What to do on a rainy day in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is full of great sights and countryside to explore. From coastal walks to country parks, and many outdoor sports to enjoy, there is plenty to do when the weather is on your side. But, if it rains – and thankfully it doesn’t rain too often here - your plans can be scuppered rather quickly, so the question is: What is there to do on a rainy day in Aberdeenshire?
Well, you’ll be pleased to know, there’s plenty to do, especially for families. We’ve highlighted some of our favourite spots below:
Loopy Lou’s Soft Play Centre, Peterhead
1. Loopty Lou’s Soft Play Centre, Peterhead
Great for the kids, Loopty Lou’s Soft Play Centre has a massive soft play area for your kids to explore – it’s sure to keep them amused for a few hours, and - if you’re lucky - tire them out! Whilst the kids are kept busy, there’s a nice café for the parents to enjoya ‘fine piece’ and a natter. It offers a wide selection of meals, snacks, cakes and refreshments.
Open 6 days a week (7 days during school holidays), 10am-4.50pm (closed on Tuesdays). All sessions must be pre booked via Loopty Lou’s website.
Visit www.looptylous.co.uk for more information.
2. The Arc Cinema, Peterhead
Enjoy a film at Arc Cinema, Peterhead. (emailed asking for a picture).
The Arc Cinema has to be one of the best cinemas around. It certainly turns a film into “an experience” with luxurious, comfy seats (with extra legroom), its super-friendly staff, and its wide selection of food & drinks available in its fully-licensed shop. With the latest technology and 5 screens, there’s plenty of choice for everyone. It is fully accessible too – you can see why people write rave reviews about it.
Find out what’s on here: https://peterhead.arccinema.co.uk
3. Brewdog, Ellon
Brewdog, Ellon, is situated around 20-minutes south of Saplinbrae. It boasts a state-of-the-art brewery, beer museum, and beer school & library, and is fast becoming one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions. As well as enjoying a tour of the brewery, there’s a play park for the kids, a restaurant and two bars, pouring 60 taps of the freshest beer, straight from the brewery.
Find out more on Brewdog’s website: https://www.brewdog.com/uk/locations/brewery/ellon
4. Wheelie World, Peterhead
Wheelie World offers an action-packed experience for kids of all ages! Enjoy scooting round its indoor track on hover karts, crazy carts, and drift riders – it’s a great place to go, especially on a rainy day. If the weather is kinder, you can experience axe-throwing in the centre’s newly launched Axe Throwing Range, available for ages 13+. There is a café at the centre for re-energising and relaxing after a fun-packed experience.
Visit Wheelie World’s website for more information: https://www.wheelieworld.co.uk
5. Fraserburgh Leisure Centre
Swimming is good for the body and the mind and the flumes at Fraserburgh Leisure Centre make it lots of fun for the kids. The centre has a 25m 6 lane swimming pool, learner pool, flume, 2 saunas and a steam room. It also has a 3-court sports hall, dance studio, soft play area, and fitness suite. A healthy option for all the family on a rainy day, creating happy and long-lasting memories.
6. The Spotty Bag Shop, Banff
Banff’s Spotty Bag Shop has become world-famous for its “spotty bags” and has turned into quite a destination in the North-east. It’s all indoors, so perfect for those rainy days. In our eyes it’s Grampian’s very own ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ and has everything from wet-suits to homeware and cleaning products, as well as arts & crafts, toys, fancy dress costumes, a wide range of confectionary and much, much more. You can easily lose a good few hours in this shop – it’s worth a visit.
Find out more or buy online at The Spotty Bag Shop’s website: https://www.thespottybagshop.co.uk
More Shopping? Why not?
As well as the Spotty Bag Shop, Aberdeenshire has an abundance of boutiques, delis, and gift shops to explore. We’ve listed some of the finest below – there are of course many more. We love supporting local businesses, and use local suppliers at Saplinbrae wherever possible. It helps to give our guests a truly unique and authentic stay. Supporting small businesses while your visiting Aberdeenshire can only add to your experience, so take your pick…
Jane Keenan Design, Maud
7. Jane Keenan Design, Maud
A gorgeous shop full of unique art, gifts, and textiles. It’s the perfect place to find a gift that’s a bit different, or a keepsake from your visit to Aberdeenshire.
The Square, Station Road Maud - https://janekeenandesign.co.uk
8. Food For Thought Deli, New Deer
Food for thought is a beautifully presented delicatessen selling a huge range of fresh, local produce, food gifts, and hampers. It is the perfect place for any foodie or aspiring foodie!
The staff are super-friendly and the food is divine.
The Brae, New Deer, AB53 6TG - http://www.foodforthoughtdeli.co.uk
9. Celebrations of Turriff
The town centre in Turriff is renowned for its vast selection of independent shops, making it a great day out on a rainy day. Celebrations of Turriff is one of the largest retailers in the town, selling a wide range of homewhere, furniture, clothing, and gifts. It also has a nice café/restaurant to enjoy a cuppa before meandering round the other shops in the town centre.
Celebrations of Turriff, Main Street, Turriff - https://www.celebrationsofturriff.co.uk
Clola Antiques, near Mintlaw
10. Clola Antique, Mintlaw
If you have come from the south to visit Saplinbrae, you’ll have driven by Clola Antiques. From its large showroom, Clola showcases an eclectic range of antiques, vintage furniture, jewellery, and glassware, from around the world.
It’s worth a stop! Open 6 days. Find our more: http://www.clolaantiques.co.uk
If you’re eager to find more treasures and collectibles from across the region, then why not make a day of it, by visiting Cullen Antiques Centre in Cullen, and The Old Auction Room in Strichen.