Banchory has long been considered a wonderful place to escape to. Small and charming, and right on the River Dee, Banchory is historic enough to do a bit of sightseeing in, as well as being surrounded by the green hills and valleys leading to the Cairngorms National Park. and the Scottish Highlands. It’s also close to a number of golf courses. The best places to stay in Banchory are scattered through and around the town, with some wonderfully welcoming country house conversions topping our Guru’s list.

For many the area’s ancient architecture is a draw. From the 15th and 16th century onwards, fortifications, like Crathes Castle, began springing up on the hills and in the valleys, with the dramatic backdrop of the Cairngorms adding to the theatrical beauty, and by the 19th century, Queen Victoria is said to have fallen in love with the romance of the region — so much so that she bought Balmoral Castle (which is about 30 miles west). There are numerous walking trails to direct you towards the very best views, including salmon leaping in the Falls of Feugh, and the panorama from the top of Scolty Hill. The River Dee also provides some superb fishing opportunities.

Banchory’s town centre offers plenty to charm too. The high street is lined with bookshops, bakers, butchers and independent cafes, and beyond that are granite townhouses and whitewashed cottages. There are also a number of pubs and restaurants. 

With its Royal Deeside location, the best places to stay in Banchory will be extremely busy during the peak summer months. So book early to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Banchory

For Romantics (and Golfers)

• Just a short walk from the Banchory Golf Club, TorNaCoille is a very pretty baronial house turned 30-room hotel with lovely grounds including expansive lawns and mature rhododendrons. The interiors are decorated to match, with comfort and unfussy elegance. Expect comfortable beds and just the right amount of tartan. The hotel's restaurant focuses on local produce, and has a very good reputation.

For River Frontage

• Banchory Lodge is in a surprisingly quiet spot, surrounded by lush grounds, but in the centre of pretty Banchory, right beside the River Dee. The building is a Georgian house, now Grade II listed, which has received sympathetic investment during its transformation into 28 room hotel. Plenty of the building’s original features have been retained — open fireplaces, elegant moulding, coving, and carved wood — but the rooms now offer all the mod cons, plus a range of stylish interiors. The hotel’s hub is the bar, which is popular with locals, as well as hotel guests, and is also beautifully decorated, and from there you can spill out onto the terrace, or into the charming restaurant.

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

• Aberdeen International Airport is the closest airport to Banchory, around 25 minutes away by car or taxi. There’s also a bus to and from the airport, the Jet 727. The closest rail station to Banchory is Stonehaven, which about 20 minutes away by taxi.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Scotland’s unpredictable weather is well known, and Banchory is subject to all the usual recommendations about packing wet weather gear at all times. And in Banchory’s case, snow-weight gear for winter. However during the summer months, Banchory enjoys long days with plenty of light. June, July and August are the lightest months, and summers are the most popular time to visit — especially around the Banchory River Festival in June, the Banchory Show in July, and the Highland Games, held in August.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Aberdeenshire or all best places to stay in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands
• Consider some of Banchory’s neighbouring centres, Aboyne or the best places to stay in Aberdeen, for example
• Prioritise properties close to the Cairngorms National Park
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.