Schotland: gids voor Royal Deeside

Among these, the 13th-century Drum Castle, near Banchory; or Crathes Castle, with a curious red stone tower; or Craigievar Castle, close to Alford, considered the most beautiful castle in Scottish baronial style and, naturally, the massive Balmoral Castle, at the gates of Craithie, the summer residence of the English royal family. In 1852, the original core was rebuilt and enlarged 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 cafeteria to rest and eat something. The nearby whisky distillery also deserves a look: the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. In the nearby Braemar, it is finally worth making a stop to immerse yourself in a typically Victorian atmosphere; it was the queen herself who made the fortunes of this tiny village which, every September, on the occasion of the Highland Gathering, sees crowds of tourists and curious people flock to watch traditional games and competitions, such as the tossing of the fir log and the enchanting Scottish dances.