Where to go with the family in Aberdeenshire? 10 fun ideas!
Now that places to visit in Scotland are reopening and family holidays are being researched, the ‘Big Question’ parents like you are asking is ‘Where can we all go once we’re there?’
Good news - from our base here in Mintlaw, there are lots of options and the new Aberdeen Western bypass helps makes more of eastern Aberdeenshire easily accessible from Saplinbrae.
Here are our Top 10 recommendations for you to explore:
1. Aden Country Park
Described by a recent visitor as a "Very good place to spend time with family”, the beautiful 230-acre park in Mintlaw offers a range of facilities including a new playpark, activities, events and opportunities for relaxation & recreation. Oh and cute ducks to watch and feed.
While you’re there, refuel at our very own Café @ Aden, which is driven by the same principles as Saplinbrae - good food, sourced locally, cooked simply. High-quality relaxed food in comfortable, sociable surroundings. Just what you want on holiday!
2. Aberdour Beach
Another place the kids will love, this beach features loads of rockpools and caves as well as a pebble beach. It comes highly recommended for dog walks and barbecues. It also has its own parking.
3. Pitfour Lake
Kids want something active but you don’t want to travel far? Pitfour Lake is very close to us and you can cycle or walk round it. Perfect for a relaxing day. From Saplinbrae there are lots of longer routes accessible for cycling and walking, including up to Drinnies Wood Observatory.
4. Aikey Brae Stone Circle
Fancy another adventure with nature plus a bit of history? Head to Aikey Brae Stone Circle. Dating from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, the 10 stones are the most intact recumbent stone circle in Buchan. For Location and Directions, click here
5. The Bee Crafty Studio
Little ones had enough seeing and wanting to be doing instead? The Bee Craft Studio has a craft experience all ages will enjoy – letting your creative side run wild with ceramic painting and decoupage. It’s not just for kids either - there’s plenty of pottery to paint and crafts to enjoy for all ages. It’s a good choice when the weather turns wet and you’re looking for some indoor fun. For more information visit The Bee Crafty’s Facebook page.
6. Stonehaven
Stonehaven Paddleboarding
Why go to Stonehaven? “With our picturesque harbour, lovely family friendly beaches, amazing castle and historic sites, fantastic walks, woods, open-air swimming pool and independent shops there is something in Stonehaven for everyone,” says its website Stunning Stonehaven. “On top of that there are great places to eat, drink and stay, many of which are award-winning.”
We agree and have a particular fondness for Stonehaven Paddleboarding. The more active family members will love it!
The centre is open all year round, from sunrise ‘til sunset. All equipment is supplied and top of the range, including inflatable boards, paddles, wetsuits, boots, buoyancy aids, etc.
For more information, visit the Stonehaven Paddlebaording website here.
7. Peterhead
Another Aberdeenshire town with loads for a family to do is Peterhead. From the Peterhead Prison Museum and Arbuthnot Museum to Slains Castle, Buchanhaven Heritage Centre to Angling trips there’s plenty of options.
Why not take on The Peterhead Trail.
8. Maud Railway Museum
Fancy a bit of transport history, perhaps evoking memories for the older family members? You don’t have to be a steam buff to enjoy Maud Railway Museum, at the former Maud Junction.
As it’s on the Buchan and Formartine Way, you could cycle there and back to add a bit of easy physical activity to the day.
9. Flowers & Farming
For a combination of gardening and history, Pitmedden Garden and the Museum of Farming Life next to it offer two visits in one spot to make the most of your fuel and carbon footprint.
A recreated Scottish Renaissance walled garden dating from 1675 with unique and vibrant floral designs, Pitmedden’s more than 30,000 bedding plants and 200-tree orchard will set gardeners’ green fingers twitching!
The Museum of Farming Life will help you all time-travel back to past eras of rural life.
Want to know more about farming in the region in the past? Aberdeenshire Farming Museum- next door to us at Mintlaw lets you “relive the story of Aberdeenshire’s colourful farming past in a unique, semi-circular home farm steading built around 1800.” There you can visit the Russell Collection and learn about the Russell family who owned the Aden estate from the mid-18th Century.
10. Haddo House
We couldn’t not mention Haddo House - an elegant and luxurious stately home designed in his world-famous Palladian style by Scottish architecture legend William Adam in 1732 and later amended in the 1880s. So it’s Georgian with Victorian edits.
The house is surrounded by a terrace garden with a herbaceous border and geometric flower beds. An avenue of lime trees leads to Haddo Country Park. Check out the events list too.
Get in touch
We are farmers, and we believe in natural hospitality — serving delicious food and great wine to all who walk through our doors, with that all important smile.
Saplinbrae offers stylish rooms, homely lodges and a unique venue for your special event. Explore the rest of the website for details.
Contact us for details of our reopening.