Attractions and Places To See around Udny - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Udny are found in this region of Aberdeenshire, offering a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites. The area features tranquil waterways originating in the Grampian Mountains and coastal areas known for wildlife. Visitors can explore ancient ruins and enjoy scenic routes, making it a diverse destination for outdoor activities. Udny provides a variety of experiences, from historical exploration to wildlife observation.
Best attractions and places to see around Udny
- The most popular…
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Newburgh Seal Colony
Highlight • Viewpoint
Specifically, don't walk towards the end of the spit at the north side of the river so as not to disturb the seals and ground nesting birds. …
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Tolquhon Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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River Don at Dyce
Highlight • Cycleway
It flows eastward through Aberdeenshire, passing through various towns and eventually empties into the North Sea at Aberdeen.
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St Adamnan's Kirk Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
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The Coffee Apothecary
Highlight • Cafe
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Other adventures around Udny
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Here you can find the ruins of the old church of Forvie. The village was buried by a shifting dune in the 16th century.
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The Formartine and Buchan cycle and walking trail crosses the River Don here. You can see a gauging station just upstream, past the power lines.
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Here you’ll pass over the River Don, a tranquil waterway which originates in the Grampian Mountains, specifically in the Peatlands of Aberdeenshire. It flows eastward through Aberdeenshire, passing through various towns and eventually empties into the North Sea at Aberdeen.
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Don't walk there. Specifically, don't walk towards the end of the spit at the north side of the river so as not to disturb the seals and ground nesting birds. There are plenty of signs on the trails from the Forvie Car Park alluding to this. If you want to have a good look at the seals, park at the car park near the Newburgh Golf Club on the south side of the river just as you come into Newburgh from the south, signposted "Seals" Or park in the village and walk along the track as the car park if often busy. Then walk along the beach. Take binoculars and lots of photographs. You won't disturb the main body of seals 100 yards across the river and you will easily see them even without binoculars. And there are always a few curious seals in the water keeping and eye on folks on the beach.
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Back open since lockdown and masonry inspections. Check historic Scotland for opening times. I visited again in August 2023. Youll find a surprising amount of castle to see!
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Home of a massive seal colony, reportedly over 400 seals call this beach a home. For your best chance to see some seals, visit at low tide. Keep your dogs on a lead and give the seals some space, they are wild animals!
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Coastal change in action. The whole village was swallowed by the dunes in the 1600s. The remains of St Adamnan's Kirk and other buildings can be found here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Udny?
Yes, Udny offers several family-friendly options. The River Don at Dyce is part of a cycle and walking trail, perfect for a family outing. Additionally, The Coffee Apothecary is noted as a family-friendly cafe, ideal for a stop during your explorations.
Where can I observe wildlife near Udny?
For wildlife observation, visit the Newburgh Seal Colony. This viewpoint is home to a massive seal colony, with over 400 seals. The best time to see them is at low tide, and it's recommended to observe from a respectful distance, keeping dogs on a lead.
What historical sites can I explore in the Udny area?
The Udny area is rich in history. You can explore the Tolquhon Castle Ruins, which are the remains of a 15th-century castle and include a visitor's center with historical artifacts. Another significant historical site is the St Adamnan's Kirk Ruins, the remains of an old church from a village buried by shifting dunes in the 16th century.
Are there easy walks or cycle ways near Udny?
Yes, the River Don at Dyce is part of the Formartine and Buchan cycle and walking trail, offering a tranquil route suitable for easy walks and cycling. This path crosses the River Don, which originates in the Grampian Mountains.
What are some good places for a coffee break or meal near attractions?
If you're looking for a place to relax and refuel, The Coffee Apothecary is a highly recommended bike-friendly cafe. It's known for great coffee, amazing breakfasts, and friendly service, making it an ideal stop for a rest.
What outdoor activities, like running or mountain biking, are available around Udny?
The Udny area offers various outdoor activities. For running, you can find several trails, including the 'Ellon Viaduct – Meiklemill Footbridge loop from Ellon' which is a moderate 6.4 km route. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Tyrebagger Hill Viewing Tower loop from Hatton of Fintray', a moderate 15.5 km ride. For more options, check out the full guides for Running Trails around Udny and MTB Trails around Udny.
Are there any gravel biking routes in the Udny region?
Yes, the Udny region has options for gravel biking. A notable route is the 'Logierieve Wood – River Don at Dyce loop from Dyce', a moderate 45.2 km ride. You can find more gravel biking adventures in the Gravel biking around Udny guide.
What is the best time to visit the Newburgh Seal Colony?
To have the best chance of observing the seals at the Newburgh Seal Colony, it is recommended to visit at low tide. This allows for optimal viewing of the large colony.
Is public transportation available to reach historical sites like Tolquhon Castle?
Yes, Tolquhon Castle Ruins are accessible by public transportation. You can take the 291 Stagecoach bus to East Newseat of Tolquhon. The castle is about a mile from the stop, and you can ask the driver to drop you at the path for the castle to shorten your walk.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see around Udny?
The Udny area offers a blend of natural landscapes. You can experience tranquil waterways like the River Don at Dyce, which originates in the Grampian Mountains. The coastal areas, such as near the Newburgh Seal Colony, are known for their wildlife and scenic views.
Are there any hidden gems or less crowded spots to discover?
While not explicitly 'hidden,' the St Adamnan's Kirk Ruins offer a unique and less frequented historical experience. These ruins are well hidden from the main path, providing a sense of discovery as you explore the remains of a village swallowed by dunes centuries ago.
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