"Lovely welcoming place. The room was a delight, balcony, beautiful bath, fresh coffee."
Brooks from United Kingdom
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"Quality of food was top notch. You have to try the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs for breakfast."
Maralyn from United Kingdom
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18th-century riverside inn with individually styled rooms and river views
Rooms & Accommodation
The Boat Inn offers 16 individually styled rooms across the original inn and the detached Boat House. Boat House rooms include deep freestanding baths, balconies, and super-king beds with Ortho Opulence mattresses and 200 thread count cotton linen. 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. A cozy bar offers a selection of local real ales and spirits, with a coffee house on site for lighter fare. The hotel provides special diet menus, kids' meals, and wine or champagne options.
Entertainment & Events
Regular live entertainment is held at The Shed, with darts, board games, and walking tours also available. The inn offers onsite facilities for private functions and weddings, with banquet and meeting spaces. Guests can join bike tours or live music performances during their stay.
Pet-Friendly & Family
The Boat Inn welcomes dogs with pet bowls, dog treats, and even a doggie bar area in the pub. Family rooms are available, and the bar is dog-friendly with blankets and a dog bed. Kids' meals and unique vegetarian and vegan options are offered in the restaurant.
Location & Activities
Set on the banks of the River Dee, the inn lies 4 miles east of Cairngorms National Park and near Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. Free parking and an electric vehicle charging station are available on site. Ski storage is provided for winter sports, and hiking trails start from the door.
Highlights
Location: On the River Dee, near Cairngorms National Park
Rooms: 16 individually styled rooms in Inn and Boat House
Dining: Locally sourced Scottish ingredients, real ales
Entertainment: Live music at The Shed, events space
Pet-Friendly: Dog rooms, treats, and a doggie bar
Ideal for: Couples, families, outdoor enthusiasts
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!
Facilities
The Boat Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.2/10Review 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
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,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Belwade Farm
760 m
Golf Course
Aboyne Golf Club
1.23 km
Castle
Aboyne Castle
760 m
Landmark
Aboyne-Dinnet Parish Church
680 m
Landmark
St Margaret's
760 m
Landmark
World Horse Welfare Belwade Farm
3.05 km
Forest
Cambus O'May Forest
1.83 km
Landmark
Coo Cathedral
1.42 km
Landmark
St Thomas
1.42 km
Landmark
Tower o'Ess
2.6 km
Landmark
Boyne Castle
3.16 km
Landmark
Loch of Aboyne
5.59 km
Gallery
The Butterworth Gallery
6.05 km
Landmark
Tomnaverie Stone Circle
6.56 km
Nearby
Bee Cabin
340 m
Restaurants
Aboyne Fish & Chips
340 m
Unit 7-8 Station Square
The Boat Inn Restaurant
490 m
Charlestown Road
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
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
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.
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.6/10
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 867 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.
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