HelpHound

Ballater is located on Royal Deeside, not far from Balmoral (approx 14km) which remains the royals favourite summer residence and is approx 40 miles from Aberdeen. I remember going there when i was young quite a few times and staying at the caravan site (it was quite large and there was plenty room for caravans and tents with adequate shower and toilet facilities) which had access to the river dee so was great for fishing and also the ballater golf club. While staying at the caravan park we would always go into the centre and visit the Dee Valley shop, they make traditional hand made sweets such as lucky tatties, boilings, macaroon, fudge etc and that would be our treat of the trip!
Ballater is the centre of tourism in Royal Deeside. There are amazing walks available for those who like the outdoors as ballater is situated below the coyles of muick and lochnagar and there are two bike hire shops in the town for those who wish to go off exploring themselves.
Another place to visit while in ballater is the old royal station, a restored victoria railway station which was used by many of the british and other royal families, its a really interesting place to learn about, the staff are really friendly and there is also a shop for buying souveniers