Top reasons to visit Braemar
- Outdoor Adventure: Braemar is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing, horse riding, and hiking through stunning landscapes.
- Stunning Scenery: Experience breathtaking views of majestic mountains and national parks that define the beauty of the region.
- Rich Cultural Experiences: Engage in local traditions at events like the Braemar Gathering, celebrating Scottish heritage.
- Charming Village Atmosphere: Enjoy the welcoming vibe of Braemar and nearby Ballater, filled with friendly locals and historical sites.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a range of lodging options, from luxurious hotels to cozy hostels, catering to every traveler's needs.
Find great hotels near Braemar
Discover a variety of accommodation options in Braemar, Scotland, perfect for your getaway. From family-friendly hotels to cozy hostels, you'll find a range of choices to suit your needs. Many establishments offer pet-friendly services and adventure-filled experiences, ensuring a memorable stay. Whether you're looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, Braemar has the perfect hotel to make your vacation truly special.
- Coylumbridge Resort Hotel: Nestled 30.6km from Braemar, the Coylumbridge Resort Hotel is a 4-star family-friendly destination that perfectly blends adventure and relaxation. Ideal for families and business travelers alike, this resort offers a plethora of amenities for children, including a mini-golf course and a shared playground. The nearby sledding opportunities and a pool specifically designed for younger guests ensure that kids have a blast while parents unwind. With its engaging environment and comprehensive family services, this hotel is an excellent choice for a memorable vacation experience.
- Macdonald Aviemore Hotel: Located 33.8km from Braemar, Macdonald Aviemore Hotel is a 4-star lodging that caters to both business and family travelers. This hotel features a variety of child-friendly amenities, including a dedicated children's pool, arcade game room, and a shared playground. The property's focus on family fun is complemented by essential services like a first aid kit, ensuring peace of mind during your stay. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and convenient facilities, Macdonald Aviemore Hotel is a fantastic option for a family vacation.
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland: Situated only 20.9km from Braemar, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland offers a unique spa-themed experience in a 3.5-star setting. This LGBTQIA-welcoming property is perfect for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, featuring a full-service spa with massages, sauna, and body treatments. Guests can also enjoy pool access during specific opening times. With its dedication to inclusivity and a tranquil ambiance, this hotel provides a refreshing escape for travelers wanting to unwind in a serene environment.
Where to stay in Braemar
Discover the charm of Braemar, a village perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Experience the excitement of the Braemar Gathering, a traditional Scottish event, while enjoying the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the village. Wander through nearby Ballater, where friendly locals and historical sites create a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're seeking adventure or a relaxing getaway, Braemar offers an unforgettable vacation spot in the heart of Scotland.
- Inverey: Nestled about 8.0km from Braemar, Inverey is a charming village that captures the essence of Scotland's natural beauty. The travel experience here is marked by its seasonal peaks, particularly from April and during the summer months of July and August. Visitors flock to Inverey for adventures in the great outdoors, with stunning scenery that includes a nearby national park and nature reserve for hiking and exploration. Popular activities include skiing at local ski fields, making it an ideal spot for both winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
- Ballater: As a vibrant city situated in the heart of Ballater, you'll find a wealth of activities just a stone’s throw from Braemar. While visitor numbers peak in the summer from June to August, Ballater offers year-round attractions and experiences. This area is perfect for those seeking adventure and outdoor activities, including skiing and golf. The proximity to a national park and a historic castle adds cultural richness to your visit, making it a great base for exploring the Scottish Highlands.
- Spittal of Glenshee: Located approximately 22.5km from Braemar, Spittal of Glenshee is a picturesque village that welcomes travelers year-round, with peaks in visitor numbers during the winter and summer months. Known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures, this destination is ideal for skiing and hiking. The nearby national park and historical castles enrich the area's offerings, ensuring a diverse experience for visitors eager to explore the rugged beauty of Scotland.
Things to do in and around Braemar
Braemar, Scotland, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering stunning scenery and adventure activities. Visitors can enjoy skiing on nearby slopes, playing a round of golf at the local course, and experiencing the thrill of horse riding. For those looking to check off their bucket list, Braemar provides a perfect backdrop for memorable experiences amidst its breathtaking landscapes.
Shopping
Braemar offers charming local shops like The Braemar Gallery for unique art and gifts. If you're up for a drive, head to Ballater where you can explore the Ballater Market for local produce and crafts, or visit The Old Royal Station for a delightful shopping experience.
Recreation
Experience the scenic Braemar Golf Club, where you can enjoy a round of golf amidst breathtaking landscapes. For a change of pace, head to Ballater Golf Club, located 22.5km away, or Abernethy Golf Club, 32.2km from Braemar, both offering excellent outdoor vibes and sports activities.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of skiing at Baddoch Chairlift, located 12.9km from Braemar, offering stunning views and adventure vibes. For more skiing excitement, head to Butcharts Access Poma and Butchart's Tow, both 12.9km away, where you can enjoy fantastic slopes and exhilarating winter sports.
Nightlife
While Braemar itself is a quaint village, a short drive to Pitlochry Festival Theatre, located 40.2km away, offers a delightful night filled with romance and culture. Enjoy captivating performances that showcase local talent and immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment scene of Scotland.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Braemar
To save money on your trip to Braemar, visit during the cheaper months of January, March, or November. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, so plan accordingly. Use Expedia's search tool to compare prices, filter by budget, or choose eco-friendly options. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional discounts, and explore car rental deals for better travel flexibility.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Braemar are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Braemar is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Braemar is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Braemar is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to filter your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Braemar hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions near Braemar
Braemar offers a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and scenery lovers. Visitors can explore stunning castles, the breathtaking landscape of national parks, and majestic mountains. The area is rich in cultural experiences, providing a blend of nature and heritage that caters to all types of travelers. Whether hiking through scenic trails or discovering local history, Braemar promises unforgettable experiences for everyone.
- Cairngorms National Park: Experience breathtaking scenery and a wealth of outdoor adventures in this stunning national park. With its dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife, it's a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting.
- Balmoral Castle: Immerse yourself in the culture and romance of Balmoral Castle, a beautiful royal residence surrounded by lush gardens. Discover its rich history and enjoy the picturesque setting that has captivated visitors for generations.
- Mar Lodge Estate: Enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Mar Lodge Estate. This family-friendly lodge offers stunning views and outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for families to create lasting memories together.
Best time to go to Braemar
The best time to visit Braemar is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is very cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is very cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Braemar
Traveling to Braemar can be convenient by flying into several nearby airports. Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is located 75.6km away, with excellent hotel options like the 5-star Marcliffe Hotel, 9.7km from the airport, and Village Hotel Aberdeen, 6.4km away. Inverness Airport (INV) is 72.4km from Braemar, offering luxury stays at Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, each 12.9km from the airport. Dundee Airport (DND), 66.0km away, features the 5-star Hideaway Experience Lodge, just 8.0km from the airport. These accommodations provide various transportation services to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.