The Tailor-Made Guide to Ancient Scotland: Aberdeenshire Stone Circles
Updated: 2 hours ago
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to inspire curious travellers and share the experiences behind my bespoke itinerary designs — giving you a flavour of what is possible, and the confidence to reach out and make it happen.
Where can you find prehistoric stone circles older than Stonehenge that you'll likely have completely to yourself? The answer lies hidden across the rolling hills and ancient forests of Aberdeenshire, where nearly 100 mysterious "recumbent stone circles" wait to be discovered by those willing to venture beyond the well-trodden tourist paths.
Picture this: you're standing in a farmer's field as morning mist clings to granite stones that have stood silent for 4,000 years. The air carries the earthy smell of wet peat and wild heather, punctuated by the distant bleating of Highland sheep. Your fingertips trace the rough surface of a massive 20-tonne recumbent stone, its flankers rising like ancient sentinels against the backdrop of the Cairngorms. The only sounds breaking the profound silence are the crunch of your boots on frost-covered grass and the occasional cry of a curlew overhead. This isn't just any stone circle - it's a recumbent stone circle, one of the most distinctive standing stones of Scotland, found nowhere else on Earth except here in northeast Scotland (and a small corner of Ireland).
Contents
But here’s where it gets interesting.
You've landed on exactly the guide you need to unlock these archaeological treasures. I'm Barry, and over the past four years, I've personally visited every single stone circle mentioned in this comprehensive ranking. As a history graduate who's been designing self-guided tours since 2015, I've crawled through farm gates, navigated unmarked forest paths, and even befriended horses guarding ancient monuments to bring you this definitive list. My boots have been muddy, my car has been scratched by Highland brambles, and I've gotten genuinely lost more times than I care to admit so you don't have to - but I've also discovered some of the most magical corners of ancient Scotland that most travellers never even know exist.
If you're an independent traveller who prefers authentic discoveries overcrowded attractions, this detailed guide to Aberdeenshire stone circles will take you from easily accessible roadside gems to hidden woodland treasures. I'll share helpful tips, like parking coordinates and access details, plus the honest lowdown on what each one is really like to visit. No guidebook fluff here – just practical, tested advice from someone who's figured out the tricky bits.
If you'd like an Aberdeenshire stone circles trip planned around your time, interests and driving comfort, get in touch by email to enquire about a professionally crafted bespoke itinerary.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
What is a ‘Recumbent Stone Circle’?
So, I hear you ask, what is a ‘Recumbent Stone Circle’? Well, the circles are made up of a number of standing stones, plus a large horizontal (or “recumbent”) stone which has an upright flanking stone at either side of it.
The Aberdeenshire stone circles were erected around 4,000 years ago, making them a similar age to Stonehenge and the great Pyramids of Giza. There is still a lot of mystery around what these circles were used for, but the alignment of these stones probably helped prehistoric farming communities to follow the changing seasons. The flanking stones would have framed the rising and setting moon at midsummer.
And that’s just the beginning.
This blog will rate our stone circle visits over the past four years around Aberdeenshire, and the list will include both ‘Recumbent’ and standard stone circles, with some references to other ancient sites in the North East that can be visited. Few UK stone circles are as distinctive as these. The technical descriptions of the circles used were mainly taken from the Canmore website.
Aberdeenshire Stone Circles
Quick Picks
Best atmosphere: Cothiemuir, with its woodland setting, huge recumbent and the “Devil’s Hoofmarks”.
Finest classic circle: Easter Aquhorthies.
Easiest to visit: Cullerlie.
Best views: Tomnaverie (Lochnagar and the Cairngorms) or Aikey Brae.
Most unusual: Aboyne, a rare four-poster circle.
Richest story: Loanhead of Daviot, a complex ceremonial site, or Strichen, with its turbulent history.
Aberdeenshire Stone Circles Map
Easter Aquhorthies
East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, near Inverurie, was erected about 4,000 years ago, and is one of the finest recumbent stone circles in existence. The circle is made up of 11 upright stones, all of pinkish porphyry, except for the one closest to the east flanker, which is of red jasper. On the south-west edge of the circle is the recumbent stone, the largest in the circle. It rests between the two tallest upright ‘flanker’ stones. The stones show notable geological variation, and appear to have been chosen for their colour.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: East Aquhorthies sits in a rich area of ancient and medieval sites, like the Pictish Maiden Stone and the iron age fortifications of Bennachie, and the right pairing depends on how much time and driving you want.
Easter Aquhorthies Easter Aquhorthies Easter Aquhorthies Easter Aquhorthies Easter Aquhorthies Easter Aquhorthies Easter Aquhorthies Pictish fort at Bennachie The Maiden Stone
Aquhorthies
Aquhorthies is not only one of the most impressive recumbent stone circles, but also one of the most complex, preserving a range of visible features that are rarely seen so clearly elsewhere. Not to be confused with East Aquhorthies, which is near Inverurie, Aquhorthies stone circle is in a farmer’s field near Portlethen. Measuring a maximum of 25m from N to S by 23.5m transversely, in its final form the circle comprised at least eighteen stones set out along the leading edge of a platform encircling a well-defined ring-cairn; of that complement, only fourteen remain, and two of these are reduced to stumps. The recumbent block measures 2.75m in length by almost 1.4m in height. Apart from the two stones at the mouth of the forecourt, the large stones are graded in height, from the tallest (2.4m high) to the shortest (1.1m high).
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Park near the abandoned farmhouse at 57°03'22.3"N 2°09'55.2"W. The road to it is rough, but fine to drive with care. Then walk round the side of the field to the circle. Old Bourtreebush Stone Circle is 200m away and can be seen at the same time.
Scroll right to view all the photos.
Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone Circle Aquhorthies Stone CircleAquhor
Cothiemuir
Cothiemuir Stone Circle can be found in a lovely wooded setting. The imposing size of the recumbent stone and its flankers are impressive! There is also the mystery and intrigue of the ‘Devil’s Hoofmarks’, which can be found on the summit of the recumbent stone. They are probably natural indentations, but why mess with a great story!
Measuring about 20m in diameter, the circle encloses a well-preserved cairn and originally comprised up to thirteen stones, though only eight now remain. The recumbent boulder measures 4.15m in length and 1.25m in height. The two flankers, which are the tallest stones in the ring, are of roughly the same height, standing up to 2.7m high.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: There is plenty of parking at the neighbouring Cothiemuir Hill Woodland Burial Ground, and Cothiemuir is also a short drive from Keig stone circle.
Scroll right to view all the photos.
Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle Cothiemuir Stone Circle
Cullerlie
Cullerlie Stone Circle’s eight stones surround an area which was likely used for cremation. Eight small ring cairns within the stone circle were probably built later. Cullerlie is remarkable for its setting at the bottom of a valley. Most prehistoric stone circles were built on higher ground, and the reason for Cullerlie’s unusual location is a mystery.
Wondering where to start?
Tailor-Made Top Tip: There is a small area for parking at the entrance gate to the circle, and Cullerlie is probably the most accessible circle to visit in this list.
Cullerlie Stone Circle Cullerlie Stone Circle Cullerlie Stone Circle
Loudon Wood
The remains of the Loudon Wood Stone Circle, consists of four stones, including recumbent and its western flanker still standing in situ. The three other stones have fallen. The stones are off the main walking path and there is no signage. They are marked accurately on Google Maps, so approach along the main path from the south, looking for a small gap in the trees where you will find a rough path to the circle.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: While walking through the woods, look out for the Drinnie’s Wood Observatory.
If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.
Louden Wood Stone Circle Louden Wood Stone Circle Louden Wood Stone Circle Louden Wood Stone Circle Louden Wood Stone Circle Louden Wood Stone Circle Drinnie's Wood Observatory
Nine Stanes of Mulloch
The Nine Stanes of Mulloch stand in a clearing in an area of woodland. The stone circle surrounds a ring cairn, and comprise 6 erect stones, the recumbent and 2 flankers (hence the name "Nine Stanes" or "stones"). Unusually, the recumbent and flankers are set on the edge of the inner cairn, while the remaining standing stones sit in an oval outer arc. It is thought that this circle was built late in the sequence of Recumbent Stone Circles.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: There is a gated access road for the forestry commission where there is room to park one or two cars without blocking the gate. The circle is then just a two-minute walk from there.
Nine Stanes of Mulloch Nine Stanes of Mulloch Nine Stanes of Mulloch Nine Stanes of Mulloch Nine Stanes of Mulloch
Craighead Badentoy
The Craighead Badentoy Stone Circle is situated in a paddock on the summit of School Hill, near the top of the Portlethen Golf Course. It consists of four stones set out at the corners of a rhombus roughly 6m square, tightly confined within a drystone-walled roundel measuring 12m in diameter. There are access points through this wall and the outer wall that surrounds the field.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Horses sometimes use the field surrounding the circle, but we have been told that they are friendly and enjoy a carrot or two if you have some!
Craighead Badentoy Craighead Badentoy Craighead Badentoy Craighead Badentoy Craighead Badentoy Craighead Badentoy
Clune
The Clune Stone Circle is roughly oval and measures up to 16.5 metres in diameter. It is formed from a single recumbent stone with two flanking stones and six upright stones. A stone cairn has been built within the circle. The signposting for the circle is poor, so follow the forest path as far south as it goes and you should find it.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: There is a car park to the east of the village of Durris, coordinates 57°03'05.4"N 2°20'26.2"W.
Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle Clune Stone Circle
Aikey Brae
Aikey Brae Stone Circle is regarded as the most intact recumbent stone circle in Northern Aberdeenshire and it also has one of the best panoramic views. It has 5 erect stones, including the recumbent and East flanker, and 5 fallen stones, including the West flanker. Most of the stones of the circle are of granite although the fallen West flanker and recumbent are of whinstone. The recumbent is estimated to weigh 21.5 tons.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Deer Abbey is a short drive away, so worth a visit when at the circle.
If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.
Aikey Brae Stone Circle Aikey Brae Stone Circle Aikey Brae Stone Circle Aikey Brae Stone Circle Aikey Brae Stone Circle Deer Abbey
Eslie the Greater
Eslie the Greater recumbent stone circle lies on the east side of the saddle between Knock Hill and the ridge rising eastwards to Mulloch Hill. Of the eight original circle stones (plus recumbent and flankers), five still stand; they range from 1.5m to 0.8m in height, the one opposite the recumbent being, characteristically, the smallest.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: The circle is in the middle of a farmer’s field (at the moment it seems to be used for pasture), and there is no obvious easy way in to the field, so we climbed the gate at 57°00'51.1"N 2°27'55.9"W.
Eslie the Greater Stone Circle Eslie the Greater Stone Circle Eslie the Greater Stone Circle Eslie the Greater Stone Circle Eslie the Greater Stone Circle Eslie the Greater Stone Circle
Sunhoney
The Sunhoney Stone Circle has a diameter of 25.4m comprising nine standing stones plus a large recumbent stone which has an upright flanking stone at either side of it. The surrounding environment makes this circle a very captivating and dreamy site to visit.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: To reach it you drive up the access road to the farmstead at Sunhoney, taking care to leave your car where it won't cause an obstruction in an area that is signed. From here you continue on foot up the hill to your north, before turning west onto a track that leads between fields to the circle itself.
Sunhoney Stone Circle Sunhoney Stone Circle Sunhoney Stone Circle Sunhoney Stone Circle Sunhoney Stone Circle Sunhoney Stone Circle Sunhoney Stone Circle
Old Keig
The recumbent stone circle of Old Keig is situated on a slight crest on a ridge, and within a narrow windbelt. The recumbent stone is massive, being 16ft long on top, 6ft thick, 6 3/4ft high. There are two flankers and five other stones which have toppled.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: If you follow Google Maps directions, it will have you park at the side of the farmer’s field. However, you should rather park 100m further North (57°15'56.5"N 2°40'10.7"W), at the start of the windbelt, then walk down the ridge to the circle.
If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.
Keig Stone Circle Keig Stone Circle Keig Stone Circle Keig Stone Circle Keig Stone Circle Keig Stone Circle Keig Stone Circle
Berrybrae
Only five stones remain at Berrybrae, near Fraserburgh, including the recumbent, two massive stone blocks in situ (one the west pillar) and two prostrate and broken stones, one the east pillar. They are set in a lovely oval bank within a farmer’s field, a little island of antiquity. There is space for two cars to park at the gate to the field (57°36'18.1"N 1°57'20.7"W)
Tailor-Made Top Tip: While in the area, take a drive to discover the impressively large Memsie Round Cairn.
Berrybrae Stone Circle Berrybrae Stone Circle Berrybrae Stone Circle Berrybrae Stone Circle Berrybrae Stone Circle Berrybrae Stone Circle Memsie Round Cairn Memsie Round Cairn
Midmar
Midmar Recumbent Stone Circle stands in the churchyard of Midmar Parish Church. The circle measures 17.3m in diameter, and consists of the recumbent, 2 flankers and 5 other erect stones. The 2 flankers, each c.2.5m high, have been matched and shaped to resemble two enormous canine teeth, and flank a massive recumbent which weighs 20 tons. It is likely that at least one stone has been re-erected and a ring cairn removed, probably when the graveyard was laid out around the circle in 1914.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Midmar is close to the Sunhoney Stone Circle, so it’s a great idea to combine the two during a trip.
Midmar Stone Circle Midmar Stone Circle Midmar Stone Circle Midmar Stone Circle Midmar Stone Circle Midmar Stone Circle Midmar Stone Circle
Tomnaverie
Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle and boasts one of the best views, taking in views of Lochnagar and the Cairngorms (on a clear day!). The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. The site appears to have seen use as late as the AD 1600s.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Just a five-minute drive to the north is the Culsh Earth House. This Iron Age souterrain is a stone-lined underground passage, probably used to store food over 2,000 years ago.
If you enjoy this kind of curated travel insight, you can subscribe to receive future guides and inspiration.
Tomnaverie Stone Circle Tomnaverie Stone Circle Tomnaverie Stone Circle Tomnaverie Stone Circle Tomnaverie Stone Circle Culsh Earth House Culsh Earth House
Cairnwell Ring Cairn
The Cairnwell Ring Cairn and its surrounding circle were fully moved 175 yards NW to accommodate the Badentoy industrial site in 1995, and can now be found in the middle of the estate.
Glassel
The remains of Glassel Stone Circle are located in woodland near Banchory. An oval setting of five granite pillars that range in height from 0.8 4m - 0.99 m. The circle isn’t well signposted, so park at Glassel village hall and follow Google Maps.
Dunideer
Only the recumbent and two re-erected flankers of Dunnideer Stone Circle can be seen nowadays. The recumbent is a relatively thin slab measuring 2.85m in length by 1.9m in height. The stones lay at the foot of the Hill of Dunnideer, to the north west of the castle in a group of trees.
Strichen
Strichen Recumbent Stone Circle is a reconstructed circle of about 15m in diameter. It is made up of a recumbent, two flankers and seven other stones of local grey granite. It has a surprisingly turbulent history for a monument that is 4,000 years old. Dr Johnson visited with James Boswell in 1773, when the circle stood in woodland, and this is the earliest mention of it. The circle seems to have been pulled down around 1830 and again in the 1960s. The site was rebuilt by the local community after the 1979–82 excavation.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Parking is available at Strichen Lodge.
Strichen Recumbent Stone Circle Strichen Recumbent Stone Circle Strichen Recumbent Stone Circle Strichen Recumbent Stone Circle
Old Bourtreebush
Old Bourtreebush Stone Circle encloses a cairn and is situated 240m west of Old Bourtreebush farmhouse, near Portlethen. The circle measures about 26m in diameter and has been reduced to an arc of five stones. It is thought that there would have originally been up to 15 standing stones. Note that the circle can only be accessed through farmer’s fields.
Here’s the catch:
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Stone circles in Scotland are often located within farmer’s fields. The public does have access to these fields in Scotland, so long as you only walk on unsown ground or along the tractor tramlines, making sure not to damage any crops.
Aboyne
Tucked away within Image Wood near Aboyne, the Aboyne Stone Circle is unlike any other prehistoric stone setting in Aberdeenshire. Rather than a classic recumbent stone circle, it is believed to be a rare four-poster stone circle dating from the Bronze Age. What immediately strikes visitors is its remarkably compact size. Early investigators recorded that the space between the inner faces of the north and south stones measured only around 11 feet (3.4m), making it one of the smallest stone circles in Scotland.
Tailor-Made Top Tip: Park at Aboyne Cemetery for easy access to Image Wood.
Aboyne Stone Circle Aboyne Stone Circle Aboyne Stone Circle Aboyne Stone Circle
Loanhead of Daviot
The Loanhead of Daviot Stone Circle is much more than just a stone circle. It is a complex monument used for funerary activity and rituals or ceremonies over a long period of time, from the Neolithic period and throughout the Bronze Age. The recumbent stone circle is the main feature, but it surrounds a ring cairn, and adjacent are the remains of an enclosed cremation cemetery.
Whitehill
Whitehill Recumbent Stone Circle stands in a clearing in an area of woodland near the Tillyfourie Quarry. The stone circle measures 20m in diameter, within which is a well-defined ring cairn of 17m in diameter. There are good car parking facilities near the start of the forest walks and it’s great to combine a trip to the circle with the lovely forest and quarry walks.
Getting to and Around Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is well connected, with Aberdeen acting as the main gateway to the region. Aberdeen Airport offers regular domestic flights from cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham, along with a limited number of international routes. The city is also accessible by rail, with direct services from Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, making it a convenient option for visitors travelling within the UK. For those driving, the A90 runs along the east coast, linking the region with Dundee and further south, while the A96 connects Aberdeen with Inverness.
Once in the region, having access to a car is by far the easiest way to explore Aberdeenshire stone circles fully. Most of the sites detailed in this post are spread out and not always well served by public transport.
How to Plan Your Time
With so many circles to choose from, the obvious question is how to turn this list into an actual trip.
The good news is that you don’t need to see them all, and you shouldn’t try. The circles fall into natural groupings: some close to Aberdeen, others scattered across the quieter countryside beyond, and a few tucked away towards the north of the county. Each grouping can make a satisfying half day or a full day out, especially once you add a castle, a Pictish stone or an ancient site along the way.
The less good news is that turning the best of these Aberdeenshire stone circles into a day that flows takes more thought than it first appears:
Many circles are reached only by farm tracks, field gates or forestry roads, and parking ranges from a proper car park to a gap beside a gate.
Two circles that look close together on a map can be very different drives.
Signage is patchy, so one wrong turn can swallow a surprising amount of your day.
Fields are in use, and winter daylight disappears quickly.
Pairing circles with other sights only works if the pairings suit your pace, and that isn’t obvious until you’ve tried it.
That’s exactly why I design bespoke itineraries. I’ve done the trial and error so you don’t have to, and I’ll shape the stops around how much time you have, how far you want to drive and what you want to see.
Enquire about your bespoke Aberdeenshire itinerary
I create a limited number of bespoke itineraries each month to ensure every trip is properly tailored, so if you’re considering it, it’s always worth getting in touch early.
Prefer a ready-made plan? Take a look at our off-the-shelf Aberdeenshire itineraries below.
Quick Questions Answered
Are the Aberdeenshire stone circles free to visit? Yes. Aberdeenshire stone circles are all free to visit and open year-round.
Do I need a car to visit the stone circles in Aberdeenshire? For most of them, yes. The circles sit in farmland and forestry well away from bus routes, so a car makes visiting practical.
How many stone circles are there in Aberdeenshire? Aberdeenshire contains over 70 known recumbent stone circles, with up to 99 examples recorded or identified in archaeological surveys.
How many stone circles can I see in one day? It depends far less on how keen you are than on where the circles sit. Some are close neighbours, while others are a long drive apart. Grouping them sensibly is the tricky part. If you’d like that worked out for you, a bespoke itinerary takes care of it.
What’s the best time of year to visit Aberdeenshire stone circles? Late spring to early autumn gives you the longest daylight and the driest paths.
What should I wear and bring when visiting? Strong footwear is recommended, and waterproofs are wise in any month. Signage is poor at several circles, so download an offline map before you set off, as mobile signal can vanish in the forests and glens.
Is it legal to walk through farmers’ fields to reach a stone circle? Generally, yes. Scotland has a legal right of responsible access to most land. Stick to unsown ground or tractor tramlines, leave gates as you found them, and keep well away from livestock. Never walk across growing crops.
Can I take my dog to the stone circles? Usually yes, but keep your dog under close control and on a lead near livestock, especially during spring lambing.
Which Aberdeenshire stone circles can I combine with other sights? Plenty can be paired with castles, Pictish stones or hillforts.
How do Aberdeenshire stone circles compare with Stonehenge? They’re a similar age but a very different experience. There are no queues, no crowds and you can often stand beside the stones on your own, with only sheep or cattle for company.
Where is the oldest stone circle in the UK? The oldest known stone circle in the UK is Flagstones in Dorset, dating to around 3200 BC, although the Stones of Stenness in Orkney are among the oldest surviving stone circles still visible today.
Conclusion
After many years of exploring Aberdeenshire's stone circles, I'm constantly amazed by how these ancient monuments, among the finest stone circles of Scotland, remain largely undiscovered by mainstream tourism. Each circle on this list has its own character - from Cothiemuir's mysterious "Devil's Hoofmarks" to Tomnaverie's panoramic Highland views - yet they all share that profound sense of connection to our prehistoric ancestors who carefully positioned these massive stones to track celestial movements 4,000 years ago. What makes these Aberdeenshire stone circles truly special isn't just their rarity as recumbent stone circles found nowhere else on Earth, but their accessibility to independent travellers willing to venture into farmers' fields and forest clearings. Whether you're tracing the pinkish porphyry stones at Easter Aquhorthies or standing beside the 21-tonne recumbent at Aikey Brae, you're experiencing something that most visitors to Scotland never discover. These aren't museum pieces behind ropes - they're living monuments you can touch, explore, and have entirely to yourself, often with nothing but Highland cattle and golden eagles for company.
Are you looking to combine work and travel?
Check out the fantastic online job opportunities on Jooble 🌍
So, where do you rest your head after a day among the stones?
Hotels in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire offers a wide and flexible range of accommodation options, making it easy to tailor your stay to the type of trip you’re planning. From coastal villages to Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms fringe, there is no single “best” base—rather a collection of distinct areas, each offering something slightly different. Whether you are looking for scenic retreats, character-filled properties or practical bases for exploring, there are plenty of excellent places to stay in Aberdeenshire across all budgets and travel styles.
Aberdeen itself also plays a key role in the region’s accommodation offering. There is a wide selection of Aberdeen city hotels Scotland, ranging from budget-friendly chains to high-end options close to the city centre and waterfront. Staying in Aberdeen works particularly well if you are arriving by train or plane, or if you prefer to base yourself in a city while taking day trips into the surrounding countryside. A full guide to Aberdeen city hotels is covered in my dedicated Aberdeen post, where I take a more detailed look at the best areas and places to stay within the city.
One of the strengths of Aberdeenshire is the variety within its accommodation sector. You’ll find everything from high-end estates and boutique hotels to self-catering cottages, lodges and coastal caravan parks. This means it works equally well for short breaks, road trips or longer stays where you want to explore the region in depth. Below are some of the main types of accommodation, along with recommended stays you can link to.
Luxury Hotels in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire has a quietly impressive collection of luxury hotels, many set within historic estates or overlooking some of the region’s most scenic landscapes. These properties work especially well for celebratory trips, slow‑travel escapes, or itineraries where comfort, dining and atmosphere are just as important as sightseeing. Whether you prefer countryside tranquillity, riverside settings or heritage architecture, the region offers several standout options.
Suggested stays:
Douneside House (Tarland) – An award‑winning country house hotel with exceptional service, refined interiors and access to extensive estate grounds. Ideal for a peaceful, high‑end retreat in the Howe of Cromar.
Banchory Lodge Hotel (Banchory) – A stylish riverside hotel on the banks of the River Dee, combining contemporary luxury with a relaxed atmosphere and strong food offering.
Macdonald Pittodrie House (Chapel of Garioch) – A grand baronial‑style hotel set beneath Bennachie, offering classic Scottish elegance, landscaped grounds and a traditional country‑house feel.
Douneside House Douneside House Banchory Lodge Hotel Banchory Lodge Hotel Macdonald Pittodrie House Macdonald Pittodrie House
Aberdeenshire Spa Hotels
For a more relaxing stay, there are several good options when it comes to Aberdeenshire spa hotels, often located just outside Aberdeen or within countryside estates.
Suggested stays:
Ardoe House Hotel & Spa (Aberdeen) – A baronial-style mansion offering spa facilities close to the city.
Marcliffe Hotel & Spa – One of the top choices for combining luxury accommodation with wellness facilities.
Aberdeen City Hotels Scotland
If you prefer an urban base, there is a wide range of Aberdeen city hotels Scotland, ideal for shorter stays or easy access to transport links. The city offers everything from international hotel brands to boutique stays, many within walking distance of Union Street, the harbour and Old Aberdeen.
Suggested stays:
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel – A popular central option combining location and modern comfort.
Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel – A classic city‑centre hotel overlooking Union Terrace Gardens, offering traditional style and a strong location.
Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen – A dependable, comfortable choice in the west end, well‑suited to business trips or short breaks.
Sandmand Signature Aberdeen Hotel Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen
Aberdeenshire Lodges and Holiday Cottages
For flexibility and privacy, Aberdeenshire lodges and Aberdeenshire holiday cottages are ideal—particularly if you’re planning to explore multiple areas or stay for longer.
Suggested stays:
Deeside lodges (Ballater / Braemar) – Perfect for exploring Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms.
Dalriada Luxury Lodges (Stonehaven) – A high-quality lodge option near the coast, offering a comfortable base close to Dunnottar Castle and the Mearns coastline.
Campsites, Caravan Parks and Glamping
If you’re travelling more independently, there are plenty of campsites in Aberdeenshire, along with well-equipped Aberdeenshire caravan parks and an increasing number of options for glamping in Aberdeenshire.
Suggested stays:
Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Caravan Site – Well located for Dunnottar Castle and the coast.
Ballater Caravan Park – A popular base for Royal Deeside.
Related Blog Posts
If you are interested in finding out more about the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
If you are interested in finding out more about ancient Scotland, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Which of these ancient stone circles are you most excited to explore - share your Aberdeenshire stone circle adventures in the comments below!
Don’t forget that at Tailor-Made Itineraries we delight in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these stone circles appeals to you, reach out to us by email. We would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the stone circles of Aberdeenshire, or indeed, a general tour of Scotland.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Comments