Best Shops in Ballater
Set amidst spectacular countryside, Ballater lies at the heart of Royal Deeside within the Cairngorms National Park. Bursting with nature, culture, history and royal connections, Ballater town is close to the magnificent Balmoral Castle and the local’s favourite distillery, Royal Lochnagar.
Amongst all this beauty and adventure, the lovely town of Ballater is home to a range of independent and family-run shops to visit. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs to remember your time in Ballater, looking to taste our favourite dishes, or simply have a wander and do some shopping, there are lots of Ballater shops to choose from.
Whether it’s a short stop over in Ballater or a weekend or longer in Aberdeenshire, our beautiful Balmoral Arms Inn would be the perfect place to relax, sit back and rest following your adventure. We’ve made a list of shops in Ballater, Aberdeenshire and where to find them.
Speciality & Gift Shops
Larks Gallery
10 Braemar Rd, Ballater AB35 5RL
Around 150m from Ballater’s Station Square, Larks Gallery is a contemporary gallery that showcases a range of art styles including sculptures, Scottish paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery and textiles from both local and national artists. Art fanatics always appreciate a visit to the gallery.
Ballater Gallery
46 Bridge St, Ballater AB35 5QD
Another gorgeous gallery to keep a lookout for, Ballater Gallery. This gallery possesses a range of highly sought-after art by Scottish artists with worldwide reputations. This Aberdeenshire gallery stores original pieces, sculptures and objects d’art to cater to a range of artistic palettes. People travel far and wide to view and buy pieces displayed in this gallery.
Wood and Wool
16 Bridge St, Ballater AB35
Husband and wife team up to create bespoke and beautiful furniture, soft furnishings, paintings, ceramics and so much more. All home furnishes are handcrafted and inspired by wood and wool materials. Whether you’re looking for a new and unique dining table, bench, mirror, throw for the bed or sofa, there are a range of beautiful products on offer that will give your home a rustic finish.
Brakeley Gift Shop
14 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP
A quaint and vibrant gift shop in the heart of Royal Deeside that stocks beautiful bags, scarves and wraps, bespoke jewellery, fresh candles, gift bags and cards as well as sweeties, plus so much more. It’s the perfect place to pick up little gifts for all your loved ones.
Deeside Books & Gifts
18-20 Bridge St, Ballater AB35 5QP
With over 10,000 books to choose from, Deeside Books is a classic and endearing bookshop that allows you to delve deep in Scottish history, classic novels, children’s books and thrillers to keep you on the edge of your seat. Wander around the shop and get lost in book heaven before nipping over to our gift store where you can pick up Harris Tweed bags, wallets or purses as well as Lochcarron scarves that nod to our royal Deeside history.
The Cambus O’May Cheese
The Creamery, Cambus o'May, Ballater AB35 5SD
Mouthwatering artisanal cheese made from decades old family recipes using unpasteurised milk and handcrafted with traditional methods. Pure goodness made with passion and love. A firm favourite amongst the locals and tourists alike as the freshness and taste is unmatched.
Dee Valley Confectioners
Station Square, Ballater AB35 5RB
A must visit for everyone with a sweet tooth - Dee Valley Confectioners! A store we all know and love that sells traditional and hand-made sweets including macaroons, boilings, fudge, tablet, and so much more. We promise you’ll leave with your pockets full of goodies. The perfect pick me up during all your outdoor expeditions in the Cairngorms.
Coffee Shops in Ballater
Coffee and cake? Yes, please. Ballater is home to some glorious coffee shops that serve beautifully blended coffees, lattes, flat whites, americanos, hot chocolates and so much more. Whether you pick up a light bite or share a piece of classic millionaire shortbread or carrot cake, a pit stop at one of our coffee shops or Ballater cafes never disappoints. The 3 C’s we always need in our life: Coffee, cake and company, expect a warm and welcoming environment as soon as you step foot inside a local coffee shop or cafe in the Royal Deeside. We’ve listed our favourite 3 Ballater cafes and coffee shops below.
Bean For Coffee
35 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP
As well as having a good reputation for their coffee and cake, Bean For Coffee serves up a fine Scottish breakfast if you forgot to pick up breakfast at our inn.
The Bothy
43 Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP
Serving delicious treats from breakfast until late afternoon, The Bothy not only sells all your favourite cakes but also stocks cakes and bites to suit all dietary requirements. Whether you need a coffee to go, or would like to sit by the cosy wood stove, The Bothy welcomes everyone for a brew or cuppa.
Bridge House Cafe
Bridge Street, Ballater, AB35 5QP
You and your four-legged friend can look forward to a tasty treat when you walk through the Bridge House Cafe doors. Dogs are as loved as humans in Ballater, and they even have their own menu. For your human, the cafe sells your favourite breakfast rolls, pancake stacks, waffles as well as all your lunch classics including some homemade specials.
Supermarkets in Ballater
Pick up all you need for your outdoor adventures at our favourite 3 supermarkets. Whether you need fresh ingredients, a ready made sandwich, extra juice or something different, our supermarkets will accommodate all your needs.
Co-op Food
4 Golf Rd, Ballater AB35 5RE
From frozen to fresh, everything you need will be in the isles of our local Co-op.
George Strachan Ltd
2 Golf Rd, Ballater AB35 5RE
A family fun business that stocks all your groceries, cheeses, oatcakes, shortbread, whiskies (over 300), Scottish gins and so much more. Whether it’s miniatures or little snacks for your expeditions, George Strachan will fulfil your hunger and dehydration.
No matter if you are passing through Ballater and need to pick up some essentials, fancy a nosy, or looking to book a short break in Deeside, our beautiful Balmoral Arms inn is the perfect base for your excursion. Boasting a stunning location, adventure galore, mouthwatering dishes from The Kitchen and luxurious rooms, we like to spoil our guests when they stay with us.
For more inspiration for your Ballater adventure, we’ve added some blogs that might peak your interest:
- Mountain biking in the Cairngorms
- Whisky Tours
- Balmoral pyramids trail
