Local Area

You can't visit Scotland without sampling its world-famous whisky. Take a day off, persuade someone else to drive and head for Speyside's Malt Whisky Trail. You can see barrels being made at Speyside Cooperage and tour distilleries including Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, all less than two hours from the hotel. During September's whisky festivals, local villages turn out to celebrate too.

From March to July and during special events, you can admire the royal family's Balmoral Castle, 90 minutes' drive from the hotel. Explore the estate's gardens, farms and forests on a safari tour, or imagine whirling round the ornate castle ballroom. Closer to home, gaze out over the sea from Dunnottar Castle, a romantic ruin on a rocky headland 19 miles away, also accessible by bus and train.

For a spot of retail therapy, explore the shops along Union Street, known as the 'Granite Mile'. Pick up locally made jewellery and woolens at small boutiques, or browse high-street favourites like the Apple Store and Zara at Union Square shopping centre. There's a great selection of cafés where you can rest, grab a coffee or try a 'rowie', Aberdeen's signature salty, buttery roll.

Stay fit and get some fresh air with a jog along Aberdeen Beach, about 20 minutes' drive from the hotel. You can run on the flat, sand, the seafront esplanade, or through Queens Links park. Look out for dolphins, seals and even whales out at sea. In the summer, kids can build sandcastles or ride roller coasters. If the weather's bad, let them test their balance at the Linx Ice Arena.

• Scottish Dolphin Centre
• Glen Garioch Whiskey Distillery
• Aberdeen Satrosphere Science Centre
• Duff House
• Braemar Castle
• Milton Art Gallery
• Bon Accord Centre