Tomidhu Steading
Accommodation
Royal Deeside
Balmoral Castle is the Queen’s Scottish residence. When the Queen is not in residence the grounds are open to the public from 10:00 - 17:00. Throughout the year there are many activities in the grounds of the estate. A short walk from Tomidhu Steading.
Constructed in 1628 by John Erskine, the 18th Earl of Mar, Braemar Castle is now a possession of the chief of Clan Farquharson, leased to a local charitable foundation and is open to the public. A 10 minute drive from Tomidhu Steading.
There are 2 ski centres within a 30 minute drive of Tomidhu Steading, both with cafes and ski hire facilities. Both resorts have a mixture of lifts and runs to cater for all standards and abilities.
Glenshee Ski Centre: 22 lifts and 36 runs, the UK’s most extensive skiing and snowboarding. Located on the A93 (the highest public road in the UK) just south of Braemar. A 25 minute drive from Tomidhu Steading.
The Lecht Ski Centre: 15 lifts and 20 runs. Situated on the A939 road between Cockbridge and Tomintoul, north of Crathie. A 30 minute drive from Tomidhu Steading.
Loch Muick is a large fresh water loch located in the grounds of Balmoral estate. It boasts the Glas-allt-Shiel house which was built by Queen Victoria and stunning views across the loch. The path circling the loch is approximately an 8 mile walk and often groups of deer can be seen on the hill side.
Best known as being the place of worship for the British Royal Family when they are in residence at Balmoral Castle. The church has a lovely peaceful feel and a detailed history to discover. A short walk from Tomidhu Steading.
Royal Lochnagar produces a Single Malt whisky. In 1848, Queen Victoria visited the distillery and it was then given Royal Appointment. Tours of the distillery are available where you can see the mashtun, copper stills, casks and more while discovering how scotch whisky is made. After the tour you can enjoy a dram and visit their shop.
Ballater: A number of local shops that have received Royal Appointment and supply the Royal Family during their stay on Royal Deeside. Ballater has its annual Highland Games in August. There are also several coffee shops, bike hire and a sweet factory!
Braemar: The Braemar Gathering in September, which attracts the Royal family. There are shops including mountain sports, ski hire and cafes.