Known as the "Gateway to the Royal Deeside", the town of Banchory is only 20 miles west of Aberdeen. It is the largest town in the area and is in close proximity to two famous castles – Crathes and Drum, both of which are managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The reason it is called the gateway is that it is the ideal starting point for a tour of this part of the Grampian Highlands. You can easily drive here from Aberdeen in about 30 minutes and if you take the bus, the trip will only take about 45 minutes. The breathtaking scenery of Banchory will be the first thing you notice. There is a wide choice of accommodations available from camping to hotels and everything in between. The restaurants serve all manner of cuisine and the pubs are a place where you can get to meet the friendly people that call Banchory home.
Banchory is ideally located along the River Dee, which makes it perfect for taking short walks or even for fishing, if that is your passion. There is also fishing available for all ages at the Raemoir Trout Fishery. This town is the birthplace of James Scott Skinner, a famous fiddler and composer of tunes such as the "Bonnie Lass O’Bon Accord". Visit the Banchory Museum to learn all about this man and his music. Here you will also learn about the history of the town, which dates back to the 5th century. St. Ternan sought sanctuary among the native Picts, whom he later converted to Christianity. Visit Crathes Castle and Gardens, which looks just like the castles in the fairytales with its turrets. Some of the rooms still have the original painted ceilings and the eight colourful gardens that surround it are really an awesome sight. They are open all year round. Take one or all of the six woodland walks to enjoy the beauties of nature. Children will really enjoy the adventure playground, which is located in an exhibition area with something for everyone.
Banchory is also the setting of the "Sanatorium" written by Somerset Maughan when he was a patient at the Nordrach on Dee Sanatorium, now the Glen O’Dee Hospital. The great climate of the area was thought to be the perfect cure for tuberculosis due to the large amount of sunshine this area receives. There is a golf course here as well as tennis courts, a swimming pool and both indoor and outdoor bowling facilities. Come to Banchory in time for the Vintage Car Rally in May, the famous St. Ternan Market in June or in August for the Deeside Vintage Steam Rally. There is no shortage of stores here as well as art galleries focusing on the works of local artists and artisans. Many types of visual art exhibits and musical performances are held at the Woodland Arts Centre. You will be so thrilled with your visit to Banchory that you will want to return time and time again.
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