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Braemar in Royal Deeside, Scotland and holiday cottages
Wild and exhilarating, the hills surrounding Braemar offer lovely views. The heather clad hills are at their best towards the end of the summer when the hills are covered in a dense pink carpet of flowering heather. This is a fabulous area for an outdoor activity holiday walking, cycling or skiing.
Find holiday cottages in Braemar
Sheep roam freely over the hillsides. There is absolutely nothing for miles except moor, deer and more wildlife.
Small streams trickle their way down the hills.
Long abandoned stone cottages gradually collapse back into the land leaving ruined shells in amongst the gorse and heather.
The town of Braemar with its solid granite houses is cheery with a touristy feel despite the harsh weather conditions in winter. It is a small town with a few shops, tea rooms, hotels and a couple of art galleries and welcomes visitors all year round for both sun and snow. Souvenirs for tourists are on sale in various shops and range from the usual tartan rugs and clothing to crystal light catchers.
The Highland Heritage Centre which houses the tourist office and souvenir shops provides a small audio visual exhibition about the attractions of the area, including its royal connections.
The Linn of Dee is a must place to see during a holiday to Deeside
The River Dee, in turbulent mode in Braemar, flows over its rocky bed through the town.
The Linn of Dee, about 6 miles west of Braemar, is a popular spot with walkers and day trippers, where the Dee is forced through a narrow rocky gully to produce fierce and turbulent currents. There is a plaque here as a memorial to the deaths of two youngsters from drowning and a warning to others. Further along the path, the Dee is shallow and ideal for paddling.
Another beautiful location is the Linn of Quoich on the nearby Mar Lodge Estate. Go for rambles in the hills, wildlife spotting and picnics.
To the north of the town, Braemar Castle with its fairytale turrets (open daily, except Fridays, Easter to September, 10 am - 6 pm, free car park, small admission fee) offers a good historical introduction to the area.
The ski slopes of Glenshee lie a few miles to the south of Braemar. Skiing in Scotland has been very good during the last couple of winters when there has been, if anything, too much snow. Here you can hire ski equipment, take lessons in skiing and snowboarding, enjoy refreshments and purchase ski wear and accessories. The best months for skiing are January to March.
If you have visited a place that you have particularly enjoyed, then please tell us about it. Photographs would be most welcome.
Click here for a list of Scottish self-catering holiday cottages and apartments.
A small sample of some of the cottages and self catering accommodation we have to rent near Braemar, Scotland
Self-catering holidays in Royal Deeside, Scotland
Book a self-catering log cabin in Dinnet, Royal Deeside as a treat for the one you love
Just half an hour’s drive from Braemar, Royal Deeside Woodland Lodges are well located for discovering both Royal Deeside and the eastern part of the Cairngorms National Park in and around Braemar. Enjoy excellent walks, cycling and hiking opportunities in and around Braemar on days out from Dinnet where Royal Deeside Woodland Lodges are based.
With 2 bedrooms, the wooden holiday lodges near Dinnet sleep up to 4 in comfortable accommodation. These lodges are well equipped to ensure that you have a pleasant enjoyable stay and are centrally heated so you can be assured of a cosy place to stay.
On days out on your lodge holiday discover some of the highlights of Royal Deeside plus the many attractions of the Cairngorms National Park which include the beautiful town of Braemar.
See our holiday cottages in Dinnet
