Activities

The legendary Malt Whisky Trail winds its way along the River Spey, connecting some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries and offering a unique journey into the world of single malt whisky.

Discover historic distilleries, sample exceptional whiskies and learn about the centuries-old craft, traditions and stories behind Scotland’s most celebrated spirit. Set amongst some of the Highlands’ most spectacular landscapes, a day exploring Speyside is an unforgettable experience for whisky lovers and those looking to escape the pace of everyday life.

For a more intimate experience, we can arrange a private whisky tasting at the Castle. Learn how to taste and appreciate whisky, discover the stories behind each dram and enjoy a quintessentially Scottish experience in the historic surroundings of the Castle.

Aberdeenshire is home to some of Scotland’s finest and most historic golf courses. With over 50 courses to play, it boasts some of the best golf courses globally including the Royal Aberdeen, the 6th oldest course in the world and the international Trump Links course at Balmedie.

We can help arrange tee times at a selection of outstanding courses, including:

• Royal Aberdeen Golf Club (40-minute drive)

• Trump International Golf Links (40-minute drive)

• Cruden Bay Golf Club (50-minute drive)

• Murcar Links Golf Club (40-minute drive)

• Oldmeldrum Golf Club (15-minute drive)

Explore the gardens and grounds of one of Scotland’s most famous royal residences and visit the historic home of the Royal Family.

Balmoral is a 1 hour 30-minute drive from the Castle.

Try your hand at archery on the lawns in front of the Castle. Learn the basics of this historic sport before taking aim and putting your skills to the test in the beautiful surroundings of the estate.

Embrace the spirit of the Highland Games with a selection of traditional challenges, including caber tossing, hammer throwing and tug of war. A fun and memorable activity for groups of all ages.

Experience traditional deer stalking in the Scottish countryside with an experienced local guide. We can also organise stimulated stalking experiences, featuring five steel targets representing Roe Deer, Wild Boar and Fox at distances ranging from 50 to 200 metres. Stimulated stalking experiences have a maximum group size of four. Rifle hire is included.

Enjoy a classic country sporting experience with clay pigeon shooting on the estate. All necessary equipment is provided.

Explore the flora and natural heritage of the Wardhill Estate on a guided foraging walk. Discover edible plants, poisonous species and the folklore and mythology surrounding Scotland’s native flora and trees. The experience concludes with a traditional fire-lighting demonstration, using an ancient technique believed to date back thousands of years.

Step into the world of traditional Scottish sword fighting with Ben from Saorsa Swords, a World Champion sword fighter. Learn about the history and techniques of Scottish swordsmanship, dress in traditional Highland attire and try your hand at the sword, targe and musket.

Begin a special evening in true Scottish style. A traditional piper can welcome your guests and pipe you into dinner, creating a memorable atmosphere and celebrating one of Scotland’s most iconic traditions.

Discover the finer side of coffee with a tasting experience from Hayman Coffee. Explore exceptional speciality beans from around the world, from Panama Geisha to Jamaican Blue Mountain, and learn about the distinctive flavours and characteristics of each.