Mintlaw

Agricultural heartland meets aviation history in this corner of rural Aberdeenshire, where rolling farmland stretches toward the North Sea coast. Mintlaw sits quietly between the larger centres of Peterhead and Ellon, serving as a gateway to some surprisingly fascinating discoveries scattered across the countryside.

Maud Railway Museum tells the story of the old Buchan line that once connected these farming communities to Aberdeen and beyond. The tracks may be gone, but the station building preserves memories of branch line travel through exhibits and restored railway memorabilia. It's a proper slice of local transport history that many visitors miss entirely.

Aviation enthusiasts should seek out the RNAS Lenabo Memorial and the Site of Airship Hangar, remnants from when this area played a crucial role in naval aviation during the First World War. The hangar site, though largely demolished, marks where massive airships once sheltered between patrols over the North Sea.

Longside Golf Club offers decent links-style golf without the crowds you'll find at coastal courses further south. The surrounding landscape takes in gentle hills like Waughton Hill and Hill of Luquharn, perfect for stretching legs between rounds or simply enjoying views across Buchan's farmland.

Getting here means driving - Aberdeen is about 45 minutes south via the A90, while Peterhead lies 15 minutes northeast. The nearest railway is in Ellon, making a car essential for exploring properly.

Using one of the local holiday parks like Aden Caravan & Camping makes perfect sense for touring this part of Aberdeenshire. You're well positioned for day trips to Peterhead's harbour, the Bullers of Buchan, or even a run down to the whisky country around Ellon and beyond.