A charming fishing village on Banff Bay
Situated on Banff Bay, across from its sister village of Macduff and at the mouth of the River Deveron, sits a historic little port town called Banff. Surrounded by lush green grass and colorful fishing boats knocking together in the bay, Banff even has its own castle, the ruins of which are now a popular attraction and photography spot. It's the picturesque Scottish town of your dreams, and the only way to make a visit better is ending it cozied up in a Banff vacation rental, wool blanket and a cuppa in hand.
Take a journey back in time
Though small, Banff and its sister village of Macduff are full of history. Visit the Duff House, a stately Georgian mansion dating back to the 1700s, and play golf on the course at Duff House Royal. Tour the local Museum of Banff, which is one of the oldest museums in Scotland, and explore the ruins of Banff Castle, which also has an adjacent museum. The relaxed pace of local life is the real attraction, so be sure to set time aside to slow things down and enjoy your Banff vacation rental.
Dramatic weather for dramatic landscapes
Banff's temperatures are fairly mild throughout the year, falling to the 40s in winter and rising to the 60s in summer. The amount of rainfall, however, is certainly above average. There's plenty of Scottish fog around the bay, with low, gray clouds for much of the year. Winter days are short, with only a few hours of brightness, while summer days feel endless. June through August is your best bet for seeing Banff in the sunshine, but pack an extra sweater... err, jumper, as the locals say. It's bound to be chilly, even at the height of summer.
Rolling hills and rocking waves
Though Banff once operated as a commercial fishing port, today, the only fisherman in the harbor are there for pure leisure. Thanks to its spot on the estuary of the River Deveron, Banff has access to one of the top salmon rivers in Scotland. The rolling hills provide a dramatic landscape behind Banff, and offer an excellent vantage point for taking in the sea views from above. Whether you're in a Banff vacation rental right in town or set along the sandy coast, it's a safe bet you'll never tire of the local views.
Traveling to and around Banff
Fly into Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), the closest airport, located 34.3 mi (55.2 km) from the city center.