Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside Tour

From£56.76
9 hours
Aberdeen, United Kingdom

About this activity

Experience Scotland's rich history and stunning landscapes on a guided tour from Aberdeen, featuring Dunnottar Castle and the Royal Deeside region.

Highlights

  • Explore historic Dunnottar Castle
  • Scenic drive through Royal Deeside
  • Visit Braemar's picturesque village
  • Discover Balmoral Castle's surroundings
  • Enjoy panoramic Scottish landscapes

Full description

Join a captivating journey from Aberdeen to the iconic Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea. Explore its storied past, from medieval stronghold to its role in the Jacobite uprisings. Continue through the picturesque Royal Deeside, renowned for its royal connections and breathtaking scenery. Visit the charming village of Braemar, nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, and admire the surrounding landscapes that have inspired poets and artists alike. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Dunnottar Castle
  • Visit to Royal Deeside's scenic spots
  • Transportation from Aberdeen
  • Meals and personal expenses

Itinerary

1

This clifftop fortress has seen the greats of Scotland’s history pass through its gates. Perched on an impregnable clifftop overlooking the North Sea, it’s an unmissable sight.

Duration: 1h 15mAdmission: NO
2

Stretch your legs and breathe in the invigorating Highland air at these magnificent waterfalls.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: Gaze in awe at Scotland’s most beautifully rounded peaks.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

This landscape has been shaped by ice, wind and water. It truly is one of Scotland’s most impressive National Nature Reserves.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
  • Be prepared for a full-day excursion with limited food options.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
  • Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
  • Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
  • We welcome up to 16 passengers on board. However, in order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers.
  • Dunnottar Castle: We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour.
  • The total duration of the tour includes the travel to destination, duration in each attractions and comfort breaks along the way

Traveler reviews

4.9
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Great places we visited ....

Great places we visited . Very nice guide . We could have spent more time at the places we visited . Too much rushing .

OSinan_TMay 15, 2026VIATOR

Dunnotter Castle & Royal Deeside

Great tour. Great tour guide, Allen. A lot of great photo stops. Enough bathroom stops which was appreciated.

Sightseer25839461541Apr 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Once in a lifetime.

Excellent experience with a well versed guide. The guides know the ins and outs of local sites and stories. Darryl our Guide was the best for knowledge, fun and laughter.

Timothy_CApr 13, 2026VIATOR

Perfect day to visit stunning castles

The tour is very nice, Bruce was our guide and was very friendly throughout. Dunnottar Castle was very interesting and with amazing views. We had the opportunity to enter the balmoral castle, to our surprise it was open and the whole group requested with the guide if it was possible to enter and so we did for 1 hr. Very nice experience

Jose SApr 1, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fun Dsy

Darryl was friendly and a great guide. The castles and other stops were wonderful. He even took us to see some highland cows. Fun day!!

betsys990Mar 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Minimum age is 5 years Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person on our tours. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus a small bag for onboard personal items. We welcome up to 16 passengers on board. However, in order to retain the integrity of the tour and try to ensure that all our customers have the best possible experience, we do cap bookings from any one party to 8 passengers. Dunnottar Castle: We reserve tickets for you. If you want to visit this attraction, please purchase your ticket whilst on tour. The total duration of the tour includes the travel to destination, duration in each attractions and comfort breaks along the way