Bound by the Firth of Forth to the south and the Moray Firth to the north, the low-lying region of northeast Scotland is often skipped over by travelers beckoned toward the more celebrated Highlands—but more fool them. This fertile region is home to the earthy and creative cities of Aberdeen and Dundee, rich farmland, misty glens, rugged stretches of coastline, charming fishing villages, and plenty of things to do, including a remarkable number of ancient castles and storied whisky distilleries.
Summer is the prime time to enjoy everything the region has to offer. Summer days are long in northeast Scotland (at the height of summer, it remains light until after 11 pm) and promise the best of Scotland's notoriously fickle weather. As much of northeast Scotland is off the beaten tourist path, you’ll rarely encounter the summer crowds you’ll find elsewhere (except for the always-busy town of St. Andrews).
Having your own vehicle is the key to getting the most out of northeast Scotland, but relying on public transportation is possible. Regular trains connect the major hubs of Dundee and Aberdeen, and buses often reach rural locations. If you’re planning multiple bus journeys, ask for multi-journey tickets; they will save you considerable money and are often cheaper than a return ticket.
Aberdeenshire is well-known for its castles and stately homes but don’t just rush through the city of Aberdeen on your way to the countryside. Over recent years, Scotland’s third-largest city has become a world-renowned hub for street art, thanks to the annual Nuart Festival, imported from its twin city of Stavanger, just over the North Sea in Norway. Find a street art map online and spend a day exploring the city’s colorful artwork.
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Northeast Scotland is home to the highest concentration of castles in the country. Aberdeenshire, known as “Scotland’s Castle Country,” has more than 250 castles and stately homes. The region is also known for whisky—Speyside has the highest number of distilleries in Scotland—and its ancient Pictish heritage; you’ll find monumental Pictish stones scattered around rural Angus.
...MoreA trip to northeast Scotland should include attractions like the V&A Dundee design museum and Captain Scott's Antarctic research ship, the RRS Discovery in the same city. You should also make time for a few castles, such as the 16th-century Crathes Castle, known for its ties to Robert the Bruce, and take a walk in one of the lovely Angus glens, such as Glen Clova.
...MoreA list of the prettiest villages in Scotland will undoubtedly include quite a few located in the northeast. The East Neuk of Fife is home to several small working fishing villages, including Crail and Elie, where picturesque stone cottages cluster around little harbors. The long-distance Fife Coastal Path connects the towns and can be walked in sections.
...MoreJune is delightful in northeast Scotland. The sun is (more likely to be) shining, the fields are filled with prancing lambs, and the wildflowers are blooming. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoor activities and cultural festivities just before the Scottish school holidays begin.
...MoreA minimum of five days is needed to cover the entire region of northeast Scotland. That gives you enough time to visit some castles, a museum or two, and walk through the glens or along the coast. Remember that getting around can be time-consuming, even with your own vehicle, due to the tight, winding nature of Scotland’s rural roads.
...MoreThe Kingdom of Fife is known worldwide as the “Home of Golf” and has more than 40 courses, including the legendary Old Course at St. Andrews. The region is also known for its agriculture and is home to an excellent food and drink scene, which makes great use of local produce.
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