If you want to escape to luxurious peace and awe-inspiring views, head to Aberdeenshire, home to the stunning Cairngorms National Park.
Embracing the nearby coastal city of Aberdeen offering Michelin Guide-recognised eating and drinking alongside world-class entertainment, this corner of northeast Scotland really is something to write home about.
VisitAberdeenshire is now offering the chance to win a two-night stay for two people to enjoy a glorious spring getaway at Banchory Lodge, a four-star luxury retreat in the heart of Royal Deeside.
They’re also offering a £100 Aberdeen Gift Card to spend on food and drink, shopping, theatre and more while you’re there, as well as a Discovery Tour and Gin School Experience for two people at the City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School.
It’s easy to enter. All you have to do is visit visitabdn.com/escape/win and register*, and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a trip to one of the UK’s most majestic destinations.
Welcome to Aberdeenshire
Set on the banks of the River Dee 20 miles inland from Aberdeen, the dog-friendly Banchory Lodge is perfectly placed to explore the Cairngorms’ forests, waterfalls and wildlife.
At twice the size of the Lake District, the park also has five of the UK’s six highest mountains to tackle, so pack your walking boots.
There are over 300 castles, stately homes, and ruins to discover too, and Aberdeenshire boasts more castles per acre than any other area of the UK.
Embark on the world’s only castle trail and explore historic sites like the fairytale Craigievar Castle, the Game of Thrones-style Dunnottar Castle or the clifftop Slains Castle – said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
But what makes Aberdeenshire such a unique destination is that it’s entirely possible to enjoy mountain hikes, dramatic coastal walks and a culture-packed city break all in the same weekend.
Aberdeen’s award-winning, 15,000-seat P&J Live arena hosts international music acts and live events, while football fans can also watch Scottish Premiership giants Aberdeen FC play at the famous Pittodrie Stadium.
Be sure to sample the best of the region’s fresh, locally sourced seafood, and enjoy expertly prepared dishes at renowned restaurants like The Silver Darling. For meat lovers, an Aberdeen Angus steak is a must-try, showcasing the area’s rich farming heritage.
And then, of course, there’s the whisky. Aberdeenshire has the largest number of whisky distilleries anywhere in Scotland, including Glen Garioch, the most easterly in the country.
Tour Royal Lochnagar in the heart of the Cairngorms and enjoy a dram of the legendary malt loved so much by Queen Victoria that it was bestowed a Royal Warrant.
The birthplace of golf
In a country known as the birthplace of golf, Aberdeenshire also has some of the planet’s most spectacular and challenging links courses, as well as two of the oldest at Fraserburgh and Royal Aberdeen, and the newest at Trump International.
The latter runs along the shore of the North Sea and is regarded as having one of the finest front nines in golf.
Be careful with your tee shot, though – a mishit drive could easily end up in the ocean.
Spring is the perfect time to discover Aberdeenshire, whether it’s golfing, biking, hiking, or a romantic city break you’re after.
Make the most of the peaceful setting at Banchory Lodge, and enjoy an afternoon tea in the outdoor Sitooterie overlooking the River Dee.
Enter now at visitabdn.com/escape/win
*Prize is offered subject to availability, the voucher will be from April 2025 to April 2026 and will not be valid on the following dates: 20th December 2025 and 2nd January 2026.