This is a spectacular region of Scotland where there's something to interest everyone. You're in the heart of castle country here, so history lovers should explore Aberdeenshire's popular Castle Trail, featuring 19 of the finest abodes including: early Georgian mansion Duff House (9.5 miles), 11th-century Delgatie Castle, and Fyvie Castle with its fine antiques (15 miles).
Golfer guests will be happy to find several courses nearby; tee off at Turriff (9 miles), Royal Tarlair (11 miles), and Huntly (12 miles). Afterwards, your entourage may want to refresh with a wee dram, so book a tour at one of the region's distilleries and learn everything you wanted to know about the production of fine malts: try Knockdhu distillery in Knock (6.5 miles), GlenDronach Distillery in Forgue (7.5 miles), or Strathisla Distillery in Keith (15 miles).
And don't miss the charming wee town of Portsoy on the Moray Firth (10 miles); it's small but mighty. See the old 17th-century harbour, buy marble jewellery – the local marble features in Versailles and other world palaces for its rare beauty – and join in the fun of the annual boat festival which celebrates boat building and marine crafts, music and art.
For more artisan shopping afternoons, head to Eden Watermill (13 miles), a charming old mill with a tearoom serving light bites and homemade treats, a studio workshop with seasonal events, and a shop with tweed and tartan gifts created at the mill.