Dunnottar Castle
Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven AB39 2TL, United Kingdom
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 14 miles, 20 minute drive
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-eastern coast of Scotland, steeped in rich history. The castle is located along the Aberdeen Coastal Trail about 1.6 miles south of the small coastal village of Stonehaven. To get there you can drive directly to the castle or follow the coastal walk from Stonehaven to the castle (Dunnottar Cliffs Trail). Whichever you choose, we recommend pairing a visit to Dunnottar with lunch at the Ship Inn or Tolbooth Restaurant in Stonehaven before or after. https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/
Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-eastern coast of Scotland, steeped in rich history. The castle is located along the Aberdeen Coastal Trail about 1.6 miles south of the small coastal village of Stonehaven. To get there you can drive directly to the castle or follow the coastal walk from Stonehaven to the castle (Dunnottar Cliffs Trail). Whichever you choose, we recommend pairing a visit to Dunnottar with lunch at the Ship Inn or Tolbooth Restaurant in Stonehaven before or after. https://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/
Fettercairn Distillery
Distillery Rd, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk AB30 1YB, United Kingdom
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 7 miles, 15 minute drive
Fettercairn is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland and situated in a fairly spectacular location tucked away between the foothills of the Grampian Mountains of the Eastern Highlands. The distillery is known for its use of cooling rings on its pots and its distinctly fruity spirit. In relatively close range to the castle, the tour alone is a great experience for whisky and non-whisky drinkers alike. We can coordinate with the distillery to arrange private group tours if there is interest so please let us know! https://www.fettercairnwhisky.com/
Fettercairn is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland and situated in a fairly spectacular location tucked away between the foothills of the Grampian Mountains of the Eastern Highlands. The distillery is known for its use of cooling rings on its pots and its distinctly fruity spirit. In relatively close range to the castle, the tour alone is a great experience for whisky and non-whisky drinkers alike. We can coordinate with the distillery to arrange private group tours if there is interest so please let us know! https://www.fettercairnwhisky.com/
Crathes Castle Estate
Crathes, Banchory AB31 5QJ, United Kingdom
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 17 miles, 31 minutes
We thought Crathes Castle had a little something for everyone to enjoy. The 16th century castle is an intricate maze of turrets and towers and a beautiful representation of a classic Scottish tower house. In addition. the grounds boast stunning walled garden. The estate also includes some nature trails that can bring you close to the grounds fold of highland cows. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s also the Wild Wood Adventure Play. https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle
We thought Crathes Castle had a little something for everyone to enjoy. The 16th century castle is an intricate maze of turrets and towers and a beautiful representation of a classic Scottish tower house. In addition. the grounds boast stunning walled garden. The estate also includes some nature trails that can bring you close to the grounds fold of highland cows. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s also the Wild Wood Adventure Play. https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle
Auchenblae Golf Course
Auchenblae, Laurencekirk AB30 1TX, United Kingdom
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 3 miles, 7 minute drive
Auchenblae Golf Course is a short 9 hole golf course with great views of Drumtochty Glen and the lower Grampians. We didn’t get a chance to try out the course ourselves but according the the website, the course, “with its 3,460 yardage can prove a challenge for the good player, while at the same time provides fun and enjoyment for the holiday golfer, families, and those on club or group outings”.https://www.auchenblaegolfcourse.co.uk/
Banochory Lodge Hotel
Dee St, Banchory AB31 5HS, United Kingdom
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 17 miles, 31 minutes
If you have plans to check out Crathes Castle or the Royal Deeside area in general we recommend stopping to eat the restaurant in the Banochory Lodge Hotel. Situated along the River Dee, the restaurant supports local Scottish farmers and serves up local sourced seasonal food. Depending on the weather, the outside deck is a great place to relax and enjoy the riverfront. https://www.banchorylodge.com/
Cairn o’ Mount Viewpoint
Old Military Rd, Laurencekirk AB30 1HB, United Kingdom
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 5 miles, 11 minute drive
Cairn o’ Mount is a high mountain pass in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It has served as an ancient route at least from Roman times through the 13th century AD. The alignment of the Cairnmounth, Elsick Mounth, and Causey Mounth ancient trackways has a strong influence on the medieval siting of many fortifications and other settlements in the area comprised by present-day Aberdeenshire on both sides of the River Dee. It’s a great place to catch some views of the beautiful landscape.https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/cairn-omount-viewpoint-p2564451
Speyside Distilleries
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 65 miles, 1 hour 45 minute drive
For the whiskey drinkers, Speyside has the largest number of whiskey distilleries in Scotland Including Macallan, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet. Speyside is about 1hr 45min from the castle so would be best suited as a day trip for those planning to spend some additional time in Scotland around the wedding. Tours of the more popular distilleries tend to fill up so be sure to book in advance if you have a favorite. We recommend pairing some whiskey tours with a visit to Speyside Falconry to meet some incredible owls and falcons up close! (just be sure to book a visit ahead of time).https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/food-drink/whisky/distilleries/speyside/
Speyside Falconry
Hawks Head, Mulben, Keith AB55 6XN, United Kingdom
Distance from Drumtochty Castle: 65 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes drive
Speyside Falconry is a small family run falconry business based in Mulben Moray. They offer private falconry experiences such as Meet the Owls. Meet the Owls is a fun session for all ages and great for families enjoy getting hands on flying some of the owls as you learn about them. session lasts 1.5 hours. Advance booking is required. We met the owls on our Scotland trip this past September and absolutely loved the experience. https://www.speysidefalconry.co.uk/
For additional ideas, touring resources, and driving routes please click the link below "Things to do in Scotland"