Aberdeenshire occupies a sizeable chunk of northeast Scotland. The region borders a great deal of Central Scotland, edging the dramatic peaks of the Highlands and several counties including Moray to the northwest, Angus and Dundee to the south, and the scenic region of Perthshire to the west. The north and eastern margins of Aberdeenshire nudge the North Sea, creating a beautifully wild and rugged coastline.

The region of Aberdeenshire is roughly divided into three sections. At the top on the northeast coast is the area of Banff and Buchan. Banff and Buchan has a landscape carved by dramatic cliff faces and golf courses. Banff itself is an attractively historic town filled with appealing Georgian architecture. Unsurprisingly, this area of Scotland makes the most of its position on the North Sea and there are a number of fishing ports on the coast of Banff and Buchan, including Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Fraserburgh is one of the most significant fishing harbours in the UK, but it also contains a welcoming sandy beach and a choice of Scottish heritage sites.

Underneath Banff and Buchan are Central Aberdeenshire and the city of Aberdeen. Aside from the Aberdeen, Central Aberdeenshire is quite rural as a whole. At the bottom of Aberdeenshire sits Royal Deeside and the Mearns. Royal Deeside lies along the River Dee, which flows from the Cairngorm Mountains through Aberdeenshire to the sea. It is probably most famous as the location of Balmoral Castle, summer home of the royal family since the days of Queen Victoria. Ballater is the nearest town to Balmoral, and the major visitor destination in southern Aberdeenshire. It has a pleasantly Victorian aspect, a location convenient for visiting the castle, and a wide choice of walking and cycling excursions.

Further towards the source of the River Dee at the edge of the Cairngorms National Park sits Braemar, famous for the Braemar Gathering - its annual Highland Games - and its access to Glenshee Ski Resort, Scotland’s premier ski slopes.

The Mearns, to the east of Royal Deeside, is beautifully rural, with a host of significant castle ruins. The historic coastal town of Stonehaven is a popular visitor destination for its enthusiastic Hogmanay celebrations, ferry trips to Fowlsheugh RSPB reserve and close contact to the ruins of Dunnottar Castle.