Milton Arts and Crafts Centre opposite Crathes Castle, Deeside

	The Arts and Crafts Centre is located inside a collection of charming old granite buildings, including a mill complete with working water wheel, mostly arranged around a central courtyard.  The stream that turns the water wheel flows on into the Dee which flows past the centre. The buildings house a restaurant, arts and craft shop, galleries, country wear, and a pine furniture studio. The swathe of wild flower meadow (shown on left) is a joy to behold. There is a large free car park for visitors. A path leads visitors safely under the road from the arts and crafts centre to the grounds of Crathes Castle with its forest walks.
The wee Boorachie, which also contains the working water wheel, is an arts and crafts shop with local products;  wooden bowls and toadstools, stained glass, decorative cushions, candles, angels, rag dolls, and many other quality gifts.
The Milton restaurant offers its special fare including morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, traditional high tea and dinner to a discerning clientele.

After some refreshment, you may enjoy a stroll  around the galleries, country wear shop and pine studio.  The energetic may extend their walk  to the grounds of Crathes Castle and indeed visit the castle itself.

Above, the country wear shop, art and craft gallery with paintings and sculptures, and on the right, forest walks in the grounds of Crathes Castle. Entrance to the grounds and forest walks is free - many of the trees are labelled for added interest.

A date for your diary: North East Scotland Christian Festival

Self-catering country cottages in Scotland and other holiday accommodation can be found by using the Feature Pages menu on the left or click here for a list of Scottish self-catering holiday cottages and apartments.

Self-catering holidays in Royal Deeside,  Scotland

Sleeps 2-6: Stranduff Lodge Croft is a delightful detached country cottage situated in an idyllic location, just outside the charming village of Kincardine O'Neil , in the heart of Royal Deeside.

Built out of granite in the 19th century, Stranduff Lodge Croft was originally a working croft, since upgraded to provide superior and spacious accommodation for tourists and visitors, the croft is an excellent base for exploration, adventure or relaxation. With the addition of the superb views (see the peak of Lochnagar on a fine day) and the spacious garden grounds (over half an acre) with barbecue and garden furniture, a stay in Stranduff will be a stay to remember.

Please click on the photograph to find out more about a stay in this country cottage on Deeside with views of Lochnagar.

Self-catering log cabin holidays in Dinnet, Royal Deeside,  Scotland

Our comfortable self-catering log cabins are set in the centre of Royal Deeside at the Eastern Gateway to the Cairngorms National Park.

Located in the wee rustic village of Dinnet, our Woodland Lodges make a convenient base to visit and explore the many sporting and tourist activities Royal Deeside has to offer.

Outdoor activities include bird watching, fishing, walking, gliding, shooting, quad biking, archery, go-carting, mountain climbing, skiing (Glenshee and the Lecht for skiing and fabulous views are only a 45 minute drive away).

Visitor attractions in this north east part of Scotland include Balmoral Castle (10 miles away), the Castle trail, Whisky Trail for a range of distilleries to tour and whiskies to sample, Victorian Heritage Trail, Aberdeen City and the Coast, Cairngorm National Park with plenty of opportunities for bird spotting including eagles and other birds of prey .....

Each lodge has 2 bedrooms sleeping up to 4 people. They have fully fitted kitchen including integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer. With spacious open plan lounge/kitchen/dining areas and a decked patio area to enjoy in the summer months. The bathroom has bath tub and shower. The lodges are double glazed and centrally heated making them a cosy retreat after a day out on Royal Deeside.