Summer Holiday Days Out in Banffshire
There’s so much to see and do with the family when you visit Banffshire. From experiencing the wonders of the Moray Firth, to exploring Scotland’s history, you’ll entertain and amaze the whole family.
1.Landmark Activity Centre
The ultimate family day out and my favourite place to be as a child, Landmark will forever hold a soft spot in my heart! Nestled in the Cairngorms throughout 30 acres of native pinewood, Landmark offers fantastic activities, exhibits and themed rides for families of all ages. Highlights include the Wild Watercoaster, Tarzan Trail, Wild Forest Maze and the UK’s only steam powered sawmill, to name a few!
Landmark Forest Adventure Park - Scotland's No.1 Theme Park (landmarkpark.co.uk)
2. Coastal Towns and Beaches
Our quaint coastal towns love to show off their charm during the summer months, with historic harbours, sandy beaches, friendly highstreets, cottage museums, alfresco cafes and of course yummy ice cream shops. Our personal favourites to visit are Findhorn, Gardenstown and Cullen, but you won’t be disappointed wherever you visit.
13 of the best beaches in Moray northeast Scotland, a guide (with photos) (livebreathescotland.com)
3. Castles, Forts and Stately Homes
Did you know that Aberdeenshire boasts more castles per square meter than anywhere else in the UK? Aptly known as “Castle Country”, there are over 300 castles which are open to the public, and we are right in the heart of it!
Must see sites nearby Mayen are the Baronial Fyvie Castle, towering Castle Fraser and fairytale Craigievar Castle (which is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s castles!).
Take time to explore the unique grounds and beautiful gardens of each castle, pondering who else may have walked before you as you immerse yourself in the days gone by.
To really take advantage of Scotland’s history, we highly recommend a National Trust Membership, which gives exclusive discounts to their members while supporting the preservation of hundreds of historic sites throughout Scotland.
4. Cullen Sea School
Ever wanted to build your own boat or surf with dolphins? Then you must check out Cullen Sea School, who offer brilliant water sports experiences such as kayaking, rowing, surfing, paddleboarding and even boat building! With experiences available for solo travellers, couples or groups, can get in touch with the expert sea school team to plan around your schedule and find the best activity for you!
5. Speyside Falconry
Get up close and personal with the most majestic birds of prey at the Speyside Falconry near Keith. Where else can you walk a hawk, fly an owl and learn about these truly impressive birds during a one hour session. The friendly family run falconry must be pre-booked in advance.
Speyside Falconry - Speyside Falconry
6. House of Mulben
Find your adventurous spirit with a day our at House of Mulben! With activities to suit families, couples or groups of friends, the Keith-based outdoor activity centre offers clay pigeon shooting, off-road driving, archery, quad biking and tractor driving, a jam packed day of great fun! You can also choose a rustic barbeque with locally sourced meats, and prizes can be arranged if you want to really let out your competitive side (as me and my friends often do..!).
7. Macduff Aquarium
A family favourite for generations, Macduff Aquarium hosts a diverse array of native Moray Firth sealife with touch pools, octopus pods, shark nurseries and an impressive glass kelp reef tank with live feeding shows offering an educational glimpse into life under the sea. Nearby Annie's Cakery and The Knowes Hotel offer great light bites or lunch options, while the historic Tarlair Beach (which is undergoing renovations on its former open air pool) is a nice spot to bring a picnic or let the kids have fun in the nearby playpark.
https://www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk/
8. Picnic Along the Deveron
The Deveron Valley is one of the most beautiful rivers all year round and generally one of the best maintained riverbanks, making it very easy to walk alongside with fantastic nature spotting opportunities. Whether you stop by Turriff, Rothiemay, Banff or even while you are here at Mayen, there are many small inlets and bays along the river where I love to stop and take a break from the world to relax with my favourite music, journal, or even take some friends along to enjoy a delicious picnic.