Best Landmarks in Banffshire

10 landmarks

1. 
   01
   Historical landmark4.8★145 reviews

   Gardenstown Harbour Office

   Gardenstown Harbour Office sits at the heart of the quaint fishing village of Gardenstown, Banff, Scotland. Founded in 1720, this historic harbour blends traditional fishing heritage with modern leisure boating. The tightly packed village, built on tiered layers facing the sea, offers stunning coastal views and a unique atmosphere where fishing boats and pleasure craft share the waters. The harbour remains a focal point for community life and maritime activity.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   528 min drive · 264 km·Gardenstown, Banff AB45 3YS

   Show on map Gardenstown Harbour Office
2. 
   02
   Historical landmark4.2★112 reviews

   Old Slains Castle (Not Dracula castle)

   Old Slains Castle, located near Collieston in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is the atmospheric ruin of a 13th-century fortress once owned by the Comyn family and later the Earls of Erroll. Destroyed in 1594 by order of King James VI due to the owners' involvement in a Catholic rebellion, only fragments of the original stronghold remain today. The site offers a glimpse into turbulent Scottish history and stands as a scheduled ancient monument overlooking the North Sea.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   479 min drive · 240 km·Collieston, Ellon AB41 8ST

   Show on map Old Slains Castle (Not Dracula castle)
3. 
   03
   Historical landmark4.3★69 reviews

   Banff Castle

   Banff Castle, located in Banff, Scotland, is a historic site with origins dating back to the late 12th century as a motte-and-bailey fortress guarding against Viking invasions. It later evolved into a Georgian manor house in the 18th century, blending medieval roots with classical elegance. Today, it serves as a vibrant community center, event venue, and café, preserving centuries of local heritage and stories.

   Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs

   521 min drive · 261 km·Castle St, Banff AB45 1DL

   Show on map Banff Castle
4. 
   04
   Castle4.1★18 reviews

   Inchdrewer Castle

   Perched on a rise overlooking Banff Bay in northeast Scotland, Inchdrewer Castle is a 16th-century tower house with a turbulent past. Once the seat of the Ogilvy Lords of Banff, it endured attacks by Covenanters and government troops, witnessed murder and fire, and later fell into romantic ruin. Though partially restored in the 1970s, it remains a haunting, atmospheric shell, now a Category A listed building standing amid golden fields with sweeping coastal views.

   Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   513 min drive · 256 km·Banff AB45 3TS

   Show on map Inchdrewer Castle
5. 
   05
   Museum4.7★6 reviews

   Museum of Banff

   The Museum of Banff, located on High Street in Banff, Scotland, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich history. Housed in a charming setting, the museum features local artifacts including the renowned Banff silver collection and displays on regional archaeology such as the Deskford carnyx. Free to enter, it is run by knowledgeable volunteers and provides an intimate, engaging experience for visitors interested in Scottish heritage.

   Sat 10:30–13:00Time to spend 0.5–1 hr

   520 min drive · 260 km·High St, Banff AB45 1AE

   Show on map Museum of Banff
6. 
   06
   Historical landmark4.1★7 reviews

   Eden Castle

   Eden Castle is a ruined 16th-century Z-plan tower house near Banff in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Built by the Meldrum family around 1577 and later extended by the Leslies in the 1600s, this fortified residence overlooks a river confluence and represents a significant example of Scottish Renaissance architecture. Though partially demolished in 1712 and now in ruins, the castle remains a scheduled ancient monument and a striking reminder of the region's feudal heritage. Visible from the road and fenced for safety, it offers a glimpse into the defensive architecture and domestic life of the Scottish gentry.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   511 min drive · 255 km·Banff AB45 3NX

   Show on map Eden Castle
7. 
   07
   Historical landmark5.0★4 reviews

   Medieval Kirkyard of Banff

   A haunting medieval burial ground in the heart of Banff, North-East Scotland, St Mary's Kirkyard preserves centuries of Scottish heritage through its remarkable collection of ornate tombstones and memorial art. Enclosed by low rubble walls and railings, this scheduled ancient monument features approximately 220 table-top and recumbent stones, many intricately carved with symbols of mortality and Renaissance artistry. The partially reconstructed 16th-century Banff Aisle—all that remains of the original 1471 kirk—stands as a poignant reminder of the town's spiritual past.

   Time to spend 0.8–2 hrs

   521 min drive · 260 km·24 Carmelite St, Banff AB45 1GF

   Show on map Medieval Kirkyard of Banff
8. 
   08
   Historical landmark5.0★1 review

   Durn Hill - Iron Age Fort

   Durn Hill is an Iron Age fort perched atop a prominent rounded hill near Banff, Scotland. This historical landmark features a large enclosure with three roughly concentric defensive ramparts, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The site reveals evidence of ancient occupation dating back to the Iron Age, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

   Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs

   515 min drive · 258 km·Banff AB45 2YX

   Show on map Durn Hill - Iron Age Fort
9. 
   09
   Historical landmark5.0★1 review

   Duff House Fishing Temple

   Nestled on an island in the River Deveron near Duff House in Aberdeenshire, the Duff House Fishing Temple is an elegant 18th-century neoclassical structure. Originally commissioned by Lord Braco in 1741 and designed by William Adam, this two-story fishing temple offers a tranquil historic setting surrounded by water and lush greenery. Though once dilapidated, it has been preserved as a unique landmark reflecting Scotland’s aristocratic leisure culture and estate landscaping traditions.

   Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   519 min drive · 259 km·Aberdeenshire AB45 3SX

   Show on map Duff House Fishing Temple
10. 
    10
    Cultural landmark

    The Plainstones (Center of Banff, UK)

    The Plainstones in Banff, UK, is a historic cultural landmark featuring centuries-old carvings, heraldic symbols, and remnants of Banff’s rich past. Located in the town centre, it includes the notable Stuart Royal Arms and the carving of Our Lady of Banff, reflecting the town’s deep connections to Scottish monarchy, religion, and local heritage. The site evokes Banff’s evolution from a medieval stronghold to a vibrant coastal community.

    Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

    521 min drive · 260 km·Banff AB45 1AY

    Show on map The Plainstones (Center of Banff, UK)