The King's summer residence, Balmoral Castle, 1 hours drive from Drumtochty through The Caingorms, the Scottish National Park.

Only 44 minutes from Aberdeen and 1hour 10 from Drumtochty lies one of Scotland's historic castles, Fvyie. With landscape gardens, portraits by Raeburn, bodies buried in the walls, and the Ghost of Dame Lilie Drummond, it is well worth a visit.

Please see the website for guided tours and opening times.

These castle ruins lie on the outskirts of Stonehaven. Stunning views and beach walks, a great place to picnic. Check the website for opening times, it often closes in bad weather due to dangerous terrain.

Friendly staff and a great 1 hour tour. Lies very close to Balmoral Castle if you want to combine the 2.

The Macallan Distillery is a luxurious experience. Sit in the bar and enjoy the view.

Tickets £10
1 hour 52 mins from Drumtochty castle south west. 1 hour 20 from Edinburgh.

Given the name, this had to be included. The castle itself is not open to the public but there are marvelous views of the castle as you walk around these 17th century Scottish Renaissance garden.
There is even a Copper Beech tree planted by Queen Victoria in 1842.