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Braemar Gathering
Braemar
Scotland's most famous Highland games, held in the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in the village of Braemar in Royal Deeside. There is caber tossing, hill racing, Highland dancing and massed pipe bands, and members of the Royal Family often attend. It is held on the first Saturday of September; in 2027 that is Saturday 4 September, from 9am to about 5pm.
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Where to stay
- BraemarA few hotels and guest houses within walking distance
- BallaterRoyal Deeside town about 30 minutes away by car
- Royal DeesideCountry hotels and B&Bs along the River Dee
- AberdeenThe most choice, about 1 hour 30 minutes away
Getting there
- There is no station nearby; Aberdeen is the nearest mainline station, about 1 hour 30 minutes away by car, and Pitlochry is about an hour away over the Glenshee pass
- Buses run from Aberdeen along Deeside to Ballater and Braemar
- Free parking is at the entrance to the village, about a 10-minute walk from the park; there is no on-street parking in Braemar on the day
Travel details can change, especially on event days — check with the venue or operator before you travel.
Questions people ask
Where is the best place to stay near Braemar Gathering?
Braemar: A few hotels and guest houses within walking distance. Ballater: Royal Deeside town about 30 minutes away by car. Royal Deeside: Country hotels and B&Bs along the River Dee. Aberdeen: The most choice, about 1 hour 30 minutes away.
How do I get to Braemar Gathering?
There is no station nearby; Aberdeen is the nearest mainline station, about 1 hour 30 minutes away by car, and Pitlochry is about an hour away over the Glenshee pass. Buses run from Aberdeen along Deeside to Ballater and Braemar. Free parking is at the entrance to the village, about a 10-minute walk from the park; there is no on-street parking in Braemar on the day.
Any tips for visiting Braemar Gathering?
The massed bands parade through the village at 11.30am and 3pm. Rooms in Braemar and Ballater sell out a year ahead, so book early, and bring layers and waterproofs, as the weather in the hills can change fast. Dogs aren't allowed in the park, even in cars in the car park.
Which airport is closest to Braemar Gathering?
The nearest airport on this site is Inverness Airport, about 44 miles away in a straight line. See hotels near the airport.