Aboyne is a picturesque village in the heart of Royal Deeside, a wonderfully untamed corner of the Scottish Highlands. Known for its golf course, or as a quintessential Highland escape, this spot, between the sea and the looming grey majesty of the Cairngorms, is also known for its ancient cairns — around a thousand of them — attesting to long ago settlements, and its incredible opportunities for walking and fishing. The best places to stay in Aboyne are ideal for all of these plans and our Gurus’ recommendations offer inspiring views, great access to walking and mountain biking trails, and a promise of escape. We've discovered a charming village inn and a lovely country house turned luxury B&B.

Aboyne’s golf course is one of Scotland’s oldest, built in 1883. It really put Aboyne on the map as far as visitors were concerned, and many of the people searching for the best places to stay in Aboyne today are really looking for somewhere to pack up their golf clubs of an evening. Aboyne’s Highland Games, held each summer, mark the bustiest time to visit, but walkers and fisherfolk come almost year round. The River Dee is known for its salmon, and The Deeside Way, a spectacular 41 mile walk from Aberdeen to Ballater, runs through the town.

The Best Places to Stay in Aboyne

Best Pubs-with-rooms

• The Boat Inn is a totally charming, traditional looking village inn, with 16 surprisingly contemporary rooms and suites, a cosy bar, and restaurant serving hearty pub grub. The fanciest of the rooms have free-standing baths under pitched roofs, and private balconies or terraces. Downstairs in the pub guests will find roading fires in traditional stoves, and a great collection of ales. A real crowd pleaser!

Best B&Bs

• Lys-na-greyne is a luxurious B&B, converted from a charming home, with wonderful views of the River Dee. There are just six rooms, all spacious and light, decorated in muted greys and whites, with antiques, and contemporary bathrooms. No restaurant but delicious platters for dinner can be arranged if you don't fancy the walk in to town.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Aboyne is Aberdeen International Airport, which is around half an hour away by car or taxi. Alternatively you can travel via train from Edinburgh, where the closest station is Stonehaven, which is also about half an hour away from Aboyne by car or taxi. From Glasgow the train goes via Laurencekirk, also about half an hour away by car or taxi.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Aboyne is cool and damp year round, and its Highland spot means it gets regular snowfall during winter. As far as the weather is concerned there’s not a bad time to visit, but Aboyne is most popular during the summer months, especially around the Highland Games in August. The golf course, walking trails, canoe centres, rock climbing walls, and mountain biking tracks are most popular in summer too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Aberdeenshire
• Consider accommodation in nearby Pitlochry or Banchory
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.