Ballindalloch Castle and Speyside Tour
Enjoy a Private Group Ballindalloch Castle and Speyside Day Tour. We leave from Inverness with local knowledge shared by the Inverness Tour Guides. Travel in style and comfort in our air conditioned vehicles. Tours priced for up to 7 passengers.
See wonderful places; Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens followed by your choice of one out of three distilleries or an ancient woolmill.
Departure
Collection from within 16 miles of Inverness included in the price.
£580.00 8 hours
Ballindalloch Castle and Speyside Tour – Itinerary
Our shortest tour on the North East 250 is our Ballindalloch Castle and Speyside Tour. We travel into Speyside, to visit the castle known as the Pearl of the North – Ballindalloch. Then there are several options open to you. You can fill your time enjoying the castle gardens to the full, or you can visit any one of Cragganmore, Cardhu or Dallas Dhu Distilleries on your way home. Another alternative visit for your return journey would be the Knockando Woolmill.
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
This Castle has been the home of the MacPherson-Grant family since 1546. Ballindalloch make many of their rooms available to view, despite this being a family home. As a result we particular enjoy a visit to this castle known as “The Pearl of the North”. The gardens are magnificent, and designed to be filled with interest from Spring until Autumn. Ballindalloch has the oldest herd of Aberdeen-Angus Cattle in the world. The present Laird’s mother, Clare Russell, is an author in her own right. She has written three acclaimed recipe books, and one book that captures the essence and culture of the people and places of Banffshire.
Cragganmore Distillery
Cragganmore is a lovely distillery visit. Big John Smith began this distillery in 1869. John’s Cragganmore was described as one of the most complex and characterful malt whiskies of the Speyside region.We think this was because he was said to be the most experienced distiller of his day, The distillery remained in the same family until 1923 when, as a result of the national economic situation, it was sold to White Horse Distillers Ltd.
Knockando Woolmill
This Woolmill was first established in 1784, and has been producing textiles ever since. The year 2000 saw a trust established to ensure the future of this rare survivor, and since 2012 it has been open to the public. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a working Woolmill, learn the rich history of the site and browse the range of quality woollen throws, scarves and accessories.
Cardhu Distillery
Moonshine is the root from which Cardhu sprang, because Helen Cumming’s first still, in 1811, was illegal, so it would be fair for us to say that. She went legitimate in 1824, which makes Cardhu the first distillery on record to be founded by a woman. It will come as no surprise that she made a very good job of it. So much so that it is now the primary component in Johnnie Walker. Her successor was her daughter-in-law, in 1871
Dallas Dhu Distillery
This Distillery closed in 1983, so, of all of today’s choices, it is the only distillery which no longer produces whisky. However, Historic Environment Scotland has made a very good job of creating a time capsule of the distiller’s art. And in the spirit of highland hospitality they are always happy for you to have a taste as well as a tour.
Ballindalloch Castle and Speyside Tour – Departure
The tour departs from your Inverness accommodation, or any transport hub you prefer, such as bus station, train station or airport. You tell us, and we’ll be there.
Ballindalloch Castle and Speyside Tour – Price
£580 for up to seven passengers.
FAQ
Can each person in the party pay separately?
Driver/Guide licencing in Scotland will only allow us to take one payment per tour, so if people in a party wish to split the cost then they arrange that amongst themselves and make one tour payment to us.
Are entries to the various visitor attractions or distilleries included?
We don’t include entry to the attractions or distilleries – and that way we leave the day as flexible as possible for you.
Do I need to book any items in advance?
If you wish to visit one of the distilleries then you will need to book it in advance, but we are happy to advise and assist you with this.
Will I need cash with me?
Most places will accept Visa or MasterCard and some will accept American Express. It is always prudent, though, to bring a little cash with you for unexpected eventualities. You will need GBP, not Euros or Dollars.
What will we be doing for lunch?
As this is a six hour tour you may choose to have lunch, or perhaps just a snack, depending on when you choose to start and finish.You are responsible for paying for your own food & drink during your tour. Lunch or snack could be in a café, pub, restaurant or even a picnic at a beauty spot. Your guide can discuss and advise on options when you meet them.
Find all of our other FAQ’s here
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Inverness Tour Guides?
Our Inverness Tour Guides are a hand-picked team. As well as being accredited members of the Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association, they are all well-recognised as being at the top of their fields. They were chosen because they are great storytellers, are fun to be with, and are uniquely qualified to do what they do well. We are convinced that there is no better team of guides to be found. See their individual profiles here
Performance
Here at Inverness Tours we continually monitor performance. As a result we are confident that we offer long experience and expertise in providing quality, value and enjoyment.
Our Vehicles
Our vehicles are spacious and air conditioned, easily accommodating up to seven passengers. The reclining seats and tinted windows ensure touring in comfort and style.
Our Track Record
Inverness Tours has been taking visitors on world-class tours for more than fifteen years and has been striving to make its exclusive tour business the finest of its kind available in Scotland.
Our Customer Care
The Inverness Tours admin team are frequently complimented on responsiveness, flexibility and care.
Our Environment
Inverness Tours have offset the impact of visitor footfall in the Highlands by contributing financially to environmental and community projects.
Our Precautions
Our COVID19 precautions – Inverness Tours has always carried bacteriological and virucidal disinfectant sprays, disposable gloves and the necessary wipes etc. The vehicles are cleaned on a daily basis. We are investigating and instituting further measures to keep you safe at this current time and into the future.
Our Reviews
All the above contribute to our fabulous back-catalogue of reviews. Check out the TripAdvisor reviews here. You will find that over 98% of our reviews are five-star and as a result we have achieved TripAdvisor’s annual Certificate of Excellence and placement in their Hall of Fame!
What’s included?
The 7-passenger vehicle together with qualified driver/guide is included.
Summary terms and conditions:-
- All tours are exclusive and the same price for between one and seven people. Your booking is considered confirmed once we send out your confirmation.
- While Inverness Tours shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and/or services as planned, we reserve the right to alter itineraries, guide, transport or accommodation if circumstances require us to do so. If we have to cancel a tour you receive a full refund of the amount paid and that is the extent of our obligation.
- Our normal Cancellation Terms as outlined in the point below have been temporarily relaxed. The relaxation is in relation to any booking which requires to cancel due to COVID-19. Our COVID-19 cancellation terms are outlined here.
- If you wish to change any part of your confirmed booking you should inform us in writing as soon as possible. We will do our best to assist you, but cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your request. If you cancel a booking up to 30 days in advance you receive a 75% refund of the total paid. Cancellations between 30 and 10 days before the tour receive a 50% refund. There is no refund if you cancel within 10 days of the tour or are not at the organised departure or pick-up point.
- We are happy for you to enjoy bottled water and hard candies while we travel. Other types of food and drink have proved previously to be quite hazardous (on Highland roads) both to yourselves and seat upholstery.
See our full terms and conditions here