Scotland: Royal Deeside Guide

Among these is the 13th-century Drum Castle, near Banchory; or Crathes Castle, with an intriguing red stone tower; or Craigievar Castle, close to Alford, considered the most beautiful castle in the Scottish baronial style, and, of course, the massive Balmoral Castle, on the outskirts of Craithie, the summer residence of the English royal family. In 1852, the original core was rebuilt and expanded at the behest of Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria.
In August, the castle is closed to the public; only the gardens and the Ball Room are open for visits. There is also a café to rest and have a bite. The nearby whisky distillery Royal Lochnagar Distillery is also worth a visit. Finally, in the nearby Braemar, it’s worth stopping by to immerse yourself in a typically Victorian atmosphere; it was the queen herself who made this tiny village famous, which every September, during the Highland Gathering, sees crowds of tourists and curious visitors gather to watch traditional games and competitions, such as the caber toss and the captivating Scottish dances.