In recent years, more families are making the move to the outskirts of the city to enjoy the best of both worlds - the hustle and bustle of the nearby city centre, combined with the peace and quiet of semi-rural suburbs, such as Cults and Milltimber in Aberdeen.
These popular suburbs form part of the Deeside Corridor, which lies on the banks of the River Dee, and heads out towards the start of Royal Deeside, which spans Banchory to Braemar.
This blog highlights some of the wonderful local businesses and activities located along the Deeside Corridor that make it the perfect place to purchase a new build home in Aberdeen.
Best cafes, restaurants and coffee shops in the Deeside Corridor
Aberdeen is well known as being a source of some of the best local produce in Scotland, and the restaurants, cafes and bars are proudly stocked with it. The suburbs of Cults and Milltimber are not only home to Cala’s Friarsfield West and Murtle Den Park developments, but also some trendy coffee, lunch and dinner spots. After browsing in the wonderful array of shops and boutiques in Cults, grab a takeaway latte or fresh coffee beans to take home from Boxcar Coffee & Yard, located within Old Cults Railway Station, or sit down for a cuppa and a hearty home cooked lunch in Blether Coffee Shop.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, The Cults Hotel is not only a beautiful location to host an event or spend the night, but serves up delicious traditionally British meals and specially selected wines. Also part of the Cults Hotel family is The Bieldside Inn, a firm favourite spot in the heart of the local area.
Blairs Restaurant, part of Ardoe House Hotel, is without a doubt one of the finest dining experiences in Aberdeen with its classic Sunday roast a popular choice with locals. For a more relaxed setting, The Bothy Restaurant and Drinkery within the Palm Court Hotel offers Scottish favourites and bistro bites within a stylish family friendly restaurant.
If you’re a Cala homeowner, we’ll understand if you want to stay at home to eat! Firemill Pizza & Grill host a fortnightly pizza weekend from their classic horse-box HQ, serving up award-winning artisanal pizzas to take home and enjoy. Why not even pick up some creamy gelato or milkshakes from Fit's the Scoop in Peterculter to wash down your pizza? There’s really something to suit everyone’s taste buds in the area.
Things to do around the Deeside Corridor
The Deeside Corridor boasts some of the most scenic local walks in Aberdeen, including a rewarding walk along the world-famous River Dee. Whilst the stunning river stretches over 80 miles from Cairngorms right down through Royal Deeside and towards Aberdeen, the walk around Cults is a more manageable 3.5 miles. By starting and ending the route at The Cults Hotel, it’s encouraged to reward yourself with a local ale after completing the walk. Walking along the river is also possible from Milltimber, and at two miles, the Milltimber route is shorter and more even, mainly on tracks and paths. As a side note, if you prefer to cycle, stop in at Ground Coffee Shop, a professional bike workshop that serves up specialty coffee along the main cycling route from Aberdeen to Royal Deeside.
If you’re looking to take the dog or the kids along, Allan Park is an idyllic location for an afternoon stroll. With the River Dee flowing alongside, the park is a peaceful getaway from busy everyday life. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife that can be found in the surrounding woodlands or attend a game at the Cults Cricket Club during the summer months.
Those looking to take in a some history should head out to Crathes Castle in Banchory. This 16th century castle is just as beautiful on the inside as the outside with spectacular painted ceilings and magnificent gardens and nature trails, as well as Café 1702 where you can enjoy a spot of lunch.
While in Banchory, there’s also a fantastic steep but short walk up Scolty Hill. And if you’re not tired yet, climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower for an even better view of the surrounding Aberdeenshire countryside.
Take part in the fun
If Scotland is the birthplace of golf, that makes Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire the capital. In fact, the UK’s highest golf course, Braemar Golf Course, is found in Royal Deeside, easily accessible for a day out from the corridor towns.
There are a number of first-class golf courses to enjoy across the region but if you’re looking for one closer to home, Deeside Golf Club is an exceptional, traditional course nestled on the banks of the River Dee in Bieldside that offers a magnificent golfing experience and a relaxing restaurant with views over the 18th hole.
Kippie Lodge is Aberdeen’s signature country club, providing access to a range of sports and leisure facilities, including swimming, tennis and of course, golf. Those looking for a bit of pampering alongside their workout can visit Kippie’s in-house salon for a beauty treatment, massage or facial using award-winning products.
Don’t worry, the Deeside Corridor has the little ones covered too. The Den and Glen in Maryculter is an indoor soft play centre for kids with an adjoining outdoor pen for adults to join in (if they can keep up…).
While Scottish weather isn’t always predictable, for those dry days, Easter Anguston Farm in Peterculter is a free, fun-filled day out with animals, play zones, forest trails and even a strawberry picking patch during the summer. For rainy days, discover more about Aberdeen’s historic regiment at The Gordon Highlanders Museum on the outskirts of Aberdeen city, which is a hidden gem that offers family friendly tours that are both interesting, educational and interactive.
Why visit Royal Deeside
Deeside is called Royal Deeside for a reason, as it encompasses the village of Ballater, home to Balmoral Castle, a well-loved holiday home of the late Queen Elizabeth II. A day trip to majestic Ballater is located less than an hour away from Cults and Milltimber. Or use Ballater as stopping point on your way to the Cairngorms National Park for a weekend in the great outdoors.
Homes for sale in Cults, Aberdeen
If the Deeside Corridor sounds like dream come true, act quick, because Cala’s Friarsfield West, the final phase of the Cults masterplan, only has a final few homes remaining.
Homes for sale in Milltimber, Aberdeen
Following Milltimber Grange and Milltimber Manor, Murtle Den Park is the highly anticipated third phase at Cala’s Oldfold Village in Milltimber and is now more than 50% sold.
Between our two developments in Cults and Milltimber, there is a fantastic range of spacious, modern two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom detached family homes. Find out more
