Aberdeen. Known as the ‘Granite City’ due to its iconic silver-grey stone architecture, Aberdeen is a must-visit destination for all visitors to Scotland as it offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and lots…
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Portsoy
Portsoy Harbour is a picturesque 17th-century fishing harbour on the Moray coastline which hosts the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival annually in July. Discover the historic village of Portsoy with this guide which includes an overview and useful visiting tips.
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Speyside Whisky Trail Best Distilleries
Speyside is famous within whisky-drinking circles for having the largest number of operational distilleries out of all six whisky-producing regions, with two of the most-consumed brands in the world originating from the area. Discover everything you need to know about Speyside single malt Scotch whisky with this article which explores the best distilleries on the…
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Spynie Palace
Spynie Palace, near Elgin in the Moray region of Scotland, was home to the bishops of Moray for over 500 years. The palace is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public for self-guided tours. Discover Spynie Palace with this guide which includes an overview, visiting advice, and 360° photos.
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