Ballater Holidays

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Things to do in and around Ballater

Ballater, a charming village in Scotland, is perfect for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning scenery and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy skiing at nearby fields, play a round at the Ballater Golf Club, or explore local bouldering routes. Additionally, the area boasts lively pubs and enticing distillery tours, making it an ideal destination for day trips and memorable experiences.

Shopping

In the heart of Ballater, explore local shops like The Craft Shop and The Ballater Gallery for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the larger shopping centres in Aberdeen, where you can find a wider variety of high-street brands and boutiques.

Recreation

Experience the stunning landscapes at Ballater Golf Club, where you can enjoy a round in a serene outdoor setting. Alternatively, visit Braemar Golf Club for a picturesque golfing experience, or head to Aboyne Golf Club, located 16.1km away, for more golfing adventures amidst nature.

Adventure

At Glenshee Ski Centre, revel in exhilarating ski runs surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The Cairn Aosda Tow ski lift provides easy access to thrilling slopes, while the Butcharts Access Poma invites adventurous skiers to experience the rush of gliding down the pristine snow. Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Ballater's nightlife offers a charming blend of local pubs and live music. Visit The Invercauld Arms for a warm atmosphere and traditional ales, or enjoy a lively evening at The Royal Deeside Railway, where you can savour delightful food and occasional entertainment events.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in and around Ballater

Ballater is an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and stunning scenery, offering a variety of attractions such as castles, mountains, and lodges. Whether you're interested in culture, romance, or outdoor pursuits, there's something for everyone. Be sure to explore the local attractions and consider great rental options to enhance your stay in this charming Scottish village.

  • Braemar Castle: Nestled within Ballater, Braemar Castle exudes a romantic charm, steeped in rich history and culture. Explore its impressive architecture and scenic grounds, perfect for a leisurely stroll and soaking in the picturesque surroundings.
  • Morven: A short 8.0km from Ballater, Morven offers a thrilling outdoor adventure for nature enthusiasts. Hike its rugged trails and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Scottish landscape, showcasing the stunning beauty of the Cairngorms.
  • Corgraff Castle: Located 17.7km from Ballater, Corgraff Castle is another enchanting site that captures the essence of Scotland's cultural heritage. With its striking towers and captivating history, it’s an ideal spot for exploring the romance of Scotland’s past.

Best time to go to Ballater

The best time to visit Ballater can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Ballater falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Ballater falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September50.5°F (10.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December34.3°F (1.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Ballater

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Ballater during the low season (February to March and November) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Ballater

Balmoral Arms

Balmoral Arms

13-15 Victoria Road Ballater Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
S$296
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (392 reviews)
"Extremely friendly service. There is not an elevator so they will carry your luggage to your room and back down. There are no strangers at Balmoral Arms, you're treated as a very good friend. Main sitting room with a piano that even though it's out of tune --- they've tried to have it repaired several ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug, 2026

Balmoral Arms
Hilton Grand Vacations Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside

Hilton Grand Vacations Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside

Braemar Road Ballater Scotland
S$330
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (277 reviews)
"10/10 for families"

Reviewed on 18 Jul, 2026

Hilton Grand Vacations Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside
The Lodges At Craigendarroch Country Club

The Lodges At Craigendarroch Country Club

Braemar Rd Ballater Scotland
The Lodges At Craigendarroch Country Club
See all 1,312 properties in Ballater
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Ballater attractions

A large stone pyramid surrounded by a forest.

Balmoral Castle

8.8/10 (98 reviews)
This Scottish royal residence showcases majestic Highland landscapes and elegant Victorian architecture. Explore the historic ballroom exhibition and stroll through vibrant gardens along the River Dee.
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A snowy mountain landscape with a wooden fence in the foreground.
Photo by Rory Paterson

Glenshee Ski Centre

7.8/10 (59 reviews)
Scotland's largest ski resort spans 2,000 acres across four mountains with 36 runs for all skill levels. Book early morning lessons at the on-site ski school to master the challenging Tiger run or gentle nursery slopes.
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A castle with multiple towers, a flag, and a surrounding landscape with trees and a hill.
Photo by Michael Schuier

Braemar Castle

8.8/10 (5 reviews)
This 17th-century fortress captivates with its star-shaped design and furnished rooms filled with family heirlooms. Explore the grounds for spectacular Highland views after touring the community-run castle.
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A mountain landscape with a lake and rocky terrain.

Lochnagar

9.2/10 (27 reviews)
Lochnagar's rugged peak rises dramatically in the Grampians, offering panoramic Cairngorm views. The challenging ascent rewards with sightings of red deer and golden eagles amid breathtaking Scottish wilderness.
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Mar Lodge Estate

9.8/10 (11 reviews)
Spanning 29,000 hectares in Cairngorms National Park, Mar Lodge Estate showcases Scotland's diverse wilderness with ancient pine forests and Munros. Autumn visitors can witness the spectacular red deer rut among heather-covered moors.
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Ballater Golf Club

9.0/10 (7 reviews)
Established in 1892, Ballater Golf Club offers an 18-hole course where heathland meets parkland along the River Dee. Players navigate undulating terraces while enjoying views of heather-clad hills and Lochnagar.
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Glenfiddich

8.8/10 (9 reviews)
This family-owned distillery has crafted world-renowned single malt Scotch whisky since 1887. Tour the historic mash house and warehouses before savouring a guided tasting of their finest aged expressions.
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Braemar Highland Games Centre

You can find out about the history of Braemar with a visit to Braemar Highland Games Centre. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the restaurants and bars.
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What to do in Ballater

Small-Group Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside from Aberdeen

Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside from Aberdeen

S$126
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Dunnottar Castle & Royal Deeside from Aberdeen
Highland Games Day Tour

From Edinburgh: Highland Games Day Tour

S$226
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
From Edinburgh: Highland Games Day Tour
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Tour from Aviemore

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Tour from Aviemore

S$157
per adult
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Tour from Aviemore
See all activities in Ballater

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Ballater holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Ballater break. However, factors like the hotel choice, length of stay and season will influence how much your holiday to Ballater costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Ballater?
The off-season is the best time to head to Ballater if you're trying to keep costs down. Another tip for getting cheap Ballater holiday packages? Avoid visiting during public holidays and any major festivals.
How many days is enough for Ballater?
Typically, a handful of days is enough to go to the main attractions during your Ballater holiday. But if you prefer to have some time to unwind or take day trips, think about extending your trip.
How to find the best Ballater package deals?
Finding a cheap Ballater package deal is easy with Expedia. Once you've entered your trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, apply a few filters and browse what's available. You can personalise your search by "Popular locations," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable Ballater package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Ballater holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Ballater escape by booking a personalised holiday package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to view some great hotel and flight prices. Bundle everything into a neat package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Ballater?
If you're considering a spontaneous Ballater trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can find awesome deals on your hotels and flights by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Ballater?
  1. Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get packing. Your preferred season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to holiday in Ballater.
  2. Calculate your budget: Make sure you have enough money to pay for everything from food and transportation to flights and experiences. Your accommodation will likely be the biggest expense during your trip to Ballater.
  3. Decide your trip length: Think about how much time you want to spend exploring Ballater. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the attractions and activities you're interested in without rushing.
  4. Bundle your accommodation and airfare: After you've nailed down your travel dates and duration, lock in the ideal Ballater holiday package for you.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.