Discover Ellon | A Visitor's Introduction to Ellon

Why is Ellon Worth a Visit?

Ellon is worth visiting for its picturesque riverside setting, strong local identity, and blend of history and modern enterprise. It’s a town where you can enjoy quiet nature trails, learn about local history, visit one of the UK's most famous craft breweries, and explore the wild beauty of the nearby Ythan Estuary and Forvie National Nature Reserve.

Unlike more commercialised tourist towns, Ellon offers an authentic feel of rural Scotland, with independent shops, family-run cafés, and a strong community vibe. Its location also makes it a brilliant stop on a road trip along the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail, or as a base for exploring sites like Slains Castle, Cruden Bay, and the Formartine and Buchan Way.

With its well-kept parks, friendly pubs, and links to both historical and modern-day Scottish culture, Ellon makes a worthwhile detour from the usual Highlands-and-castles itinerary.

Ellon Highlights: Things to See and Do in Ellon

The River Ythan and Riverside Walks

The River Ythan flows right through Ellon, and its tree-lined banks provide the perfect setting for scenic walks and wildlife spotting. The riverside trail is well-maintained and easily accessible from the town centre. You’ll pass old bridges, parks, and may even spot salmon leaping in season or seals at the river mouth further downstream.

In spring and summer, the riverside is vibrant with flowers, birdsong, and the hum of local life. It's a favourite with dog walkers, runners, and photographers alike.

BrewDog HQ and DogTap

Perhaps Ellon’s most famous modern claim to fame is as the home of BrewDog, the global craft beer company that began in nearby Fraserburgh and established its HQ in Ellon in 2013. The site includes DogTap, BrewDog’s flagship bar and restaurant, as well as a beer museum, bottle shop, and BrewDog's eco-brewing facility.

You can sample a wide range of beers, take a guided brewery tour, or just enjoy a pizza and pint in the huge, modern taproom. It’s family- and dog-friendly, with indoor and outdoor seating and frequent events such as quiz nights, beer tastings, and live music.

Even if you're not a beer enthusiast, it's an impressive and well-designed space that reflects Scotland’s growing creative industries.

Ellon Castle Gardens

Right in the heart of the town lies the Ellon Castle Gardens, a beautifully restored 18th-century walled garden featuring ancient yew trees, formal flower beds, and the romantic ruins of Ellon Castle. It’s a peaceful, well-tended haven tucked away behind the town’s High Street, and it’s run by a community trust.

The gardens are open to the public several days a week, with guided tours available. Special events, including open days and seasonal fairs, are hosted throughout the year.

McDonald Park and Gordon Park

Ellon is blessed with green space, and two of its best-loved public parks are McDonald Park and Gordon Park. Gordon Park, close to the river, features a bandstand, children’s play area, and lawns for picnicking or sunbathing. It’s also where many local events and community gatherings take place.

McDonald Park, on the town’s edge, is more open and less manicured but ideal for longer walks, sports, and birdwatching. It connects to local trails and is close to the Formartine and Buchan Way.

Formartine and Buchan Way

This long-distance walking and cycling route follows a former railway line between Dyce (near Aberdeen) and Fraserburgh, passing through Ellon along the way. The section between Ellon and Maud is particularly scenic and suitable for walking, cycling, or even horse riding.

The trail is well-marked and easy underfoot, passing through woodland, farmland, and open countryside. It’s a fantastic way to explore rural Aberdeenshire at a slower pace.

Ythan Estuary and Forvie National Nature Reserve

Just a short drive east of Ellon lies the Ythan Estuary, one of Scotland’s most important natural habitats. It’s home to large numbers of seals, eider ducks, terns, and seasonal migrant birds. Walk along the Newburgh Beach shoreline and you might spot hundreds of seals sunbathing at the river mouth.

Further north, the Forvie National Nature Reserve offers miles of sand dunes, heathland, and dramatic coastline, ideal for hiking and birdwatching. The reserve also has a visitor trail with interpretation boards and panoramic sea views.

Haddo House and Country Park

Located about 20 minutes' drive from Ellon, Haddo House is a grand stately home managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The 18th-century mansion is surrounded by extensive parklands, lakes, sculpture trails, and woodland walks.

The grounds are open year-round, and there’s a charming café and gift shop on-site. It’s a great destination for families, photographers, and those interested in local history.

Local Shops and Artisans

Ellon’s High Street and surrounding roads feature a number of independent shops, including butchers, bakers, gift shops, and boutiques. Look out for local produce, handmade goods, and artisan crafts. The town also has a monthly farmers’ market, where you can buy fresh bread, cheeses, meats, and preserves directly from producers.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Ellon is easily accessible by car and public transport:

• By car: Located just off the A90, Ellon is about 25–30 minutes from Aberdeen by road. There’s a large park-and-ride facility just outside the town with free parking and regular bus services into Aberdeen.

• By bus: Ellon is well served by Stagecoach Bluebird services from Aberdeen, Peterhead, and Fraserburgh. Buses are frequent and reliable.

• By bike: The Formartine and Buchan Way makes cycling to and from Ellon an attractive option, especially in summer.

Parking

Parking is generally easy and free around Ellon. There are dedicated car parks near the town centre, BrewDog, and Ellon Castle Gardens, as well as roadside parking throughout the town.

Dining

Ellon offers a mix of traditional pubs, cafés, and modern eateries:

• DogTap (BrewDog) – Craft beer, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and a large, welcoming space with indoor and outdoor seating.

• The Cornkist – A traditional Scottish restaurant in the New Inn Hotel, known for hearty meals and local ingredients.

• The Ice Cream & Coffee Pot – A friendly café offering breakfast, lunch, and delicious homemade cakes and ice cream.

• Eat on the Green – Located in nearby Udny Green (15 mins away), this fine-dining restaurant is a destination in its own right.

Takeaway options include fish and chips, Indian cuisine, and Chinese food, all within the town centre.

Shopping

Ellon has a mix of independent retailers and convenience stores. You’ll find local produce, fresh baked goods, crafts, and everyday essentials. For bigger retail options, Aberdeen city or Inverurie are the closest shopping hubs.

The farmers' market, usually held monthly, is great for sourcing quality local food, handmade gifts, and seasonal treats.

When to Visit

Ellon is a year-round destination, though the best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is more favourable for walking, cycling, and outdoor exploration.

Spring brings birdlife to the estuary and flowers to the parks. Summer sees local events, beer festivals, and garden open days. Autumn offers rich colours along the River Ythan and surrounding woodlands, while winter provides a quiet, peaceful escape — especially appealing to wildlife watchers and those looking to avoid crowds.

Local Events

• Ellon Farmers’ Market – Monthly, with fresh produce and crafts.

• Ellon Castle Gardens Open Days – Seasonal events with plant sales, music, and tours.

• BrewDog beer festivals and events – Including new releases and food pairings.

• Local Highland Games and galas – Often in nearby villages like Oldmeldrum and Turriff during summer.

Exploring Beyond Ellon

Ellon makes a brilliant base for exploring the wider Aberdeenshire area:

• Newburgh – For beaches and seal spotting (10 minutes’ drive).

• Cruden Bay and Slains Castle – For clifftop walks and inspiration behind Dracula (20 minutes).

• Aberdeen – For museums, shopping, and dining (30 minutes).

• Pitmedden Garden – A formal walled garden managed by the National Trust (20 minutes).

• Fyvie Castle – A romantic, turreted castle with ghost stories and lavish interiors (30 minutes).

• Fraserburgh and Peterhead – For maritime heritage and wild coastlines (within 1 hour).

Ellon is a town that combines natural beauty, local heritage, and contemporary energy, offering something for all types of visitors. Whether you're walking along the Ythan, sampling craft beer at its source, or exploring hidden gems like Ellon Castle Gardens, you'll find the town welcoming, peaceful, and full of interest. It's a perfect spot to slow down, explore northeast Scotland, and discover the stories behind one of the region’s most likeable and quietly fascinating communities.