Royal Lochnagar
Royal Lochnagar Distillery & Visitor Centre
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is located in Crathie, a small village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It sits just one mile from Balmoral Castle in the scenic Royal Deeside region near Cairngorms National Park.
Founded in 1845 by John Begg, the distillery gained its “Royal” title after a visit from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848. Today, this small Highland single malt distillery remains one of Scotland’s most intimate whisky producers.
Known for its delicate character, with notes of light fruit and gentle spice, Royal Lochnagar offers visitors the chance to explore traditional whisky-making and experience authentic Highland hospitality in a truly historic setting.
Explore Tours & Events
Royal Lochnagar invites visitors to step inside one of Scotland’s smallest traditional distilleries for guided tours and immersive tastings. Discover how its refined Highland single malt is crafted through time-honoured methods while hearing stories of the distillery’s royal connections and scenic surroundings.
Experiences range from introductory tours to premium tastings and warehouse sessions, offering insight into both the craft of whisky-making and the heritage connected to Balmoral.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Everything you need to enjoy Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Address
Royal Lochnagar Distillery Balmoral, Crathie, Ballater Aberdeenshire AB35 5TB, United Kingdom
By Car
Royal Lochnagar is located on the south side of the River Dee, just one mile from Balmoral Castle in the heart of Royal Deeside. The nearest villages are Ballater (around 8.7 miles away) and Braemar (approximately 9.9 miles). The distillery is most easily reached by car via the A93, with on-site parking available.
By Public Transport
Public transport options are limited in this rural part of the Scottish Highlands. Bus service 201 stops at the Balmoral car park, about one mile from the distillery, though schedules can be infrequent. The nearest airport and train station are in Aberdeen, roughly 48 miles away, with travel time of about 1.5 hours by car or taxi.
Please note that the distillery may close on short notice in the winter due to weather conditions. Please check our Google listing for current information before visiting us.
January - February | Thursday - Monday | 10:00 - 16:00
March – May | Monday - Sunday | 10:00 - 17:00
June- August | Monday- Sunday | 10:00- 18:00
September | December Monday | Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Discover the flavors of Royal Lochnagar and find your perfect drink, whether you are a loyal whisky lover, an innovative cocktail aficionado or a non-alcoholic beverage aficionado.
The Beggs Bothy Bar is open from 10am, with last orders taken 30 minutes prior to the Visitor Centre closing.
Please note that all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
View the menu here. Please note that our menu is subject to change at any time.
Visitors can enter our main entrance via a ramp. Royal Lochnagar is all on one level, so we do not have a lift. Unfortunately, due to the layout of the historic distillery, some areas of our tour route are not fully accessible. This includes the mill room, mash house and tun room which are on the upper levels of the distillery.
We do have an iPad to show visitors a video of the process that takes place in these rooms as an alternative. The lower levels of the distillery, spirit safe and warehouse are all accessible and on one floor. We are happy to tailor our tours to accommodate all visitors for the best possible experience
Royal Lochnagar is committed to responsible distilling and sustainable tourism, holding a prestigious Green Tourism Gold Award for its environmental initiatives. The distillery established the Royal Lochnagar Nature Reserve in the 1990s, creating habitats for local wildlife through tree planting and conservation efforts.
Sustainability practices include energy-efficient lighting, biofuel-powered boilers using rapeseed by-products, and water and energy reduction measures throughout production. Distillery co-products are also reused responsibly, with draff used as animal feed and pot ale spread on nearby fields as fertilizer, supporting a zero-waste-to-landfill approach.
Guests planning to visit with a dog are advised to check current policies with the distillery before arrival.
Telephone | 01339 742700
Email | Royal.Lochnagar@malts.com
Royal Lochnagar Distillery FAQs
Royal Lochnagar Distillery is located near the village of Crathie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, just one mile from Balmoral Castle and within the scenic region of Royal Deeside at the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.
Yes. The distillery welcomes visitors throughout most of the year and offers guided tours and whisky tastings that explore its history, production methods, and signature Highland single malt.
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons or when visiting Royal Deeside and Balmoral Castle. Booking ahead helps ensure availability for your preferred tour time.
In many cases, visitors can still access the distillery shop and visitor centre areas without joining a guided tour. Availability may vary, so it is best to check with the distillery before arrival.
Explore the world of Malts
A Local Guide to Visiting Royal Lochnagar - What to See, Do & How to Make the Most out of Your Visit
A Comprehensive Guide to Scotch Whisky
