If a country location is high up on the new home ‘must-have’ list, Aboyne is a location that should most certainly be considered. 30 miles from Aberdeen, and nestled in between Banchory and Ballater, Aboyne is one of the many jewels in the crown of Royal Deeside. From country walks to coffee shops, and local attractions to annual community events, it’s quite the place to call home.

1. Independent shopping and dining

Aboyne’s quaint and charming appearance is bolstered by a catalogue of independent businesses. Spider on a Bicycle is on hand for your coffee and cake pick-me-up, Thistle & Clay for handcrafted cosmetics and, Royal Warrant holder, George Strachan’s for groceries and gifts.

When it comes to dining out, The Boat Inn is an ideal stop for food and drinks. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a local gem with a beer garden and delicious food that’s hard to beat. Aboyne is also well served for takeaway options, and for day to day food shopping, a sizeable Co-op is conveniently located on the edge of the town.

2. Explore the Cairngorms

When you’re living in Aboyne, it takes just seconds to notice the beauty that surrounds. Fantastic hillscapes, rich forests and panoramic views aren’t in short supply and better yet, you’re on the cusp of the Cairngorms National Park (the biggest national park in the UK).

Challenge yourself to take on Munros, switch-off on lochside walks and catch a glimpse of animals in the wild with a whole host of outdoors activities. In the winter months, The Lecht and Glenshee are popular skiing locations and, come the warmer months, they offer adrenaline-fueled mountain bike tracks too.

3. Walking routes

On the topic of countryside, there’s no surprise that there are plenty of walks to uncover in and around Aboyne. The Deeside Way starts in Aberdeen and runs straight through Aboyne to its endpoint in Ballater, covering 41 miles. Take on its full length or tackle two of its routes out of Aboyne with a 13 mile walk to Banchory or an 11 mile walk to Ballater.

If you prefer a leisurely walk where the scenery is equally as tranquil, you’re in luck. The Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, Birsemore and Glen Tanar Estate are both a short drive outside of Aboyne and provide walking routes with plenty of nature and escapism.

4. Royal connections

Deeside has been a prized location for the British Royal family since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with the area during their first visit in 1848. The area is steeped in royal heritage which is where the name Royal Deeside derives.

The Deeside Way was once the royal railway line which took the royals to Ballater to alight for Balmoral Castle, and not forgetting Burn O’ Vat (with its cauldron like cave within the Muir of Dinnet) where it’s said Queen Victoria would often escape for some privacy.

The Victorian Heritage Trail signposts all the historic and majestic spots across Royal Deeside. Aboyne definitely lends itself as a starting point to explore the map - ideal for entertaining your visitors and exploring your neighbourhood’s local heritage at your leisure.

5. Historical landmarks

History buffs will be intrigued by neighbouring Aboyne Castle which dates back to the 13th century. The castle is privately owned and not open for public view but there are some walks around the grounds to take in its grand exterior. If you’re keen to explore castles, Crathes Castle, Balmoral Castle and Braemar Castle are all reasonably close-by, with plenty more to be discovered in Aberdeenshire.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle is another must-see spot. This reconstructed stone circle was once dilapidated until it was excavated in 1999 to return it to its original standing formation.Archaeological research on the site has revealed that it was used as a ceremonial cremation pit in the Stone Age.

6. Aboyne Highland Games

A prime date in the local calendar is the annual Aboyne Highland Games which has been running since 1867. Attracting thousands of visitors every year, expect the likes of hill races, caber tossing, piping and highland dancing.

This event takes place annually on the first Saturday in August and adds to Aberdeenshire’s highland games season with the Braemar Gathering and Ballater Highland Games taking place across the summer months.

7. Family-friendly community

Community is a key component in any home search and in Aboyne, a vibrant community awaits with a calendar full of family events and farmers’ markets powered by locals.

Aboyne has a real family feel to it and pins itself as a fitting location to bring up (and entertain) the family. The town is spoiled with plenty of greenspace and when it comes to schooling, there are playgroups, nurseries, a primary school and a secondary school, giving families full education coverage.

8. Golf and leisure facilities

Deeside Community Centre & Swimming Pool offers locals the opportunity to keep active and reset. With a four-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, gym, climbing wall and sports halls at the helm, it’s an excellent facility for all ages with a range of flexible membership options and a 25% family discount.

Golfers will be delighted to know that a round of golf can be found on the doorstep, with Aboyne Golf Club just minutes away from the town. Spoiling golfers with 6,000 yards of stretching fairways with the hills and forests of Royal Deeside as a backdrop, it’s noted as a golfer’s dream.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Deeside Gliding Club offers membership, training and also trial flights, but if you prefer to have your feet firmly on the ground, there are a range of activities on offer at Deeside Activity Park. Accessible from the centre of the village there is also Aboyne Mountain Bike Park which offers something for all ages and abilities.

Aboyne is one of the many prime locations to buy a home in Aberdeenshire - visit our listings to explore the range of properties for sale in and around Aboyne.