Living within view of the highest Munro in Scotland creates a certain atmosphere; a certain culture is borne of it and there is a will to keep it alive. From the fairytale castles that pepper the landscape to the spectacle of traditional Highland Games, Scotland has its own identity and we are proud of that.

Our landscape is perfect for growing the barley that is used in our world-famous distilleries; add to that water from pristine rivers and you have some of the world's best-loved brands. The Highlands boast fast rivers with deep pools and riffles creating perfect salmon and trout fishing. People travel from all around the world to spend time on the Dee or the Spey, soaking up the beauty of the riverscape and enjoying the thrill of the catch. All-in-all, the landscape has an unspoilt quality. Invercauld Estate brings all of these experiences to you when you take a holiday at Braemar Caravan Park.

If you would like to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, try visiting some of these places, nearby.

Villages

Braemar and Ballater grew up around the same time in the advent of the railway and are both central to life on Invercauld Estate.

Castles

Braemar Castle was built by the Earl of Mar in 1628. Later it was used as an 18th century garrison and was home to the Chiefs of Clan Farquharson. Twelve rooms are furnished and fitted out authentically. Visitors can see soldiers’ graffiti on the walls and take a guided or audio tour. Open from Easter until the end of October.

Kindrochit Castle is a ruined castle in the centre of Braemar village. Originally named Ceann-drochit, meaning Bridge Head, it was built between 1057 and 1093 by King Malcolm III, King of Scotland. Kindrochit Castle can be visited year round. During the summer the local history group organise guided tours.

Balmoral Castle is the Scottish seat of the Royal Family. In her journals, Queen Victoria described Balmoral as “my dear paradise in the Highlands”. Visitors can enjoy gardens, the castle ballroom, café and gift shop, together with special exhibitions and audio handset tour.The Castle is open to the public for tours from Easter until the end of July. Winter tours are also available throughout November and December.

Corgarff Castle was the residence of the Forbes family. After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, it was converted to become a Redcoat garrison fortress, largely to suppress Jacobite activity. Highlights include a distinctive star-shaped perimeter wall, with reconstructed barrack rooms offering a window into military life in the late 1700s. Historic Scotland cares for the Castle and it is open to the public from late March until the end of September.

Craigievar Castle is in the care of National Trust for Scotland and is a great example of Scottish baronial architecture, looking like a true fairytale castle. The great tower stands just as it did when completed in 1626 and the ornate plaster ceilings are a particular feature. It is furnished with period and original pieces and has a fine collection of family portraits by artists such as George Jamesone and Raeburn. The castle is open from early May to late December.

Whisky Distilleries

Whether embarking on the Malt Whisky Trail, delving into the rich history of Highland distilling or poking in a pin in the map as a way of choosing which distillery you'd like to visit, there are plenty to choose from close by and a little further afield in Speyside.

Here are just a few offering tours and tasting experiences...

Heading east...

Royal Lochnagar is the nearest to Braemar Caravan Park.

Heading south...

Blair Athol at Pitlochry in the foot of the Grampians.

Heading north to Speyside...

For a comprehensive guide to distilleries in Speyside, check out the Malt Whisky Trail but here are a couple of others of note:

The Macallan distillery has an award-winning visitors centre leading through visitors the history of its brand.

Aberlour, and the village of the same name, make for a great day out.

There are so many more to discover...

Highland Games 

Here in Braemar we host our own Highland Games known as The Braemar Gathering. The games were established in 1815 and have regularly attended by members of the royal family since 1848. Having the royal stamp of approval draws people to the event from all over the world as people seek to experience something uniquely Scottish. The games benefit The Braemar Royal Highland Charity. The Braemar Gathering is always held on the first Saturday in September at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park.

The Ballater Highland Games are held annually on the second Thursday in August in Monaltrie Park, Ballater. There have been Games held in Ballater since 1864. The King and Queen have attended in recent years making this a prestigious event.

Further west, in the heart of Royal Deeside, The Aboyne Games held at The Green, Aboyne, on the first Saturday in August.