Ballater/Braemar holiday

[seeyouinanotherlifewhenwearebothcats]

Hi all! Anyone here from Ballater/Braemar direction in Scotland? I am planning a holiday for next summer to Craigendarroch lodges. We went there quite a bit as kids but my parents were keen golfers so there was a lot of that. Me and my husband don’t golf so were looking ideas of family things to do in the area particularly if the weather is poor. We’d like to hire bikes one day weather permitting. My kids will be 6, 5 and 1. Anyone any other ideas? Any advice much appreciated!

Oh how lovely! This is the first year we haven’t been to Ballater for a week with the children and I’m missing it. We usually just do lots of walking - the cairns are fab and have a wonderful history! Also mooching round the lovely little towns… which, to be fair, isn’t easy with little ones! Craigevar castle is also fab - it’s the real life inspiration for the Disney castle if I’m not wrong.

But our absolute favourite thing to do in this area of Scotland is a ‘brown sign day’ … not sure if this is an actual thing or just something we made up… but we set off in the car and literally follow the directions of each brown sign we see to see where we end up! There are so many brown signs in this area of Scotland. This was how we found Craigevar castle amongst other little wierd and wonderful cafes and activity parks xxx

The Burn O'Vat is worth a visit - we always enjoy the short walk & exploring the Vat. Make sure to take the kids wellies.

Huntly.
If you are willing to travel to the Huntly area - about an hour. Dean's shortbread factory does tours & the shortbread is available to buy in the gift shop. The cafe is also nice & reasonably priced.
The Nordic Ski Centre does tubing for the kids on the ski slop. Each session is approx 45 mins.
Just a bit further up the A96 from the Asda Huntly roundabout is the turning for the Falconry Centre. - virtually opposite Tesco Huntly branch. Flying displays are daily with knowledgable handlers. Shop/cafe with tea/coffee & ice cream.

Ballater
Check the dates next year for Ballater Victoria Week. Lots going on daily. There is also the Duck Festival which has a fete on the green with pipe bands.
Obviously Balmoral Castle & grounds just up the road.
There's the Cambus Cheese shop near Cambus O May. Some signposted forest walks along the same stretch of road.

Inverurie
There is a trampoline park in Inverurie (not far from Aberdeen). You book in advance on line.
Also Garioch Bowling in Inverurie just up the road from Tesco. Good for a wet day.

Alford
Ski centre with kids Tubing sessions.
Swimming pool
Haughton Park - nice to walk round with kids playground. Local Co Op handy for drinks & snacks.

Sorry, don't know much about Braemar other than it's beautiful.

Check out Ballater & Crathie FB page for what is on locally.There are kids activities run in the village which your little ones may enjoy.

Stonehaven outdoor pool is about an hour away. - seasonal. Alford Transport Museum and Railway is about 30 mins from Ballater. The Railway runs from the village to the local park with swings etc for the kids.

Your little ones won’t care but you can usually take a walk round Balmoral gardens if the King is not there .

If the weather really sucks, Satrosphere in Aberdeen, might appeal to the older two.
Or Dolphin watching near the bay in Aberdeen.

@HallidayJones6779

We never gave it an official name but we do that

Shrieks of LEFT NOW and see where you end up - there is so much fascinating stuff !

Wow I am blown away so much helpful advice, thank you all so much! Absolutely LOVE the idea of the brown sign game, DS would be thrilled with that as he loves a good spin. Thank you all

www.gtm.org.uk/
For rainy days &

www.stonehavenopenairpool.co.uk/
For nice weather.

Also, might be worth checking when the Highland Games are on on the village next year, and Victoria Week can be fun.

Oh, second Thursday of August for the Games, and from the 9th of August for Vicky Week: m.facebook.com/ballatervictoriaweek/

Pitlochry isn't far, and is nice for a visit.

Oh, beaten to the first too by @Dearg. Obh obh!

*two shakes fist at autocorrect

Great minds 😀

Lots of NTS properties in the area - Crathes, Drum, Castle Fraser, Cragievar, Fyvie - most have good kids play areas.

Loch Muick and Glen Tanar are lovely walks (or strolls given your DC ages) and picnic places.

Also second Skyline Trampoline park in Inverurie (book online) and Satrosphere in Aberdeen, and will throw in the Maritime Museum and Duthie Park.

Also, a bit further afield, Balmedie Beach is stunning, and a trip to the Ythan Estuary to see (and hear!) the seals.

Fantastic, thanks so much @MrsGhastlyCrumb , @Dearg and @SabrinaThwaite, I can’t wait to get planning.