Food & Drinks
Where to eat and drink in Ballater and Crathie.
The Fish Shop, Ballater
Arguably the best restaurant in Royal Deeside. Everything is delicious, fresh and sustainably sourced. Service is friendly and fun but professional. If there is one restaurant to choose during your stay in Ballater, it would be the Fish Shop. Make sure to get a crab crumpet or two.
Darroch Learg, Ballater
The conservatory dining room is set in their beautiful gardens. The food has always been top notch which sets the Darroch Learg's reputation for one of the best places to eat in Ballater. Highly recommend their Sunday roast.
Tarmachan Cafe, Crathie
An architect's studio hosting a delicious cafe. They have a make-from-scratch philosophy, started doing homemade ice creams in the Summer and have the best cups of coffee in Royal Deeside. On a sunny day, their outdoor terrace is heaven.
The Strong Water Co., Ballater
This is a liquor shop, not a restaurant or bar. But paying brothers Mungo & Guy a visit is a must. Organise a tasting, watch out for their wine & cheese nights and if you're lucky, you'll be directed to their speakeasy...
Balmoral Arms, Ballater
A traditional pub for a quintessential Scottish hotel. If you are looking for tartan and a cold beer, the Balmoral Arms is where to go!
Clachan Grill, Ballater
For an evening without fuss, we choose the Clachan Grill. Its location is conveniently close, the atmosphere is intimate yet traditional and the food is delicious.
Sheridan Butcher, Ballater
Looking for meat and local produce? Head to Sheridan's. They also hold a Royal Warrant, meaning they supply the Royal Family when they're in town.
Walks
Where to walk in Ballater and Crathie.There are millions of walks to do in and around Ballater and Crathie. These are only our favourite ones. For more recommendations, click here.
Balmoral Estate, Crathie
With a lot of work done in the gardens the past few years, a stroll on Balmoral estate is a must.
Balmoral Cairn Walk, Crathie
Steep but short, the Balmoral Cairn walk holds high rewards: the views at Prince Alberts Cairn.
Loch Muick, Ballater
Dramatic landscape awaits at Loch Muick, a 3 hour walk at the bottom of the mighty Lochnagar, the White Mountain.
Burn O Vat, Ballater
For natural rock formation and waterfalls, the Burn O'Vat walk is just a short drive away and family friendly.
Seven Bridges and Knock Castle
A great way to discover Ballater on foot is to do the Seven Bridges walk. Make sure to add a small detour to Knock Castle.
Craigendarroch Woods, Ballater
A short hill walk through the Craigendarroch oakwoods for rewarding views over the village of Ballater.
Shop
Where to shop in Ballater and Crathie.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Crathie
Strong Water Co., Ballater
Ballater Station
