Royal Deeside Railway

The Royal Deeside Railway is a heritage railway that operates along approximately 1 mile of track through Aberdeenshire, offering train rides where passengers see views of the River Dee and surrounding hills. The line follows the original route of a historic railway and now uses restored carriages along with several locomotives built in the 1800s.

The original Deeside Railway was constructed between 1853 and 1866 as a transportation link between Aberdeen and Ballater before closing in 1967. The line was later revived by railway enthusiasts to preserve this transport heritage for future visitors.

The station building itself reflects the design choices of the 1890s, with its Victorian platform layout still visible to visitors today. This setting creates an environment where people naturally gather and take photos, capturing the historical railway experience in its original form.

The site is accessible by bus from Aberdeen, and parking plus refreshments are available at the station. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for traditional train rides, as travel may take place on open or partially open platforms.

The steam locomotive Bon-Accord dates from 1897 and is one of the oldest still-operational engines in the entire country, regularly pulling passenger trains. This engine was originally built for both goods and passenger service and has witnessed decades of changes in railway technology.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Inception: 1996

Address: Milton of Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QH

Website: https://deeside-railway.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 57.05640,-2.42920

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45