Braemar has lots to offer for a small village. It is a pleasant wander around the selection of interesting little shops and there are several different eateries if a break from cooking beckons.

Provisions can be bought at the small supermarket or butcher within the village, but Ballater (17 miles) is the place for really stocking up. It is also the starting point for several mountain biking trails.

Braemar is set right at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park with plenty to discover in the rest of the park – it is the largest national park in the whole of the UK after all! Keep an eye out for wildlife including ospreys, pine martens and red squirrels, or try climbing, riding or watersports.

Cycle hire is available in Braemar if you fancy exploring on two wheels and they offer ski equipment hire if a trip to the ski resort at Glenshee (9 miles) is on your agenda. Fishing permits can be purchased from the Braemar Tourist Information Centre for fishing on the famous River Dee (0.5 miles).

This is very much castle country, with the fascinating ruins of Kindrochit Castle still standing in the village. Just on the outskirts is Braemar Castle that you can wander around whilst listening to an audio tour on its history or take a guided tour with a knowledgeable local volunteer.

The Queen’s own Scottish holiday residence of Balmoral Castle is just 15 minutes’ drive away and is open to the public in the summer months. The Queen returns to the area every September for the annual Braemar Gathering where she joins the many visitors who flood in to enjoy the traditional Scottish music, dancing and Highland Games.