Self-catering holiday cottages near Crathie and Balmoral, Royal Deeside

Holiday Cottages in Royal Deeside.

In the heart of Royal Deeside, Balmoral is the perfect place to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Cairngorm Mountains and National Park. A wide variety of sporting activities are close at hand - hill walking and mountain biking throughout most of the year, skiing at either the Lecht or Glenshee in the winter months or seasonal fishing on the River Dee. The local golf courses include Braemar, Ballater and Aboyne.

There are National Trust properties to explore, as well as the perfect place to sample a 'dram' at the neighbouring Royal Lochnagar Distillery, one of the numerous distilleries in the wider area. For those looking for a more relaxing break, there are plenty of places for a gentle stroll, a spot of village shopping or some fine dining at the local hotels and restaurants. Seasonal highlights include the Braemar Gathering attended by members of the Royal Family.

If you like a dram or two there is the Fettercairn Distillery (one of Scotland's oldest and nestled at the foot of the Cairngorms), which offers guided tours and a chance to sample its fine malt whisky. The Grassic Gibbon Centre at nearby Arbuthnott celebrates the life and works of the local Mearns novelist and author of the Sunset Song (one of the most popular Scottish novels) - there's also an excellent cafe! The beautiful Montrose Basin is well worth a visit and its visitors centre is popular with all ages.

Crathie not far from the beautiful St Cyrus beach - one of many blue flag beaches in the area and usually very empty. If you prefer to be more active then there are many excellent golf courses nearby and at Auchenblae there is a small 9 hole golf course known locally for being a bit demanding! You are surrounded by beautiful countryside so there is plenty to do for the outdoor enthusiast - fishing, cycling, riding, sailing and hill walking to name just a few activities available.