William’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Pennan is a tiny fishing hamlet just off the coast road, down a steep and hazardous hill. Consisting of little more than a single row of whitewashed stone cottages tucked between a cliff and the sea, the village leapt into the limelight when the British movie Local Hero was filmed here in 1982.
Pennan Bay
Pennan is a tiny fishing hamlet just off the coast road, down a steep and hazardous hill. Consisting of little more than a single row of whitewashed stone cottages tucked between a cliff and the sea, the village leapt into the limelight when the British movie Local Hero was filmed here in 1982.
The tiny village of Crovie (pronounced 'crivie'), whose residents frequently have their doorsteps washed by the sea, is just as appealing. Tucked against the steep cliffs, its so narrow that its residents have to park at one end of the village and continue to their houses on foot.
17 locals recommend
Crovie
The tiny village of Crovie (pronounced 'crivie'), whose residents frequently have their doorsteps washed by the sea, is just as appealing. Tucked against the steep cliffs, its so narrow that its residents have to park at one end of the village and continue to their houses on foot.
Gardenstown, locally known as Gamrie, was built into the old red sandstone cliffs. This traditional fishing village has much to explore - walks, heritage, arts and crafts, to name but a few. Together with the adjacent villages of Crovie and Pennan, it has proved to be a sought after film and TV location due to it’s natural beauty and heritage.
18 locals recommend
Gardenstown
Gardenstown, locally known as Gamrie, was built into the old red sandstone cliffs. This traditional fishing village has much to explore - walks, heritage, arts and crafts, to name but a few. Together with the adjacent villages of Crovie and Pennan, it has proved to be a sought after film and TV location due to it’s natural beauty and heritage.
This small secluded cove just to the west of Pennan is reached by a steep path from the cliff top car park. On the promontory overlooking the beach is Fort Fiddes, a fortified site for over 2,000 year.
Cullykhan Beach
This small secluded cove just to the west of Pennan is reached by a steep path from the cliff top car park. On the promontory overlooking the beach is Fort Fiddes, a fortified site for over 2,000 year.
Situated in the north east of Scotland on Banff Bay, the historic town is separated from the neighbouring village of Macduff by a pretty seven-arch bridge over the River Deveron and features fine examples of Georgian architecture which has attracted visitors for centuries, including Robert Burns, Lord Byron and more.
Boasting one of the best-preserved townscapes in Scotland, Banff is home to the former royal Banff Castle, a pre-Reformation market cross, a fine Biggar Fountain and several townhouses, along with a museum donated by Andrew Carnegie. The castle boasts a distinctive yellow façade which can be easily spotted as you enter the town from the east, and is said to be one of the finest townhouses in Scotland.
Nearby is the magnificent Duff House. One of Scotland’s finest classical houses designed in 1740 by William Adam as a seat for the Earls of Fife, this Georgian stately home houses a range of art treasures and superbly furnished rooms with extensive grounds offering pleasant parkland walks.
Historically, the town is known for being primarily dependant on fishing, but was once a trade centre for weavers, soapmakers and some of the most talented silvermakers in the country. Head to the community-run Banff Museum on the High Street to see some of the oldest surviving silver teapots in Scotland, as well as browsing examples of local work on display too. You can also uncover the story of the notorious Scottish outlaw, James MacPherson, and how he met his demise through replicas, objects and displays.
Tour around the town to witness stunning architecture, including the old harbour, which has recently been developed as a marina, and features a webcam so visitors can wave to their friends and family back home.
Did someone say golf? The area is home to two spectacular courses, Duff House Royal Golf Course and Royal Tarlair Golf Club, as well as a driving range to practice your swing! With the numerous golf courses in the area, the coastal town of Banff offers great golf playing facilities and wealth of history.
14 locals recommend
Banff
Situated in the north east of Scotland on Banff Bay, the historic town is separated from the neighbouring village of Macduff by a pretty seven-arch bridge over the River Deveron and features fine examples of Georgian architecture which has attracted visitors for centuries, including Robert Burns, Lord Byron and more.
Boasting one of the best-preserved townscapes in Scotland, Banff is home to the former royal Banff Castle, a pre-Reformation market cross, a fine Biggar Fountain and several townhouses, along with a museum donated by Andrew Carnegie. The castle boasts a distinctive yellow façade which can be easily spotted as you enter the town from the east, and is said to be one of the finest townhouses in Scotland.
Nearby is the magnificent Duff House. One of Scotland’s finest classical houses designed in 1740 by William Adam as a seat for the Earls of Fife, this Georgian stately home houses a range of art treasures and superbly furnished rooms with extensive grounds offering pleasant parkland walks.
Historically, the town is known for being primarily dependant on fishing, but was once a trade centre for weavers, soapmakers and some of the most talented silvermakers in the country. Head to the community-run Banff Museum on the High Street to see some of the oldest surviving silver teapots in Scotland, as well as browsing examples of local work on display too. You can also uncover the story of the notorious Scottish outlaw, James MacPherson, and how he met his demise through replicas, objects and displays.
Tour around the town to witness stunning architecture, including the old harbour, which has recently been developed as a marina, and features a webcam so visitors can wave to their friends and family back home.
Did someone say golf? The area is home to two spectacular courses, Duff House Royal Golf Course and Royal Tarlair Golf Club, as well as a driving range to practice your swing! With the numerous golf courses in the area, the coastal town of Banff offers great golf playing facilities and wealth of history.
This beautiful beach is a broad sandy bay with the exception of a few small areas of pebbles. Sandend Bay beach is set in the small fishing village of Sandend, located between Portsoy and Cullen on the Moray coast. This magnificent sandy beach is popular with families and surfers.
Sandend Bay
This beautiful beach is a broad sandy bay with the exception of a few small areas of pebbles. Sandend Bay beach is set in the small fishing village of Sandend, located between Portsoy and Cullen on the Moray coast. This magnificent sandy beach is popular with families and surfers.
Beautifully situated at the eastern end of Cullen Bay, the attractive seaside village of Cullen is famous for its dish. This fishing village on the Moray Firth is a popular tourist destination and a relaxing seaside holiday resort that is ideally situated for walking and playing golf.
21 locals recommend
Cullen beach
Beautifully situated at the eastern end of Cullen Bay, the attractive seaside village of Cullen is famous for its dish. This fishing village on the Moray Firth is a popular tourist destination and a relaxing seaside holiday resort that is ideally situated for walking and playing golf.
Castles
his magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire is a breathtaking vision of towers and turrets with a history stretching back 800 years. Fyvie is renowned for its lavish interiors, ornate ceilings and world-famous art collection, and offers a truly magical setting for weddings, corporate events and private parties.
41 locals recommend
Fyvie Castle
his magnificent fortress in the heart of Aberdeenshire is a breathtaking vision of towers and turrets with a history stretching back 800 years. Fyvie is renowned for its lavish interiors, ornate ceilings and world-famous art collection, and offers a truly magical setting for weddings, corporate events and private parties.
A magnificent ruin of a castle from the 12th-century motte to the palace block erected in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Gordon family The castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Find out more about our re-opening plans. The architectural details and heraldic enrichments are particularly impressive.
31 locals recommend
Huntly Castle
Castle StreetA magnificent ruin of a castle from the 12th-century motte to the palace block erected in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Gordon family The castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Find out more about our re-opening plans. The architectural details and heraldic enrichments are particularly impressive.
Impressive and well preserved, Castle Fraser is a tall and Massive Z-plan tower house, mostly dating from between 1575 and 1636. It consists of a large main block, a square tower at one corner, and a great round tower at the opposite corner.
29 locals recommend
Castle Fraser, Garden and Estate
Impressive and well preserved, Castle Fraser is a tall and Massive Z-plan tower house, mostly dating from between 1575 and 1636. It consists of a large main block, a square tower at one corner, and a great round tower at the opposite corner.
Ballindalloch Castle has been the home of the Macpherson-Grants since the Sixteenth Century and today is one of the finest surviving examples of a classic Scottish baronial castle. Situated on the banks of the River Avon, a short distance from its junction with the River Spey
61 locals recommend
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Ballindalloch Castle has been the home of the Macpherson-Grants since the Sixteenth Century and today is one of the finest surviving examples of a classic Scottish baronial castle. Situated on the banks of the River Avon, a short distance from its junction with the River Spey
Dating from about 1050, Delgatie is a uniquely Scottish Castle. It is the home of the late Captain and Mrs Hay of Delgatie, and is the Clan Hay Centre. It is set peacefully within its extensive estate, with gardens and many delightful walks for guests to enjoy.
6 locals recommend
Delgatie Castle Estates
Dating from about 1050, Delgatie is a uniquely Scottish Castle. It is the home of the late Captain and Mrs Hay of Delgatie, and is the Clan Hay Centre. It is set peacefully within its extensive estate, with gardens and many delightful walks for guests to enjoy.
Gordon Castle Walled Garden is the results of eight years hard work by Angus and Zara Gordon Lennox since they took over the running of Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers in 2008. Is one of the oldest and largest walled kitchen gardens in Britain.
34 locals recommend
Gordon Castle Walled Garden
A96Gordon Castle Walled Garden is the results of eight years hard work by Angus and Zara Gordon Lennox since they took over the running of Gordon Castle Estate, Fochabers in 2008. Is one of the oldest and largest walled kitchen gardens in Britain.
A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.
175 locals recommend
Dunnottar Castle
A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.