Cairngorm Lodges

Keen to see more of those stunning natural surroundings? Try a trip to Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (five minutes’ drive), where trails lead though the woods and around lochs and waterfalls, with possible otter and red squirrel sightings along the way. If you’d rather check out some of the smart buildings that Scotland’s famed for, set out with a checklist of Kildrummy Castle (20 minutes), Craigievar Castle (20 minutes) and Corgarff Castle (half an hour)… and not forgetting the Queen’s own favourite, Balmoral (25 minutes). Once you’ve had your fill of the historic buildings, steer towards the Grampian Transport Museum (half an hour) or treat yourself to a tipple from the Royal Lochnagar Distillery (half an hour). To keep things active instead, aim for Aboyne Golf Club (15 minutes) or the faster-paced thrills of Lecht 2090 ski & multi-activity centre (half an hour).