Show season is upon us, and it’s always an exciting time for our local towns and villages to show the world our fantastic culture, heritage and unrivalled community spirit. With Highland Games, musical celebrations, agricultural shows, maritime marvels and culinary flavours, Banffshire’s Summer Calendar is jam-packed with memorable days out, so why not schedule your holiday to make the most of these spectacular summer events!

Often called the “water of life,” whisky is more than a drink in Banffshire—it’s a proud tradition. This area lies at the heart of Speyside which is located in the north-east of Scotland, home to some of the most iconic and historic whisky distilleries in the country and not to mention the highest concentration of distilleries in the world!

Spanning over 700 acres, Mayen is a beautiful country estate that we feel incredibly lucky to call home. With peaceful woodlands, colourful gardens, quiet arboretums, open countryside, and the River Deveron winding gently, it’s a place full of calm, beauty, and hidden corners waiting to be discovered.

Our guests often comment on how they never leave and spend their holiday exploring our secret retreat—whether it's reading a book under the trees, enjoying a picnic by the river, casting a line to fish, or simply going for a peaceful stroll through the woods, there’s something truly magical about being surrounded by nature.

Come and explore Mayen and discover some of our favourite spots! 

Luscious green hills, sprawling woodlands and miles and miles of stunning countryside as far as the eye can see, Mayen is set in one of the most beautiful places in the world and particularly at this time of year, we love finishing the day by putting on our trainers, hitting the open road and recharging our souls at our favourite happy places.

Scenic walks, valley picnics and cheerful nature all around, 24 hours doesn’t seem long enough to spend time at Mayen, so we made a list of some of our favourite things, inspired by feedback from our wonderful guests.

Dozens of historic fishing villages and harbours dating as far back as the 16th Century line the rugged Moray Coast and though they are no longer in commercial use, they remain in tact today providing brilliant insights into centuries of historic heritage with scenic walks, quirky cafes and brilliant nature viewpoints!

Nature lovers need look no further than our local doorstep!  Spot Dolphin Pods, Osprey’s, Red Squirrels, Puffins and even Killer Whales, all within a 40 mile radius of Mayen!   Banffshire is a natural breeding ground for a diverse array of animals like no other, with dense woodlands, undisturbed rivers and rugged coastlines forming both natural habitats and protected nature reserves. 

Asides from the sprawling stunning countryside, lush rolling mountains and gorgeous coastlines, there is plenty to do in Banffshire and our local area is jam-packed with fantastic days out that you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

Picnics by the river, s'mores by the fire and many happy memories...we are in the middle of Winter with unseasonable high’s and near record low temperatures, but one thing that’s for certain is the beauty it brings

Walking is one of our favourite things to do when we are on staycation, and whether you are looking for a nice summers walk or a beautiful autumn stroll, there are so many beautiful pathways around Mayen, each with their own marvellous jewels to be discovered.

The historic fishing village of Cullen is one of the most beautiful towns along the Banffshire Coast and a popular spot where both locals and tourists head to all year round, thriving with independent shops, markets, places to dine and gorgeous spots to explore.   

Charlestown of Aberlour (or more simply Aberlour) is a thriving village resting at the feet of the Cairngorms and a fantastic place to spend a day. Discover the Scotland's oldest cast iron bridge, hidden deli's and a magical waterfall along the way!

Show season is upon us, and it’s always an exciting time for our local towns and villages to show the world what they are missing out on!  Why not schedule your holiday to make the most of these spectacular summer events?

There’s so much to see and do with the family when you visit Banffshire. From experiencing the wonders of the Moray Firth, to exploring Scotland’s history, you’ll entertain and amaze the whole family.