VISITOR INFORMATION
26TH - 28TH SEPTEMBER
Everything you need to know ahead of your trip to the Braemar Literary Festival
Braemar Literary Festival Venues
St Margaret’s
Glenshee Rd, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YQFife Arms
Mar Rd, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YNBraemar Village Hall
Braemar Village Hall, 33 Mar Road, Braemar, AB35 5YXBraemar Highland Games Centre
The Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion, Broombank Terrace, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YXBraemar Kirk
Cluniebank Road, Braemar, AB35 5YY
GETTING HERE
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By Car
From Aberdeen - 1hr 25mins approx
A93 via BanchoryFrom Perth - 1hr 10mins approx
A93 via GlensheeFrom Dundee - 1hr 25mins approx
A923 to Coupar Angus, A93 via GlensheeInverness - 2hr approx
A9 to Cartridge, A938 to Dulnain Bridge, A95 to Old Spey Bridge, A939 to Gairnshiel Lodge, B976 to Crathie, A93 to BraemarFrom Edinburgh - 2hr 10mins approx
M90 to Perth, A93 via GlensheeFrom Glasgow - 2hr 10mins approx
M80 to Stirling, A9 to Perth, A93 via GlensheePlease check the route and the weather before departure. Braemar is remote and the weather can change rapidly.
Consult your preferred weather app or BBC Weather before making the journey.Please also check local council websites or social channels for updates on road closures and seek alternative routes. Again, due to the remote location of Braemar diversions can add on significant time to journeys.
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Parking
Parking is limited in Braemar. Leave yourself enough time to arrive and find a space before the start time of your chosen event.
Parking can be found:
- Behind the Mews shops and square
- Outside the Mews Bar
- The Braemar Highland Games Centre
- Balnellan Road Car Park
- Near the Invercauld ArmsAs well as on street parking around the village.
We kindly ask that you park respectfully, mindful of private driveways and hidden openings.
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Public Transport
Nearest Airports:
- Aberdeen 1hr 30 mins approx
- Edinburgh 2 hours approx
There are no public links between the airports and Braemar, however car hire services are available are both.Nearest Train Staiton:
- Aberdeen CentralBus:
Union Square, Aberdeen to Braemar Stagecoach
Via Banchory and Ballater
PLACES TO STAY
There are a number of wonderful places to stay nearby ideal solo travellers, family groups or couples across a range of budgets and tastes.
Braemarscotland.com has a detailed list of places to stay in and around Braemar - from B&Bs to exclusive use cottages, hotels to campsites.
Braemar and Royal Deeside is a very popular tourist destination. We would recommend booking as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
Fife Arms Hotel
A literary escape to the Highlands
Experience the very best of Scottish hospitality and secure your front row seat for the Braemar Literary Festival with an unforgettable stay at the Fife Arms hotel.
This exclusive getaway includes:
• Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast
• Welcome cocktail reception followed by a special festival launch dinner curated by a guest chef and entertainment in The Clunie Dining Room
• Complimentary access to all festival talks and performances with reserved priority seating
• Festival guest bag on arrival with complimentary gift
LOCAL REFRESHMENT
A selection of the best places within walking distance from the festival venues
where you can enjoy delicious refreshment between events.
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The Flying Stag
Located in the Fife Arms
Lunch: 12pm - 3pm
Dinner: 5pm - 9pmThe Flying Stag public bar continues to be the social centre of the village. With regulars rubbing shoulders with visitors, the bar has a vibrant atmosphere with animated conversation and live entertainment every Wednesday and Friday from local musicians. The bar offers local beers, Scottish whiskies and spirits accompanied by a menu of hearty Scottish dishes and warm hospitality.
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Gordon's Tearoom
10am - 4pm
The ideal stop for a light bite at lunchtime, Gordon’s Tearoom offers a delicious menu of homemade delights. From tasty soups and sandwiches, to scones and cakes.
No need to book!
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Afternoon Tea ~ The Clunie Dining Room
Located in the Fife Arms
12.30pm - 3pm
Afternoon Tea bookings are open to all, so whether you are staying at the hotel or simply visiting Braemar or Royal Deeside for the day, book your unique Afternoon Tea experience below. We also offer a children’s afternoon tea which is available on request. Please book at least 24 hours in advance.
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Sunday Roast ~ The Clunie Dining Room
Located in the Fife Arms
12.30pm - 3pm
Worth waiting all week for and the perfect treat between Literary Festival events. Indulge in a wood-fired Sunday Roast in The Clunie Dining Room including the traditional favourites, complete with all the trimmings. A children’s menu is available
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Hazelnut Pâtisserie
11am - 5pm (or sell out)
Hazelnut Pâtisserie is a partnership between two friends who met a few years ago while working at The Fife Arms in Braemar. They share the love of the great outdoors, food and wine so they hatched a plan to bring something new and exciting to their beloved village.
The perfect place to indulge in a light lunch and beautiful sweet treat.
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The Bothy
9am - 5pm
A scenic spot in the village, The Bothy is the ideal spot for a quick bite to eat and a cup of tea overlooking the Clunie Water. Friendly staff and a menu that has something for everyone, from soups and sandwiches to a full Scottish breakfast if you’re early enough!
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The Gathering Cafe
Located in The Duke of Rothesay Games Pavillion
10am - 4.30pm
Located within the Pavilion, in the Wirth Family Room, The Gathering Café is a warm and comfortable spot for food and refreshments. Elegantly furnished, with touches of the Duke of Rothesay tartan, the café has a beautiful outlook onto the grounds of the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park.
The perfect place for a scone and a cup of tea (please note, no hot food is available here).
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Farquharson's Bar and Kitchen
11am - Late
If you’re looking for great, traditional pub grub for lunch of dinner or a drink with a warm welcome, stop by Farquharson’s Bar and Kitchen in the heart of the village of Braemar.
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Fish Shop
Lunch: Wednesday-Sunday, 12noon – 3pm
Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday, 6pm – 11pm
Located in the heart of Ballater, Fish Shop restaurant and adjoining fishmonger celebrates the heritage and traditions of fishing in Scotland serving ethically sourced fish from day and short-trip boats, as well as creel-caught and hand-dived crustacea.
Fish Shop is thrilled to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand and the Service Award by Michelin 2025.
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The Plaice to be
Saturday and Sunday
12noon - 10pm
Traditional fish and chips along with the chip shop favourites for those looking for a weekend treat. Take away or sit on the picnic tables outside.
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Greens of Braemar
Monday - Saturday 7am - 10pm
Sunday 8am - 10pmGreen’s is Braemar’s local convenience store and post office. The perfect stop for any essentials you may require during your visit, from basic toiletries to a freshly made pastry on the go.
Yeadon’s of Banchory is a local bookseller who we are glad to have on board as a festival partner this year.
Yeadon's of Elgin is one of the oldest continuously trading bookshops in Scotland. Established in 1887 by James Dawson Yeadon, the second branch of Yeadon's opened in December 2007 in the Royal Deeside town of Banchory, providing the best books in a beautiful setting.
Both shops are beautifully decorated and stocked with a carefully chosen, eclectic selection of books, stationery, and pens. They try to source signed and special editions whenever possible.
Yeadon’s staff are all professional booksellers, dedicated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and all able to recommend, to advise and to pick that elusive, forgotten title out of the air.
FAQs
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The times listed refer to when the speakers / events will commence. We kindly ask that you arrive ahead of the scheduled time. This will allow time to check your ticket and for you to take your seat without disturbing the speaker or other audience members.
We kindly ask that you put your mobile phone on silent or airplane mode.
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All proceeds from ticket sales are donated to The Queen’s Reading Room.
We are unable to offer refunds on tickets and appreciate your understanding.
Please note, we also cannot offer refunds due to adverse weather preventing attendance.
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Although our speakers conduct their events with the utmost professionalism, not all of the subject matter is entirely child/family friendly.
We have created specific family events perfect for parents and children enjoy together which can be found on the Family Events page.
Our community events have also been tailored around family friendly fun.
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Unfortunately due to the nature of the events, we cannot always admit people into venues after the scheduled start time.
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Each ticketed event has an individual ticket which is non-transferrable and permits entry for that event only.
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. We appreciate your understanding.
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The festival is hosted in a number of historic buildings some having limited disabled access.
Please get in touch to discuss your needs further, letting us know which event you are interested in attending on:
braemarliteraryfestival@thefifearms.com
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Photography and recording will be taking place throughout the scheduled events - ticketed and free.
This content will be used for future promotion of the Festival by our partners. Your attendance at the event implies consent to be captured.
You are permitted to take your own photos, provided it is not intrusive to other audience members or speakers.
You are also welcome to share your photos with us on instagram using the hashtag #Braemarlitfest2025 and tagging @thefifearms.
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Space is limited in the venues and we will try our best to accommodate friendly, well-behaved dogs where possible. Please keep the length of each talk in mind and consider the experience of other guests.
If you have any further questions on:
braemarliteraryfestival@thefifearms.com
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Tickets are digital and will come through via email after purchase from Ticket Tailor- remember to check your junk or spam folder.
If you can’t find it we are happy to to resend the ticket to you. Simply get in touch on
braemarliteraryfestival@thefifearms.com
