Top reasons to visit Braemar
- Outdoor Adventures: Braemar is perfect for nature lovers, offering thrilling activities like skiing, golfing, and scenic hiking trails.
- Stunning Landscapes: The village boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with majestic mountains and picturesque scenery.
- Cultural Experiences: Visitors can immerse themselves in Scottish culture, particularly during the famous Braemar Gathering.
- Historical Attractions: Explore local castles and historical sites that reflect the rich heritage of the area.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from cozy hotels to budget-friendly hostels, catering to various travel needs.
Find great hotels near Braemar
In Braemar, you'll discover a variety of accommodation options, from cozy hotels to budget-friendly hostels, all designed to cater to your travel needs. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly stays, family-oriented services, or an adventurous vacation experience, Braemar's hotels offer something for everyone. Explore the best luxury hotels and charming lodgings to create the perfect getaway in this picturesque Scottish destination.
- Coylumbridge Resort Hotel: Embrace a family-friendly atmosphere at the Coylumbridge Resort Hotel, a 4-star retreat located 30.6km from Braemar. This hotel is perfect for families traveling with pets, offering a wide array of child-friendly amenities such as a mini-golf course, a dedicated children's pool, and a shared playground. With its welcoming approach to pets, including specific policies for dogs and cats, the hotel ensures that every family member can enjoy the stay. Guests appreciate the spacious accommodations and the nearby sledding opportunities, making it a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Macdonald Aviemore Hotel: The Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, situated 33.8km from Braemar, is a 4-star destination that warmly welcomes families and the LGBTQIA community. This hotel emphasizes inclusivity while providing an array of amenities for children, including a fun-filled arcade game room and a shared playground. Families can unwind by the pool, ensuring that both kids and adults can relax and have fun. Its affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides highlights the hotel's commitment to diversity, making it a welcoming place for all travelers.
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland: Experience tranquility at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland, a 3.5-star hotel located 20.9km from Braemar. This spa-themed getaway is perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and wellness. The property boasts a full-service spa offering a range of treatments, including facials and sauna access, ensuring guests can indulge in self-care during their stay. Welcoming to the LGBTQIA community, this hotel provides a serene escape for those looking to unwind in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Where to stay in Braemar
Braemar, a charming village in Scotland, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the warm atmosphere of friendly locals while exploring historical sites or enjoying romantic excursions. Don't miss the famous Braemar Gathering, a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture. Whether you're seeking a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Braemar and its surrounding areas provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences in the United Kingdom.
- Inverey: Nestled about 8.0km from Braemar, Inverey is a charming village that offers a blend of adventure and breathtaking scenery. With moderate seasonal traveler arrivals, it draws visitors particularly in April and during the summer months from July to August. Outdoor enthusiasts flock here for skiing and access to stunning trails within the nearby national park. The area's natural beauty is complemented by historical landmarks, including a picturesque castle, making it a perfect stop for those seeking both adventure and culture.
- Ballater: As a vibrant city located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Ballater welcomes travelers year-round with a notable peak in visitors during June to August. Known for its outdoor activities, including skiing and golfing, Ballater is a paradise for adventure seekers. The city features a charming high street, lined with shops and eateries, offering local delicacies and crafts. Plus, its proximity to castles and state parks adds an enchanting touch to any visit, making it a delightful hub for exploration.
- Spittal of Glenshee: Located 22.5km from Braemar, Spittal of Glenshee is a quaint village that attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. Though it experiences a slight peak in traveler arrivals from January to February and in July, the village is a year-round destination for those seeking skiing, trail access, and spectacular views. The surrounding national parks and historical castles enhance the allure, providing a perfect backdrop for hiking and exploring the stunning Scottish landscape.
Things to do in and around Braemar
Braemar offers a fantastic outdoor adventure experience, perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Popular activities include skiing at the local ski field, enjoying a round of golf, and exploring scenic trails. Don't miss the chance to go horse riding, which is a must-do on your bucket list. With its stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities, Braemar is an ideal destination for an unforgettable vacation.
Shopping
Braemar offers charming local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs, like the Braemar Craft Centre featuring handmade items. If you're up for a drive, visit the Banchory Town Centre, about 25.7km away, where you'll find a variety of boutiques and specialty stores.
Recreation
Braemar Golf Club offers a stunning golf experience with its scenic fairways and outdoor vibes, perfect for relaxation and recreation. For a broader experience, Ballater Golf Club, located 22.5km away, and Abernethy Golf Club, 32.2km away, both provide excellent golfing amidst breathtaking landscapes, enhancing your wellness retreat.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of skiing at Baddoch Chairlift, located 12.9km from Braemar, where you can enjoy breathtaking mountain views. For more skiing excitement, head to Butcharts Access Poma, also 12.9km away, or try Butchart's Tow, another fantastic ski lift with adventure vibes.
Nightlife
For a cultural night out, consider the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, located 40.2km from Braemar. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere with captivating performances that blend entertainment and art, perfect for a memorable evening in 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, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, March, or November. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can lead to better rates, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for additional savings. Don't forget to check Trivago for competitive prices and great deals on accommodations.
- 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Braemar hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Braemar
Braemar is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering stunning scenery and rich cultural experiences. Visitors can explore local attractions like castles, national parks, and majestic mountains. Whether you're interested in hiking, sightseeing, or immersing yourself in the area's culture, Braemar has a variety of points of interest that cater to every type of traveler looking for an unforgettable vacation in Scotland.
- Cairngorms National Park: Experience breathtaking landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures in Cairngorms National Park. With its rugged mountains, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, this park offers a perfect setting for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting, just 11.3km from Braemar.
- Balmoral Castle: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and romantic history of Balmoral Castle. This iconic royal residence, also located 11.3km from Braemar, showcases stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into Scotland's royal heritage.
- Mar Lodge Estate: Enjoy the warm hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere at Mar Lodge Estate, situated only 4.8km from Braemar. This charming lodge provides a perfect base for exploring the surrounding beauty of the Cairngorms while connecting with friendly locals.
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
To reach Braemar, you can fly into several major airports. Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) is 75.6km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Marcliffe, 9.7km from ABZ, and Trump Macleod House & Lodge, 12.9km away. INVerness Airport (INV) is 72.4km from Braemar, featuring 5-star options like Ness Walk and Rocpool Reserve, both 12.9km from INV. Dundee Airport (DND), located 66.0km away, offers hotels such as The Hideaway Experience, 8.0km from DND, and Premier Inn Dundee North, 3.2km away. Each airport has accessible transportation services to these hotels, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination.