Set amid the spectacular scenery of Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous residences and has been the Highland home of the Royal Family since the estate was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. The present castle was commissioned soon afterwards and completed in the 1850s, using locally sourced stone.

Visitors can explore Balmoral’s beautiful grounds and gardens and, during its public opening season, discover exhibitions telling the story of the estate and its royal connections. The journey west from Kincardine Castle follows the River Dee through some of the most attractive scenery in the Cairngorms, making Balmoral a wonderful destination for a day in Royal Deeside.

With its distinctive pink walls, soaring turrets and fairytale appearance, Craigievar Castle is one of Aberdeenshire’s most instantly recognisable landmarks. The castle developed from a late-16th-century tower house into the wonderfully elaborate building seen today, with its intricate upper storeys creating an unmistakable silhouette against the surrounding countryside.

Inside, visitors can discover historic interiors, decorative plasterwork and centuries of family history, while the surrounding estate provides peaceful walks and views across rural Aberdeenshire. Its proximity to Kincardine Castle makes Craigievar particularly easy to combine with another local attraction or a relaxed afternoon exploring Royal Deeside.

One of the closest historic attractions to Kincardine Castle, Crathes Castle is a magnificent 16th-century Scottish tower house surrounded by extensive woodland and beautiful formal gardens. Built by the Burnett family, who lived here for more than 350 years, the castle is distinguished by its turrets, oak-panelled interiors and remarkable painted ceilings.

Outside, the famous walled garden features sculpted topiary and enormous yew hedges, some of which date from the early 18th century. Woodland trails through the wider estate offer opportunities to spot red squirrels, roe deer and a variety of birdlife, making Crathes an excellent choice for both history lovers and those simply wishing to enjoy the outdoors.

One of Scotland’s grandest tower houses, Castle Fraser has origins dating back to at least the 15th century and was home to generations of the Fraser family until the early 20th century. Its towers, staircases and richly furnished interiors offer a fascinating glimpse into centuries of life on a Scottish country estate.

Visitors can explore the castle’s grand hall and historic rooms before heading outside to enjoy the walled garden, woodland and wider estate. Its relatively short journey from Kincardine Castle makes Castle Fraser an excellent addition to a day exploring Aberdeenshire’s celebrated Castle Trail.

Drum Castle brings together around seven centuries of Scottish history in one remarkable building. Its imposing medieval tower is one of the oldest of its kind in Scotland and was given by Robert the Bruce to his loyal supporter William de Irwin, beginning the Irvine family’s long association with the estate.

Successive generations added to the castle, resulting in an intriguing mixture of medieval, Jacobean and later architectural styles. Visitors can also enjoy the historic walled garden and extensive grounds, making Drum an appealing destination for anyone interested in Scottish history, architecture and gardens.

With a history stretching back around 800 years, Fyvie Castle is an impressive baronial castle filled with remarkable collections of paintings, armour, tapestries, furniture and decorative arts. Its long history has seen the building transformed by successive generations, creating the grand and characterful residence visitors see today.

The castle is surrounded by attractive grounds and parkland, adding to its romantic atmosphere. Stories, legends and centuries of family history make Fyvie an absorbing destination for visitors looking to venture a little further into the Aberdeenshire countryside.

Perched dramatically on a rocky headland above the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s most spectacular historic sites. Located just south of the harbour town of Stonehaven, the ruined fortress occupies an extraordinary clifftop setting and has played an important role in Scotland’s turbulent history.

The combination of dramatic coastal scenery, atmospheric ruins and centuries of history makes Dunnottar well worth the longer journey from Kincardine Castle. Exploring the fortress and its surroundings can easily be combined with a visit to Stonehaven and the beautiful Aberdeenshire coast.

Situated beside the River Dee in Aboyne, Aboyne Canoe Club is a friendly local paddlesports club offering opportunities to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and kayak polo. The club welcomes a wide range of ages and abilities and runs a varied programme of river trips, coaching sessions and events throughout the year.

During the warmer months, regular outdoor sessions take place on the River Dee and other nearby waters, giving visitors the chance to experience the beautiful Deeside landscape from a completely different perspective. Non-members are also welcome to enquire about taster sessions, making this an excellent choice for guests keen to try paddlesports while staying at Kincardine Castle.

Set in the countryside near Strachan and Banchory, Knockburn Loch is an outdoor activity and watersports centre in the heart of Royal Deeside. The purpose-built loch offers a safe and attractive setting for a variety of water-based activities, with both individual hire and organised sessions available.

Activities include stand-up paddleboarding, sit-on-top kayaking and open-water swimming, with equipment hire and group sessions available during the main season. There are also running trails, cycling facilities and other land-based activities around the site, making Knockburn a versatile option for families and groups looking for an active day outdoors. Advance booking is recommended for many of the watersports sessions.

Located at Dess near Aboyne, Deeside Activity Park is one of Royal Deeside’s most established outdoor activity destinations and is particularly convenient for guests staying at Kincardine Castle. The park caters for individuals, families and larger groups, with a broad choice of experiences suitable for different interests and levels of adventure.

Visitors can choose from activities including outdoor kart racing, archery, clay shooting, rifle target shooting and fly fishing, as well as a selection of activity packages and team-building experiences. With so many options in one location, it is a particularly good choice for groups wishing to combine several activities during the same visit.

On the edge of Tarland and the Cairngorms National Park, Knockiehill Woodland Centre offers outdoor experiences in a wonderfully natural woodland setting. The centre occupies approximately 50 acres and focuses on adventure, outdoor skills and experiences designed to help children, families and groups spend more time immersed in nature.

Activities range from bushcraft and woodland skills to family adventures, children’s holiday clubs, workshops and team-based outdoor experiences. The rustic, off-grid setting is deliberately simple and natural, helping create a genuine sense of escaping into the countryside rather than visiting a conventional activity centre.