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9 attractions Banchory locals love
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9 attractions Banchory locals love

6th Sep, 2024

Enjoying a prime location within the heart of Royal Deeside and offering beautiful landscapes and captivating scenery, the desirable town of Banchory on the banks of the River Dee has long been a popular choice to call home.

This Deeside town offers a wealth of benefits to the residents - and where you’ll find our most prestigious development to date, Inchmarlo, which enjoys a pretty woodland backdrop to fringe our range of 4 - 6 bedroom luxury homes, each boasting a quality internal specification.

To help you imagine what it could be like living in this idyllic Aberdeenshire town, we’ve shared 9 things to do in and around Banchory…

Banchory

A stroll along the bustling high street

For those hoping to settle down in a peaceful countryside location with a thriving town centre on the doorstep, Banchory’s high street is home to a wide range of charming independent shops, cosy coffee spots and eateries. Dating back to the 1800s, Banchory’s high street has remained a popular hotspot for visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re dining out at one of the established local restaurants with delicious fresh produce on offer, or browsing for unique treasures at the family-owned gift and furniture stores - Banchory’s main shopping area offers something for everybody!

Situated just a few minutes drive from Banchory’s high street, our distinguished Inchmarlo development is enviably positioned for those searching for a tranquil lifestyle near a plethora of desirable amenities.

Banchory high street

Enjoy a round at the nearby Banchory Golf Club

Set next to the scenic River Dee and offering stunning views of the surrounding Royal Deeside, Banchory Golf Club is renowned for its appealing parkland grass option for its players.

Regarded as one of the most picturesque courses in Scotland and spanning just under 5,900 yards, Banchory Golf Club has welcomed visitors and members for over a century. It challenges golfers of low and high handicaps ensuring a fun day out for all levels of experience, and is ideally situated a mere 3 minute drive from our Inchmarlo development - a prime location for golf enthusiasts!

Visit Banchory Lodge Hotel

Also located on the banks of the River Dee, the beautiful Banchory Lodge Hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and provides a tranquil setting for its guests. This must-visit attraction is host to a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, from exploring the beautiful Falls of Feugh, to enjoying the nearby nature trails and accessing prime fishing spots along the river.

Banchory Lodge Hotel’s peaceful setting allows both locals and those visiting from further afield to soak up the best of the Aberdeenshire countryside in luxury and style. With delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients and refreshing cocktails on offer, visitors can also enjoy some al fresco dining at Banchory Lodge Hotel’s covered patio area, the Sitooterie.

Banchory Lodge Hotel

Admire the Falls of Feugh

Located just a short walk from the centre of Banchory, the stunning Falls of Feugh offers a picturesque setting where the River Feugh flows over ancient rocks, creating a beautiful waterfall which is renowned in the area.

The perfect day out for nature enthusiasts, you can overlook the falls from the stone-built Bridge of Feugh footbridge, which stretches over the river and provides a perfect viewpoint for watching the salmon climb up the falls for spawning season from September to November and February to March. For easy accessibility, you’ll find a free car park nearby as well as a quaint tea room located just a short walk across the bridge.

Falls of Feugh

Learn about the Royal Deeside Railway

Are you a lover of all things historical? Situated at Milton of Crathes railway station, the Royal Deeside Railway is a heritage railway running alongside the River Dee, providing visitors with lovely views of the rolling hills surrounding the railway line. The Visitor Centre for this attraction also offers an insightful exhibition showing the railway in historical times, as well as special events held throughout the year, including Easter egg hunts, Halloween-themed days and the popular Santa’s Grotto - with refreshments and a ride in the railway carriage included!

A fantastic day out for all the family, visitors can walk or cycle to the Royal Deeside Railway from Banchory along the Deeside Way, and is ideally situated just a 9 minute drive from our Inchmarlo development.

Visit the popular cafes

From cosy coffee shops to stylish restaurants, Banchory isn’t short of places to indulge in some delicious food and drink! If you love treating yourself to freshly brewed coffee and delightful homemade pastries, The Birdhouse Cafe is a fantastic spot to unwind with some peace and quiet. Finzean Farm Shop is also well worth a visit, offering tasty savoury options made with locally sourced ingredients - including soups and sausage rolls - with beautiful views overlooking the Cairn O’Mount.

For those in search of a hearty meal, the popular Buchanan Bistro located on the outskirts of Banchory offers freshly prepared, healthy meals. And if you have a sweet tooth, there’s also a cake counter filled with delicious treats, with vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options available!

Discover the Tor-Na-Coille Hotel

A distinguished Victorian country house hotel, the 150 year old Tor-Na-Coille hotel is nestled within the beautiful Aberdeenshire woodlands, located just a 10 minute walk from the heart of Banchory.

Exuding charm and sophistication, this traditional venue attracts tourists and visitors all year round with elegant interiors and luxury bedrooms. For those simply looking to visit and unwind from everyday life, the Tor-Na-Coille hotel is home to an award-winning restaurant showcasing the best of Scottish cuisine, equipped with a cosy lounge and bar.

Explore the historic Crathes Castle

Positioned just a 13 minute drive from our Inchmarlo development, Crathes Castle is a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. This 16th century castle boasts a rich historical charm, with beautifully preserved interiors, grand halls and ancient towers. Outside, you’ll find a beautiful walled garden split into eight sections, full of colourful plants and greenery - some planted as early as 1702!

The ideal location for spending time outdoors as a family, locals and visitors are encouraged to enjoy a picturesque walk through the gardens and spot some of the local wildlife, such as woodpeckers and red squirrels.

Crathes Castle

Take a walk up Scolty Hill

If you enjoy keeping fit, Scolty Hill offers an accessible and enjoyable walk for those seeking an outdoor adventure. With a variety of paths to choose from, each with varying durations and difficulty levels, a walk to the top of Scolty Hill will reward you with superb views of Banchory and Deeside. There is also an opportunity to climb Scolty Tower, a highly popular viewpoint among locals and visitors alike, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Aberdeenshire landscape.

Could you imagine living at our prestigious Inchmarlo development in the heart of Royal Deeside? Appealing to the most discerning of purchasers, Inchmarlo offers a variety of outstanding 3, 4, 5 and 6 bedroom detached homes, each benefiting from expertly-designed layouts and luxurious specifications - located just a short distance from all that Banchory has to offer.

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9 attractions Banchory locals love