Explore
at Buchan Braes

The coastal village of Boddam lies on the extreme outer shoulder of North East Scotland. With so much to explore on our doorstep, we have selected some of our favourites for you.

 

Golf

The North East of Scotland is home to over 50 golf courses and we are truly spoilt for choice. Located in the town of Peterhead is the 18th oldest 18-hole golf course in the world. Established in 1841, Peterhead Golf Course was extended to 18 holes in 1908 and today, the course is seen as a classic example of Scottish seaside golf at its best and one of the toughest. Less than a 10-minute drive from Buchan Braes Hotel sits Cruden Bay Golf Course.  This internationally renowned golf course is rated at No.56 in the world.  The courses at Cruden Bay are also loved for their magnificent scenery and panoramic views. Other golfing gems dotted along the North East include Newburgh-on-YthanFraserburghAlford, Royal TarlairTurriffHuntly and Cullen, all of which are a mixture of links and inland courses.

Castles

Aberdeenshire offers several castles to explore that are all within easy driving distance of the hotel.

Braemar Castle is an impressive, embattled old tower house, built and owned by the Erskine Earls of Mar and used as a government garrison after the Jacobite Risings, located in a scenic mountainous location near Braemar in Aberdeenshire in northern Scotland.

On the coast of Cruden Bay lie the remains of Slains Castle. The original castle has been reconstructed many times since its construction in 1597 by the Earl of Erroll. The castle is famous for many reasons, partly because it was a place where celebrities were entertained on numerous occasions in the 19th Century. Many believe that Bram Stoker used Slains Castle as the inspiration for the setting of the tale in Count Dracula (1897).

Balmoral Castle and Estate has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.

The grounds are now open to the public on specific dates over the autumn and winter months. You will be able to enjoy a relaxed walk in the grounds, view the exterior of the Castle and also have an opportunity to visit the Mews Gift Shop and Cafe.

For more information, click here.

Whisky

Why not visit one of the many Whisky Distilleries in and around Aberdeenshire, each with its own unique characteristics. Your visit to the North East of Scotland won’t be complete without a visit to one.

For more information, click here.