"Lovely welcoming place. The room was a delight, balcony, beautiful bath, fresh coffee."
Brooks from United Kingdom
read full review
"Quality of food was top notch. You have to try the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for breakfast."
Maralyn from United Kingdom
read full review
Historic 18th-century riverside inn with 16 individually styled rooms in Aboyne
Rooms & Accommodation
The Boat Inn offers 16 individually styled rooms with en-suite facilities, Ortho Opulence beds, and 200 thread count cotton linen. Eight rooms are located within the original 18th-century Inn, while eight are in the detached Boat House featuring soft furnishings, deep freestanding baths, balconies, and super-king beds. Some rooms provide postcard-worthy views of the River Dee.
Dining & Bar
The restaurant serves a high-quality menu using fine Scottish ingredients, including Aberdeen Angus steaks, North Sea fish and seafood, and Highland cheeses. The cozy bar offers a selection of local real ales and spirits, and guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals using locally sourced ingredients with unique seasonal dishes. A daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is provided, with vegetarian and vegan options available for all meals.
Entertainment & Events
Regular live entertainment events are held at The Shed, enhancing the guest experience with music and performances. The hotel provides onsite facilities available for private functions and weddings, including a versatile venue for gatherings. The bar area also features darts and board games for additional leisure activities.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
The Boat Inn is dog-friendly, offering pet bowls, towels, and treats such as biscuits and poo bags to welcome canine guests. The bar area welcomes dogs, with comfort items like blankets and a dog bed available. Ski storage is also provided for guests traveling with equipment.
Location & Activities
Set on the banks of the River Dee, the inn lies approximately 4 miles east of Cairngorms National Park and is close to Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. Guests can access bicycle rental, bike tours, hiking trails, and a nearby golf course, as well as walking tours and live performances. Free parking and an electric vehicle charging station are available on-site, and the Royal Deeside area offers rich local culture within reach.
Highlights
Location: Riverside on River Dee, 4 miles from Cairngorms National Park
Rooms: 16 individually styled rooms (8 in Inn, 8 in Boat House with balconies)
Dining: Locally sourced menu with Aberdeen Angus steaks & North Sea seafood
Entertainment: Live events at The Shed, darts, board games
Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly with bowls, treats, and towels
Family: Family rooms, kids' meals, board games/puzzles
Must-do experiences
Stroll through the picturesque village of Aboyne along the River Dee.
Try a hearty Cullen Skink soup at The Boat Inn's restaurant.
Visit the historic Aboyne Castle and its stunning gardens.
Explore the hidden gem of the Aboyne & Deeside Heritage Centre.
Join a guided walk in the nearby Cairngorms for breathtaking views.
Select your room type
The Boat Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Small Standard King Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Small Super King Double
2 persons
11 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Super King Double or Twin Balcony
2 persons
15 m²
1 King-size bed
Balcony
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Boat Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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
Public parking is possible on site for free.
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
The Boat Inn Location
Charleston Road, Aboyne, AB34 5EL,
Explore Aboyne
Local Highlights Near The Boat Inn
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Belwade Farm
10 minutes' walk
Belwade Farm offers an engaging experience with rescued horses and guided tours. A must-visit for equestrian enthusiasts.
Aboyne Castle
10 minutes' walk
Aboyne Castle features stunning architecture set in beautiful grounds, ideal for history lovers and nature strolls.
Coo Cathedral
5 minutes' drive
Coo Cathedral is renowned for its breathtaking stained glass and serene atmosphere, attracting visitors seeking tranquility.
Loch of Aboyne
15 minutes' drive
Loch of Aboyne provides picturesque views and outdoor activities like canoeing, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Hiking at Cambus O'May Forest
20 minutes walking
Cambus O'May Forest offers scenic trails for hiking and biking, suitable for all skill levels and perfect for active outdoor enthusiasts.
Relaxing at Loch of Aboyne
15 minutes' drive
Relax at Loch of Aboyne with options for picnicking and leisurely walks, catering to those seeking peace and serene landscapes.
The Boat Inn Restaurant
6 minutes' walk
The Boat Inn offers a cozy atmosphere with local specialties alongside refreshing drinks, perfect for casual dining.
Aboyne Fish & Chips
5 minutes' walk
Aboyne Fish & Chips serves delicious fried fare in a relaxed setting, popular for its quick service and satisfying portions.
Local Pub Music Nights
5 minutes' walk
Enjoy live music at local pubs every weekend, providing a lively atmosphere for all ages and fostering a sense of community.
Cultural Events at Aboyne Hall
15 minutes' walk
Aboyne Hall hosts various cultural events and shows, ideal for families and couples looking for community engagements.
Getting around Scotland
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 see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Unlock exclusive rates on stays across Scotland now!
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
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 15.0 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
16
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Boat Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 441 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
96 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free WiFi
8.5/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Really good food quality
Friendly staff
Comfortable rooms
Scenic river setting
Cons
Inconsistent service speed
Limited menu options
Cleanliness issues
Guest reviews
based on 888 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Guest reviews
Ferryhill House Hotel
Brentwood Aberdeen City Centre
The Chester Hotel
Muthu Newton Hotel
Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel
Beaufort Hotel
Meldrum House Hotel Golf And Country Estate
Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen
High Range Hotel
Duke Of Gordon Hotel
Aviemore Youth Hostel
Ballathie House Hotel