The Boat Inn Aboyne Exterior photoThe Boat Inn Aboyne Macro Details photoThe Boat Inn Aboyne Amenities photo

THE BOAT INN, Aboyne

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From$158 /night
Check-in
02Jun
Check-out
03Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Charleston Road, Aboyne, AB34 5EL
-
Near Cairngorms National Park
Perfect
9.2
9.7
/10
4.5
4.7
/5

Rooms

The Boat Inn offers 16 individually styled ensuite rooms featuring Ortho Opulence beds and 200 thread count cotton linen. Many accommodations also provide views of the River Dee. Select rooms come equipped with freestanding baths and spacious balconies.

Dining

Dining at The Boat Inn includes freshly prepared meals made with locally sourced ingredients, such as the renowned produce from Menzies Butchers of Braemar and Deeside Water. Guests can enjoy their meals in front of a roaring log fire, overlooking the river, or on the terrace. The venue also offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free dishes.

Entertainment

The Shed Bar serves as a gathering place, hosting live music events featuring local musicians throughout the year. Guests can experience quiz nights and karaoke, enhancing their visit with community activities. The Pine Loft is also available for private hire, accommodating up to 60 guests for functions.

Location

Situated on the banks of the River Dee, The Boat Inn offers a scenic setting for outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, and cycling. The hotel's location in Royal Deeside provides easy access to beautiful landscapes. Guests can further explore the great Aberdeenshire wild surrounding the inn.

Takeaway Service

For guests not ready to dine in, The Boat Inn offers popular takeaway nights, providing a selection of their favorite dishes. This service allows customers to enjoy quality meals at their convenience. The takeaway option accommodates those looking for delicious dining without the sit-down experience.

Highlights

Rooms: 16 beautiful, individually styled ensuite rooms

Dining: delicious, freshly prepared, locally sourced seasonal menus

Entertainment: The Shed regularly plays host to live entertainment

Location: A delightful riverside inn located in the heart of Royal Deeside

Must-do experiences

  • Discover the stunning views at Loch Davan, just a short walk away.
  • Try the locally crafted whisky at Aboyne Distillery for a unique taste.
  • Stroll through Aboyne Castle Gardens for a perfect picnic spot.
  • Visit the Aboyne Farmers' Market every second Saturday for local delights.
  • Explore the rich history at the Aboyne Heritage Centre for a local insight.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Small Standard King Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Small Super King Double
    2 persons
    11 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Super King Double or Twin Balcony
    2 persons
    15 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Balcony
    Heating
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Ski storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Boat Inn, guests can indulge in local flavors through a delightful array of dining options. The warm and traditional ambiance invites travelers to savor the comforts of home with hearty meals served from dawn to dusk, perfect for every appetite.
The Boat Inn Aboyne Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local Scottish cuisine
Ambiance
Traditional and cozy setting that evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a complimentary cooked-to-order full Scottish breakfast featuring bacon, sausage, black pudding, eggs, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. A buffet selection of cereal, yoghurts, fresh fruit, and juices is also available, along with vegetarian and vegan options to cater to all dietary preferences.
Reservation
Not needed
Breakfast served daily from 7:30 AM; lunch, dinner, and brunch options available.

The Boat Inn Location

Charleston Road, Aboyne, AB34 5EL
Explore Aboyne
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Aboyne Castle
Aboyne Castle
10 minutes' walk
Aboyne Castle features stunning architecture and scenic grounds, perfect for a picturesque stroll.
Aboyne Golf Club
Aboyne Golf Club
15 minutes' walk
Aboyne Golf Club offers a challenging course with breathtaking views, ideal for golf enthusiasts.
Cambus O'May Forest
Cambus O'May Forest
18 minutes' walk
Cambus O'May Forest provides trails for leisurely walks and cycling, surrounded by beautiful woodlands.
Cycling at Cambus O'May
18 minutes' walk
Enjoy cycling in Cambus O'May Forest with bike rentals available nearby for a scenic outdoor experience.
Aboyne Highland Games
5 minutes' drive
Experience the excitement of traditional Scottish games during the annual Aboyne Highland Games in August.
Aboyne Fish & Chips
5 minutes' walk
Casual dining with classic fish and chips, renowned for its crispy batter and fresh ingredients.
The Boat Inn Restaurant
6 minutes' walk
A cozy atmosphere featuring local dishes with a modern twist, complemented by a fine selection of wines.
The Deeside Gallery
15 minutes' drive
The Deeside Gallery hosts local art exhibitions and often features events like open-mic nights.
Aboyne Community Theatre
15 minutes' walk
Family-friendly community theater presenting various productions, perfect for an engaging night out.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Aboyne 5 min  ·  400 m
  • Airports
    Aberdeen (ABZ) 68 min  ·  45.1 km
    Dundee (DND) 152 min  ·  100.8 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 min  ·  100 m
Want to unlock exclusive early deals?
Access members-only prices today
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Boat Inn provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
16

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Boat Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the modern and spacious rooms at The Boat Inn, with some even featuring splendid balconies. Its location is ideal, offering easy access to riverside walks, while inside, you can find satisfying pub meals and a good selection of drinks. Though most find it excellent, some guests have occasionally noted the rooms can feel a little cold.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 529 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
95 %
Recommend
Comfort
9.6/10
Staff
9.6/10
Free WiFi
7.6/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Large rooms
Excellent breakfast
Welcoming staff
Cons
Limited menu
Noisy guests
Bright emergency lighting
Guest reviews
based on 529 reviews
9.2/10
based on 899 reviews
9.2/10
Luke from Australia
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 15, 2025
9.3/10

Excellent stay with great food

ev charging stylish room
I liked the ev charging on site. It was very convenient. the stylish room i had included useful amenities. also, i appreciated the efficient staff who were available to assist me with my needs .
The tv in the room only had free view channels. I could not watch it from the bed. the bedding quality was fine! though not luxurious.
Service
9/10
The staff was super friendly, and they were also efficient in handling requests. I found them quite helpful. their service.
Rooms
9/10
The twin room was stylish. It had modern decor. the room also provided adequate comfort, and it met my expectations for a short stay. i found it to be well kept and clean upon my arrival.
Facilities
10/10
the food was lovely. i found the options to be well-prepared. the hotel also offers ev charging on site, and this added a significant convenience for me. i appreciated this modern amenity.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
jackson from United States
Single
twin room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 04, 2025
9.0/10

riverside comfort and friendly faces

riverside location friendly staff excellent bar delicious restaurant food
the location was fantastic, right by the river! the room size suited me well. the staff showed genuine friendliness and efficiency, always ready to assist. the bar offered a great selection of drinks, and the restaurant's food added to the overall appeal.
the orange juice at breakfast could see some improvement, it felt a bit basic.
Service
9/10
The staff proved to be efficient and polite. They handled my requests with a smile! a team member even guided me through a route to the location when the bridge was closed, going the extra mile.
Rooms
9/10
my twin room boasted a stylish design and cleanliness! i found the bed very comfortable. the shower provided a refreshing experience, and the well-designed space added to the overall charm.
Facilities
9/10
breakfast included multiple choices, with delicious scrambled eggs and smoked salmon available! the inn's restaurant provided a cozy atmosphere for the evening meal. the bar offered many drink selections.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Herbert from Germany
Single
deluxe double river view
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 15, 2025
7/10
great breakfast superb staff helpful staff river dee river limited storage small tv dinner pricey dinner
the location worked wonders (right on the river dee!). breakfast was superb, i especially loved the modern room. the staff were ready to help with requests.
dinner felt pricey for what it offered. storage space was a bit limited in the room. the tv was a bit small and far from the bed.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Boat Inn
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Boat Inn?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What is the distance from The Boat Inn to the city center of Aboyne?
The hotel is located 0.5 km from the city center of Aboyne.
How far is The Boat Inn from Aberdeen?
The Boat Inn is 50 km from Aberdeen.
What dining options are available at The Boat Inn?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that serves a high-quality menu using fine Scottish ingredients.
Are there any nearby restaurants to The Boat Inn?
Nearby restaurants include Spider on a Bicycle and the Restaurant at Loch Kinord Hotel, both located 0.5 km away.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Boat Inn?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, Ortho Opulence beds, 200 thread count cotton linen, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Is parking available at The Boat Inn?
Free parking is available on-site without a reservation required.
What activities can guests enjoy while staying at The Boat Inn?
Guests can participate in cycling, hiking, and live music events at the hotel.
Is breakfast available at The Boat Inn?
A full Scottish breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 GBP.
What family-friendly amenities does The Boat Inn offer?
The hotel provides children's menus, cots, and board games.
How far is The Boat Inn from the Cairngorms National Park?
The hotel is approximately 6.4 km (6 km) east of Cairngorms National Park.
Does The Boat Inn provide Wi-Fi access?
Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and guest rooms.
What leisure facilities does The Boat Inn provide?
Facilities include a cozy bar with local ales, and guests can enjoy a terrace and garden views.

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