The Perfect 48 Hours in Portsoy & Banff

To help you get the absolute most out of your stay on the beautiful Banffshire coast, we’ve put together our favourite two-day itinerary. It’s a perfect mix of historic harbours, rugged coastal walks, local crafts, and incredible food, all starting right here from your home base at Brandon Lodge.

Day 1: Step Back in Time in Portsoy

Discover 17th-century harbour charm, local crafts, and coastal views.

• Morning: Fuel Up & Explore the Old Harbour – Start your morning with a hearty, freshly prepared breakfast at Brandon Lodge. From here, it’s just a 5-minute drive into Portsoy. Head straight to the 17th-century Old Harbour (famously featured in Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore!). Walk along the historic stone piers and breathe in the salty sea air.
• Mid-Morning: Local Craft & Famous Green Stone – Stop by the Portsoy Marble Workshop located right at the harbour to see beautiful ornaments crafted from the unique local green serpentine rock (known as Portsoy Marble), which even features in the Palace of Versailles! Next, visit the Portsoy Boat Building Center to see traditional wooden boat-building techniques kept alive by passionate local volunteers.
• Lunch: Grab a delicious, fresh lunch at The Shore Inn or pick up a homemade treat from the local bakery to enjoy harbour-side.
• Afternoon: Coastal Walk to Sandend & Ice Cream – Walk off lunch with a stunning coastal stroll from Portsoy to the neighbouring seaside village of Sandend. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing off the coast! On your way back into town, treat yourself to a scoop of award-winning, artisanal ice cream from Portsoy Ice Cream, a must-visit, no matter the weather.
• Dinner: Local Seafood Conclude your day with a wonderful meal featuring fresh, locally caught seafood. We highly recommend booking ahead for dinner in the area.

Day 2: Grand Estates & Coastal Views in Banff & Macduff

Historic architecture, royal art, and local marine life.

• Morning: Grand Architecture at Duff House After breakfast, make the short 10-minute drive east to Banff. Your first stop is the magnificent Duff House, a stunning 18th-century Georgian mansion designed by William Adam. Now part of the National Galleries of Scotland, you can wander through beautifully restored rooms filled with fine art and antiques.
• Lunch: A Walk by the River Deveron – Stroll through the scenic woodland grounds surrounding Duff House down to the River Deveron, then head into Banff’s historic town centre for a cozy pub lunch.
• Afternoon: Bridge to Macduff & Marine Life – Cross the bridge over the Deveron into the twin town of Macduff. Visit the Macduff Marine Aquarium, where you can get up close with deep-water creatures native to the Moray Firth and see the spectacular central kelp reef tank.
• Late Afternoon: Tarlair Needle’s Eye – Before heading back, take a short drive to the dramatic cliffs of Tarlair to see the striking “Needle’s Eye” rock formation and the historic, art-deco Tarlair outdoor lido pool.
• Evening: A Cozy Nightcap – Return to the peace and quiet of Brandon Lodge. Unwind in our garden courtyard or relax in your room, reflecting on two days of brilliant Aberdeenshire coastal adventures.

Pro Tips for Your Stay:

Reservations: The local restaurants are incredibly popular, especially during the summer months. Let us know what you fancy, and we’ll gladly help you book a table ahead of time.

Dolphin Watching: The Moray Firth is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. Pack your binoculars! You can often spot them right from the coastal paths!