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City guide

Ballater, Scotland

Ballater is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on the River Dee, immediately east of the Cairngorm Mountains. Situated at an elevation of 213 metres, Ballater is a centre for hikers and known for its spring water, once said to cure scrofula.

Type CityPopulation 1,400

Why go

  • Village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
  • Known for Craigievar Castle, castles, Cairngorms National Park, Abergeldie Castle.
  • 1 curated must-see attraction on record, including Balmoral Castle.
  • Served by Aboyne Airfield.

History

Ballater is a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on the River Dee, immediately east of the Cairngorm Mountains. Situated at an elevation of 213 metres, Ballater is a centre for hikers and known for its spring water, once said to cure scrofula. It is home to more than 1400 inhabitants and has had a long connection with the British royal family.

Must-see attractions

Outdoor

Restaurants & places to go

Fish, Restaurant · Opening hours: Tu 18:00-00:00; We-Su 12:00-15:00,18:00-00:00 · 3 Netherley Place, Ballater, AB35 5QE · fishshopballater.co.uk
Indoor
Restaurant · Features: outdoor seating · 5 Bridge Square, Ballater, AB35 5QJ · clachangrill.com
Indoor

12 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →

Airports

Aboyne Airfield 7.8 mi to the centre
Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, SCT, GB
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Aboyne Airfield. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Ballater, Scotland. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach