Inchmarlo Golf Driving Range

The driving range at Inchmarlo sits just outside Banchory, a proper working golf facility rather than some fancy resort affair. You rock up, pay your fee, grab a bucket of balls, and smash them down the fairway. It's straightforward - no faffing about with membership or dress codes if you're just using the range.

Golfers will obviously get the most from it. Whether you're working on your swing before a round elsewhere or just fancy an hour of hitting balls without committing to a full course, this does the job. Non-golfers? They'll be bored within fifteen minutes, so this isn't a family day-out kind of attraction. That said, the views across Deeside are decent enough if you're sat in the clubhouse with a coffee.

If you're staying at Banchory Lodge Caravan Park or Silverbank just up the road, you could knock out nine holes or a bucket of balls between other activities. It's convenient rather than spectacular - the sort of thing you'd do on a rainy afternoon when you're tired of walking. The surrounding area has better draws if you've got only a day or two, but for keen golfers staying locally, it's a handy way to keep your game ticking over. Worth checking their website for exact fees and opening times before you head over.