Peterhead is the cruise gateway to the best of so much for which Scotland is world-renowned. Stepping ashore, your passengers find themselves on the edge of Scotland's castle and whisky country, an area for the discerning visitor.
Not surprisingly described as the most rewarding area of Scotland for castle visiting, here you can choose from medieval fortresses to mansion houses on the award-winning Castle Trail. From the Georgian splendour of Haddo House to the fairytale-like appearance of Castle Fraser, the castles offer a unique and enjoyable glimpse into local history and most have a resident ghost to add to the excitement! Formal gardens, such as Pitmedden, provide an excellent combination with a castle visit.
More than half of Scotland's Single Malt Whiskies are distilled here. Passengers can discover the mystery of what happens when pure water, barley, yeast and a little peat smoke get together in a copper still at Glenfiddich, Strathisla or Glen Grant, on the Malt Whisky Trail. The distilleries have excellent visitor centres and can also arrange special tastings for a hands-on experience.
The coastline of this part of Scotland is unspoilt and offers extreme variations in scenery within short distances from coves which conceal little gems such as the village of Pennan, featured in the film Local Hero starring Burt Lancaster, to mighty cliffs abounding in bird life.
The hugely popular Peterhead Prison Museum is a must on your itinerary.
For the inside story of those brave personnel who staffed the first convict prison in Scotland from August 1888 to December 2013, what better way to learn than to visit and interact with guides in period costumes and see the cells and other key components of this complex that is known worldwide.
The City of Aberdeen, 45 minutes away, is also a popular excursion destination. A visit to picturesque Old Aberdeen with St Machar's Cathedral and King's College can easily be combined with some shopping on Union Street, the longest high street in Scotland. Local golf courses include Cruden Bay, one of the top 100 in the world.
Our aim is to assist you in delivering a memorable Scottish experience to your passengers. To this aim we provide cruise vessels with far more than a berth. A Scottish pipe band will be arranged, the berth will be decorated with flags and bunting, a shuttle bus will be provided to take passengers throughout the day to the town centre and information packs can be provided for distribution to passengers prior to arrival at Peterhead.
Peterhead really is the best gateway into North-east Scotland and its wealth of different tourist experiences.
Suggested Shore Excursions from Peterhead:
- Castles & Distillieries
- Silver City & Haddo House / Pitmedden Gardens
- Stormy History & Fine Art
- Scotland's Castle Trail
- Fine Art & A Taste Of Scotland
- Balmoral Castle & Royal Deeside
See Also
