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Braemar

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City
—°12
Braemar (United Kingdom)
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Practical info — Braemar

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • If you plan to visit for the Braemar Gathering (early September), book your accommodation and tickets almost a year in advance. The village gets extremely busy.
  • The weather in the Cairngorms National Park can change in an instant. Always be prepared for all four seasons when heading out on a mountain walk.
  • Explore the 'Snow Roads', a scenic driving route through the eastern Cairngorms, taking in some of the highest public roads in Britain. It's spectacular, but check conditions in winter.
  • Watch out for deer on the roads at dusk and dawn. There is a large population in the area.

🍽 Food

🍽
Aberdeen Angus Beef

This world-famous breed of cattle originates from this region of Scotland. Treat yourself to a steak or a Sunday roast at one of the village's hotel restaurants or pubs.

🍽
River Dee Salmon

The River Dee is renowned for its salmon. Look for locally smoked or grilled salmon on the menus of the more upmarket restaurants in the area.

🍽
Cranachan

This classic Scottish dessert made with oats, cream, whisky and raspberries is a must-try. Look for it in pubs serving traditional food.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Tartan and Highland Wear

Braemar is a hub for traditional Scottish attire. You'll find several shops specialising in kilts, tweed jackets, and tartan accessories.

🛍
Royal Lochnagar Distillery

Just a short drive from Braemar, near Balmoral, you can visit the distillery and purchase their Highland Single Malt whisky, often referred to as a 'royal' dram.

🧘
Linn of Dee

A short drive west of Braemar, this is where the River Dee rushes through a narrow gorge. There are lovely walks and it's a peaceful spot for a picnic and to enjoy the scenery.

🧘
Morrone Birkwood Nature Reserve

Take a walk through this ancient birch woodland on the side of Morrone hill. The paths offer memorable views over the Dee valley and it's an important wildlife habitat.

🧘
Clunie Water walk

Follow the small river that runs through Braemar. An easy, flat walk along its banks has a quick escape from the busy village centre, especially during the Highland Games.

Perched at 339 metres in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is one of Scotland’s highest and coldest villages. It is synonymous with Royal Deeside, as Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family, is located just 9 miles away. The village hosts the world-renowned 'Braemar Gathering' every September, a premier Highland Games event historically attended by the reigning Monarch. Visitors can explore the 17th-century Braemar Castle or visit the Highland Games Centre to learn about the heritage of 'tossing the caber'. The surrounding Cairngorm mountains provide exceptional terrain for Munro bagging, mountain biking, and skiing at nearby Glenshee. The village itself is home to the Fife Arms, a boutique hotel featuring a world-class art collection including works by Picasso and Freud. Gastronomy focuses on locally sourced venison and Highland beef. Accessible via the A93, the highest A-road in the UK. September is peak season for the games, while winter attracts snow sports enthusiasts.

Geography

Population
808
Coordinates
57.01000, -3.40000

Facts

  • One of the highest villages in Scotland
  • Home of the world-famous Braemar Gathering
  • Traditionally attended by the Monarch
  • Just 9 miles from Balmoral Castle
  • Features 17th-century Braemar Castle
  • Located in the Cairngorms National Park
  • Home to the art-filled Fife Arms Hotel
  • Primary base for the Glenshee Ski Centre

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Braemar (12)

Morrone Birkwood Site of Special Scientific Interest🌿 nature

Morrone Birkwood is a protected nature reserve situated on the slopes of the Morrone hill in Braemar.

Braemar Highland Heritage Centre🏛 museum

Heritage centre in Braemar showcasing local history, including the Highland Games and royal connections.

Vickers Wellington R1656 Memorial🏺 historical

The Vickers Wellington R1656 Memorial is a monument in Braemar commemorating a historic aviation site.

St Andrew's RC Church⛪ religious

Roman Catholic church in Braemar, often visited during the Highland Games.

Braemar Castle📍 landmark

17th-century castle with a diamond-shaped plan and a star-shaped curtain wall.

Invercauld Monument🏺 historical

Stone obelisk monument (Invercauld Monument) on a hillside near Braemar overlooking the Dee Valley.

Invercauld House🏰 castle

Invercauld House, also known as Invercauld Castle, is a grand historic estate located in Braemar.

Morrone🌿 nature

A notable mountain providing wonderful scenic views and excellent hiking trails in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland.

Kindrochit Castle🏺 historical

The fascinating historic ruins of a medieval tower house located in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Braemar War Memorial

A solemn and respectful memorial monument honoring the fallen heroes, situated proudly in the village of Braemar.

Five Cairns

An excellent scenic viewpoint near Braemar, offering sweeping panoramas of the surrounding Scottish landscapes.

Braemar Parish Church⛪ religious

A lovely traditional parish church situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, featuring beautiful regional architecture.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Braemar Gathering take place?
The famous Highland Games take place on the first Saturday in September each year.
Is there a castle in Braemar?
Yes, Braemar Castle is an imposing 17th-century fortress.
Is Braemar one of the coldest places in Scotland?
Yes, it often holds the records for the lowest temperatures in winter.
What is the Fife Arms Hotel?
A luxury, artistically restored hotel famous for its interior design.
Can you go hiking nearby?
Yes, it's a handy base for exploring the Cairngorm mountains.
Braemar: where is it located?
Braemar is located in United Kingdom, United Kingdom.
Braemar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Morrone Birkwood Site of Special Scientific Interest, Braemar Highland Heritage Centre, Vickers Wellington R1656 Memorial.
Braemar: why is it worth visiting?
Perched at 339 metres in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar is one of Scotland’s highest and coldest villages.
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