Turriff, in the heart of Aberdeenshire, is the perfect place to discover the great attractions of North East Scotland – including famous distilleries and castles and spectacular, unspoilt coastal towns and villages.
Turriff is steeped in history. In the 17th century it gained national prominence as one of the centres of the rebellion of the Covenanters, who played a key role in the shaping of Scotland’s religious and political movements.
Today, it is the main shopping centre for this part of rural Aberdeenshire, with a number of specialist independent shops, leading national stores and banks. In August of each year it hosts the annual Turriff Show, one of the largest agricultural events in North East Scotland.
Below is a list of major attractions;
click here to historic attractions
click here to view towns / villages
Cairngorms National Park
The largest national park in Britain with one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Britain. The home to thriving communities, magnificent lochs, rivers and forests and unique wildlife, plants and moorlands. For more information, visit www.cairngorms.co.uk
The Moray Coast Trail
Linking settlements between Cullen and Forres, the trail spans almost the entire 50 miles of Moray’s coast. One of the largest dune systems in Britain is found between Culbin and Roseisle. Burghead was the capital of the Northern Picts. The Victorian spa town and fishing port of Lossiemouth is an RAF base for Tornado aircraft. The shoreline from Portessie to Logie Head is particularly spectacular. For more information, visit www.morayfirth.org
Aviemore (73 miles)
Aviemore, well known for its famous ski slopes, is at the heart of one of Britain’s best known centres for outdoor activities and pursuits. For more information, visit www.visitaviemore.co.uk
Alford Valley Railway (21 miles)
An historic railway – in fact Scotland’s first 2ft narrow gauge passenger railway – operating a half-hourly service from Alford to Haughton Park. Alford was once linked by rail to the Aberdeenshire/Inverness main line. For more information, visitwww.alfordvalleyrailway.org.uk
Storybook Glen, Deeside (41 miles)
A magical world of make-believe and fun for children (and adults) of all ages, set among 28 acres of spectacular scenic beauty on Royal Deeside. For more information, visit www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk
Pitmedden Garden (22 miles)
A feast for the senses. A walled garden, originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alex Seton, forms the heart of the property. The garden was re-created by the National Trust for Scotland in the 1950s. Today, Pitmedden has more than five miles of box hedging arranged in intricate patterns to form six parterres, each of which is filled with tens of thousands of plants bursting in colour. For more information, visit www.nts.org.uk/Property/74
Museum of Scottish Lighthouses (19 miles)
The museum, in Fraserburgh, has one of the largest collections of lighthouses lenses and equipment in Britain. A highlight of a visit here is the guided tour of Kinnaird Head lighthouse, the first lighthouse built on mainland Scotland. The museum runs regular events, exhibitions and open days. For more information, visit www.lighthousemuseum.org.uk
Glen Grant Distillery and Garden (27 miles)
Glen Grant is one of the biggest selling malts in the world. First created in 1840, it has a pale gold colour and distinctively crisp fresh taste. The beautiful Glen Grant Garden is a living tribute to Victorian style. For more information, visit www.glengrant.com
Strathisla Distillery, Keith (32 Miles)
The oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands. At the heart of Chivas Regal, Strathisla single malt has a distinctive mellow and honeyed flavour. For more information, visit: www.scottishholidays.net/distilleries/
Strathspey Railway, Aviemore (81 miles)
Restored steam railway operating between Aviemore and Broomhill. For more information, visit www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/aviemore/
“It was the most relaxing holiday we have ever had. The facilities were excellent, the signage is great and very useful. The garden is beautiful and very relaxing and the whole ambience of the place is very dementia friendly. "
