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Four & Five Star Quality B&Bs in North East Scotland
Click on a star on the map to view the relevant B&B
[ You can also click on the map of Scotland in the corner to navigate to another region ] | ||
To the north-west of Stirling is Callander and the starting point for visiting the beautiful Trossachs and its main tourist centre Aberfoyle. This is 'Rob Roy' country, a very picturesque and popular area of wooded glens and lochs including the frequently photographed Loch Katrine, much loved by Sir Walter Scott, which supplies Glasgow with much of its water.
Most of Perthshire is very rural with its main town being Perth. Perth was once the Capital of Scotland before the title was bestowed on Edinburgh in 1437 after the murder of James 1 in the Blackfriars monastery in Perth. Heading north to the Highlands, via the main A9 trunk road, the drive goes through beautiful wooded countryside amidst rolling hills. Off the road, Dunkeld is a historic little town on the banks of the river Tay with a cathedral, partly ruined, dating back to the 13th century and many restored old houses from the 17th century. The nearby Loch of the Lowes is a wildlife reserve.
North of Dunkeld the road leads to Pitlochry which abounds with woollen and tartan shops and is a popular stopping place for tourists. Here you can visit the theatre or a newly planted garden featuring the introductions of some of the famous Scottish plant hunters.
Blair Castle at Blair AthollTo the west of Pitlochry are the Perthshire lochs Tay, Tummel and Rannoch, each one quite different, set in beautiful mountain scenery. Visit the little town of Aberfeldy and the village of Fortingall, with its thatched cottages and a yew tree in the churchyard which is estimated to be over 3000 years old. Beyond Pitlochry, the road continues towards the Highlands through increasingly wild and desolate mountains before dropping down again into Speyside.
From Angus and Kircardineshire through Stonehaven, the road travels north along the coast towards Aberdeen, the granite city. Before leaving Stonehaven, have a look at Dunnottar Castle which, although mostly a ruin, is spectacularly sited on a promontory of the cliffs jutting out into the often rough and stormy North Sea.
Aberdeen, the granite city, is one of the most northerly cities in Britain and the 'oil capital' of Britain too. Today, the oil boom is waning but, even so, the busy docks have oil tankers as well as fishing boats and container ships calling in frequently whilst Aberdeen airport chugs constantly with helicopters taking men to and from the rigs. It's a city lively with lots of shops and new shopping arcades to explore but it is also a city with a history. Interesting buildings like Provost Ross' House, the Maritime Museum, and Aberdeen University's Marischal College are right in the heart of town, as is the Art Gallery, a short walk from Union Street, the dignified main thoroughfare.
The city lies between the two great rivers, the Dee and the Don - both good salmon rivers, and the stretch of coast between the two river mouths has a splendid sandy beach. A little way upstream on the Don, is the Brig o' Balgownie, with some quaint old cottages clustered around it. Aberdeen has won the Britain in Bloom competitions so many times that it was barred from entering to give everyone else a chance! In spring, especially, the roadside verges and the river banks are bright with a succession of crocus, daffodils and narcissi which give way to masses of roses in summer. Duthie Park is a carpet of colour and, if wet, visitors can retreat to the cactus houses and imagine themselves in a tropical world with noisy parrots in the greenery at roof level and huge sinuous carp hiding in the pools.
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Out of Aberdeen and there is lots to do and see - this is castle country and there are so many to choose from on the Castle Trail: Crathes; Craigievar; Fyvie; Fraser; Dunottar; Muchalls; Braemar and Balmoral. If you get bored with castles there are beautiful gardens at Pitmedden, Kildrummy and again at Crathes Castle. |
 Balmoral Castle |
Royal Deeside is famous and justly popular amongst visitors who explore the towns along the Dee: Banchory, Aboyne and Ballater. In summer, you may glimpse salmon leaping up the waterfall under the Bridge of Feugh, not far from the centre of Banchory. Follow the side road alongside the River Feugh then turn off, following the signs to the Forest of Birse. Here it is peaceful with no sound but the tumbling waters, the ever-present sheep and maybe a distant buzzard mewing over the hill tops.
In May, it is bright with yellow gorse, purple in August with heather and, in autumn, the rowan trees are laden with red berries. Back on Deeside, at Potarch, is the bridge where a famous local strongman, Donald Dinnie, is reputed to have carried two huge boulders across the river. The stones are still there, outside the Inn. At Aboyne watch the Highland Games take place on the village green before resuming the well-trodden route to Balmoral and Braemar.
Everywhere, in stone circles and standing stones, is the evidence of prehistory. Not far from Aberdeen Airport, near Inverurie, just off the A96, is Archaeolink an interpretive centre about these monuments and the people who built them. Fascinating names like Clinkstone, Maiden Stone and Cloven Stone invite the curious while the intriguingly shaped hill, Bennachie, looms in the background. It's a land of mystery where your imagination can take flight and you can forget the present, wondering about the past.
As well as the Castle Trail, this area also has the Coastal Trail and the Whisky Trail, which links many of the Speyside area distilleries. Turn off the A96 at Huntly on the B9022 to Portsoy and explore east to Banff and Macduff or west to Cullen along the Coastal Trail. Some of Scotland's finest fish is landed at the harbour at nearby Buckie. Rejoin the A96 at Fochabers, a lovely little town favoured by antique hunters. On the western outskirts of Fochabers, is the Baxter's Factory, where visitors can view the making of Baxter's well known soups and preserves.
Beyond Fochabers, is the elegant town of Elgin with its imposing and historic cathedral ruins and dignified Victorian town centre. West from Elgin, the A96 bypasses Forres. It's worth going through the town though to see the floral displays, which have won this town prizes in the "Scotland in Bloom" and "Britain in Bloom" competitions, and also Sueno's Stone, a huge Pictish standing stone covered in carvings.
Nairn is a dignified seaside town with many large Victorian houses and a fine beach looking across to the Black Isle. The harbour area has recently undergone a facelift and an interesting part is the old Fishertown where old houses jostle together on narrow streets. There are two golf courses, including a Championship course, host to the Scottish Open in 1999.
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Not far from Nairn, to the east, is Brodie Castle and between Nairn and Inverness is Cawdor Castle, mentioned, incorrectly, in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' as home of King Duncan, but nevertheless a fascinating place to visit. |
 Cawdor Castle |
To make enquiries or bookings, please contact the proprietor direct via phone, fax or email as detailed on the relevant entry. If you are outside the UK, first dial the appropriate international dialing code for your country (011 from the States for example), then dial 44 and omit the initial 0 of the number given in these pages, before dialing the remaining digits.
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DRUMEARN COTTAGE
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Charming Victorian cottage, peacefully situated in the lovely conservation village of Comrie. Delightful en-suite bedrooms, delicious traditional home cooking/baking and an enviable setting amidst the Perthshire hills and rivers makes this a perfect base for touring and outdoor pursuits. Crieff 7 miles.
Animal free house Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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KILRYMONT
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Single 35 - 40 Pounds Sterling |
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Tona and Charlie welcome you to their new home in Perthshire, one of Scotland's prettiest regions. "Kilrymont" is 15 minutes from Perth, gateway to the Highlands, close to the famous Gleneagles' golf courses yet central to the many opportunities in Stirling, Edinburgh or Glasgow. Auchterarder 3 miles.
Animal free house Internet access |
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LETTER FARM
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Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing break on our family run stock farm. Kingsize beds, TV-free bedrooms, logfire, home baking. Ospreys, otters and an abundance of wildlife nearby. 5 minutes from Dunkeld, next to Loch of Lowes Wildlife Reserve off A923. Treat yourselves - you'll be warmly welcomed!
Animal free house Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver award |
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EASTER DUNFALLANDY HOUSE
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Enjoy a warm welcome from Sue with tea and home baking on arrival.
A tranquil oasis looking towards the mountains and
the town of Pitlochry. Charming spacious bedrooms. For breakfast, a delicious array with Sue's preserves and fresh baked bread. Voted one of the Top 20 B&Bs in Great Britain. AA 5 Stars Highly Commended.
Dogs accepted by arrangement Internet access |
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OLD STABLES
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Superior super king and double rooms with shower and whirlpool bath. En-suite twin. Award winning, uniquely converted 19th century farm steading. Full Scottish breakfast plus buffet of fruit, cereal, home-made preserves. Restaurants, golf, Glamis Castle and touring. Private parking, gardens.
Animal free house Internet access |
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PURGAVIE FARM
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Stay on our farm, with a Scottish family, at the foot of the lovely Glen Isla. Fishing on Lintrathen loch. Bird watching and hill walking nearby. Good area for touring. Glamis Castle 10 miles. Traditional Scottish cooking. 7 miles from Kirriemuir.
Dogs accepted by arrangement Internet access Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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DUNTRUNE HOUSE
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Superior accommodation in 1820s country house offering superb views and spacious, well-maintained grounds in a quiet, rural area close to the city. Well located for touring the east of Scotland. Guests dine with the hosts whose interests include family history.
Animal free house Internet access Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver award Member of Ancestral Tourism scheme |
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PARK HOUSE
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Beautiful Victorian villa, 3 minutes walk from Carnoustie's Championship golf course. Luxurious bedrooms with sea views. Large walled garden with private parking. Convenient for bus and rail travel. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Smoke-free throughout.
Animal Free House Internet access Golfers Welcome |
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THE OLD VICARAGE B&B
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Relax and unwind in our Victorian house, situated in a residential area only minutes walk from the town centre, restaurants, theatres, harbour/marina, beach, cliffs and abbey. Of a very high standard and furnished with antiques, our rooms have views to the abbey or sea. Generous hospitality awaits.
Green Tourism Business Scheme - Bronze award Internet access Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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ELLINGTON
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Single: 35 Pounds Sterling |
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Modern family home in old fishing village 28 miles south of Aberdeen. 15 miles south of Stonehaven and 10 miles north of Montrose. Ideally positioned to visit Glen Esk and 14th century Dunnottar Castle. Twin room on ground floor. Small restaurant in village pub. Please be assured of every home comfort.
Animal free house |
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KINNABER
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If you enjoy attention to detail, coupled with warm hospitality and delicious Scottish breakfasts, then Kinnaber is a must. Ideal location for walking, fishing and golf - only a chip and putt away. 10% green fee discount while staying with us. 4 miles from Brechin.
Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome Animal Free House Internet access Green Tourism Business Scheme - Silver award |
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AULD CUMMERTON
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Off the beaten track, Auld Cummerton nestles high in the Grampian mountains on the edge of our own woodland & within the Cairngorms National Park. We offer magnificent views, antiques & luxurious furnishings. Delicious breakfasts with home-made bread & preserves. Castles, distilleries & Balmoral are close by. Ballater 17 miles.
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FRIDAYHILL
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Enjoy a break in our luxurious country home designed to offer unique and comfortable accommodation in a tranquil, picturesque setting in rural Aberdeenshire. Ideal location for Castle and Whisky trails, stone circles, Archaeolink, Royal Deeside and coast. 4 miles from Inverurie. Aberdeen Airport 7 miles.
Animal free house |
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LONMAY OLD MANSE
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Outstanding B&B set in own secluded grounds amid open countryside, adjacent to the coast, between Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Built in 1820 the Manse has been completely renovated and refurbished to provide elegant and spacious rooms for those seeking individuality, comfort and tranquillity. 6 miles from Fraserburgh.
Walkers Welcome - Cyclists Welcome |
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ACADEMY HOUSE
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A Scottish welcome is assured in this house in the picturesque conservation village of Fordyce. Academy House has been lovingly restored offering comfort, peace and tranquillity to the most discerning of visitors. Splendid home cooked dinners. Well located for touring. 11 miles from Banff.
Dogs by arrangement |
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THE CROFT
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Beautiful Victorian town house, built in 1848, spacious rooms superbly furnished with guests' comfort in mind. Central, peaceful location, ideally situated for exploring Whisky, Coastal and Castle trails, golf, dolphin watching, "Biblical Gardens". Selected by "Which?". Classic Cars Welcome.
Animal free house |
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MILTON of GRANGE FARMHOUSE
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Warm welcome at family farm. En-suite rooms. Delicious Scottish cuisine. Near Forres, Kinloss and Findhorn with golf, watersports, beaches, walks. Excellent for exploring Coastal, Castle and Whisky trails, Baxters of Speyside, Aberdeen and gateway to the Highlands. 26 miles from Inverness Airport.
Animal free house |
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BRACADALE HOUSE
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Bracadale House is an elegant Victorian house built in the late 19th century. Perfectly situated on the beautiful Moray coast, minutes from the Championship golf course and beach. Settle into and relax in our guests' lounge. A warm Highland welcome awaits you from your Gaelic speaking host.
Animal free house |
A range of Welcome Schemes has been developed by the tourist board to indicate establishments that pay particular attention to the needs of Walkers, Cyclists, Golfers, Bikers, Children, Anglers, etc. The schemes, based on the provision of facilities and services, recognise the special efforts made by hosts to provide for visitors.
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Please note that all details of establishments are as provided by the proprietors
who are solely responsible for the standards of their establishments
and for the accuracy of information displayed on this web site concerning them.
Copyright Scotland's Best B&Bs 1998-2008
www.scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk/northeast.htm
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