The Boat Inn Aboyne: Who Owns This Quaint Pub?

The Boat Inn in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, has been a fixture on the banks of the River Dee since 1720. It is a delightful inn offering 16 beautiful, individually styled ensuite rooms, a beer garden, and great pub grub. The Boat Inn is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, welcoming everyone, including dogs and kids. The inn provides a fantastic selection of local ales, spirits, and wines, as well as freshly prepared, locally sourced dishes. It also offers a cosy bar and restaurant, with a full Scottish breakfast served in the morning and a high-quality dinner menu featuring Aberdeen Angus steaks, North Sea fish, and Highland cheeses.

The Boat Inn's history

The Boat Inn has stood on the banks of the River Dee in Aboyne since 1720. It was once the favourite drinking spot for drovers taking their livestock to market via the river ferry. Today, the inn continues to offer "refuge and sustenance" to locals and visitors alike.

The inn is located in the heart of Royal Deeside and has 16 individually styled en-suite rooms, some of which overlook the river. The rooms are spread across two separate areas: eight bedrooms within the original inn and eight within the detached Boat House, which features soft furnishings, freestanding baths, balconies, and super-king beds.

The Boat Inn offers a cosy bar and restaurant with a fantastic selection of local ales, spirits, whiskies, and wines. The restaurant serves a high-quality menu using fine Scottish ingredients, including Aberdeen Angus steaks, North Sea fish and seafood, and Highland cheeses. The inn also has a beer garden, a private dining area, and a newly renovated Scandinavian timber Boat House.

The Pine Loft is a flexible space that can be used for private functions, weddings, and conferences, while The Shed Bar is a cosy spot for friends and family to gather and enjoy live music from local musicians.

The Boat Inn is also dog-friendly and offers special treats, towels, and waste bags for canine guests. It is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, including the Cairngorms National Park, which is just four miles east of the inn.

Accommodation

The Boat Inn in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, is a delightful inn located on the banks of the River Dee, offering accommodation, a restaurant, and a cosy bar. The inn has stood in this picturesque setting since 1720 and has been a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

The Boat Inn provides a range of comfortable and well-appointed rooms for guests. There are 16 individually styled en-suite rooms, eight of which are housed within the original inn, while the other eight are located in the recently renovated Scandinavian timber Boat House. The rooms in the Boat House offer a more luxurious experience with soft furnishings, deep freestanding baths, balconies, and super-king beds. Many of the rooms in both the inn and the Boat House boast stunning views of the river.

The inn prides itself on offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with roaring log fires and a cosy beer garden. It is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The restaurant serves freshly prepared, locally sourced dishes, showcasing the finest Scottish ingredients. From Aberdeen Angus steaks to North Sea seafood, the menu offers a true taste of Aberdeenshire.

The Boat Inn is also an ideal base for exploring the nearby Cairngorms National Park, located just four miles away. With its excellent location, friendly staff, and comfortable rooms, The Boat Inn provides a memorable stay for couples, families, and pet owners alike.

Food and drink

The Boat Inn Aboyne is a delightful 17th-century inn located on the banks of the River Dee in the heart of Royal Deeside. It offers freshly prepared, locally sourced dishes, a fantastic selection of drinks, and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

The inn has a varied menu that caters to different dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The food is highly regarded, with one guest review stating that the "food in the Inn was brilliant, [with a] good selection for the evening menu and [a] fresh cooked breakfast". The inn also offers a full Scottish breakfast, with traditional dishes such as bacon, sausage, black pudding, eggs, and more. For those with a sweet tooth, there are also pancakes, French toast, and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.

In addition to its impressive breakfast offerings, The Boat Inn serves a high-quality menu for lunch and dinner, utilising fine Scottish ingredients. Guests can indulge in Aberdeen Angus steaks, North Sea fish and seafood, and Highland cheeses. The inn also offers a selection of local ales, spirits, and wines to accompany your meal.

The Boat Inn provides a range of spaces to enjoy your food and drinks, including outdoor seating by the river, a roaring log fire, and a terrace. For a more private dining experience, you can also enquire about their spaces for special events. The Pine Loft, for example, offers a flexible space for private functions, weddings, and conferences.

The Shed Bar is another highlight of The Boat Inn, serving as a cosy gathering place for friends and family. It often plays host to local musicians, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.

Functions and events

The Boat Inn Aboyne is a delightful riverside inn located in the heart of Royal Deeside. It has stood on the banks of the River Dee since 1720 and is an ideal spot for functions and events. The inn offers 16 beautiful, individually styled ensuite rooms, many of which overlook the river, and is well-equipped to host a variety of gatherings, from intimate private functions to large weddings and conferences.

The Pine Loft is an informal and flexible space that can accommodate a range of events. It is perfect for private functions, weddings, and conferences, offering a cosy and intimate atmosphere with a view of the river. The Shed Bar is another excellent space for more casual events, providing a cosy meeting place for friends and family. It often hosts live performances by local musicians, adding a unique touch to any gathering.

For larger events, the newly landscaped beer garden, which opened in June 2019, offers a spacious and scenic setting. The beer garden is ideal for outdoor celebrations, with the beautiful River Dee as a backdrop. The Boat Inn's outdoor seating and private dining options also extend to the terrace, where guests can enjoy the stunning river views while savouring delicious, locally sourced dishes.

The Boat Inn's functions and events capabilities extend beyond just the physical spaces it offers. The inn provides a full Scottish breakfast, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that events can be catered to suit a variety of dietary needs. The restaurant also serves a high-quality menu featuring fine Scottish ingredients, including Aberdeen Angus steaks, North Sea fish and seafood, and Highland cheeses.

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, The Boat Inn Aboyne is a versatile and welcoming venue. With its cosy indoor spaces, scenic outdoor areas, and delicious cuisine, it is well-equipped to make your event a memorable one.

Local attractions

The Boat Inn in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, is a delightful inn located on the banks of the River Dee. It offers guests a range of local attractions and activities to enjoy during their stay. Here are some of the local attractions to explore when visiting The Boat Inn:

River Dee

The Boat Inn overlooks the picturesque River Dee, which has provided a backdrop for the inn since 1720. The river offers a tranquil setting for walks, with varying lengths and ability levels, allowing guests to take in the lovely scenery and enjoy the crisp, fresh air of Royal Deeside.

Cairngorms National Park

Located just 4 miles east of The Boat Inn, the Cairngorms National Park is a vast natural area with stunning landscapes. It offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen, approximately 30 miles east of Aboyne, boasts a vibrant city centre. It is known for its Union Street shopping district, offering a mix of well-known stores and boutique shops. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, with ancient sites, standing stones, and legendary castles to explore.

Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve

This nature reserve, located near Aboyne, offers a peaceful escape into the natural world. It is home to a variety of wildlife and provides scenic walking trails for visitors to enjoy.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle

A short distance from Aboyne lies the ancient Tomnaverie Stone Circle, a mysterious and historic site that offers a glimpse into Scotland's past.

Royal Deeside

Royal Deeside is a beautiful area with vast countryside and picturesque towns and villages. It offers a range of outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, walking tours, and golf. It is also known for its culinary delights, including world-famous Aberdeen Angus beef and craft beer from local breweries.

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