Highland Games (at Braemer)

Braemar is located on the A93, inside the Cairngorms National Park. It’s very crowded and if you’re arriving by car be prepared for a very slow crawl into the car park. The Royal Family traditionally attends in the afternoon so if you leave just after they arrive you’ll miss some of the departing jams.

Book tickets in advance online for Braemer, as thousands flock here every year. First-time visitors to Braemar might want to book Grandstand seats to make the most of the experience.

There are always plenty of food stalls at the games offering venison burgers but many people bring a picnic. Remember this is Scotland, so bring an umbrella, a warm jumper (it can get nippy standing around), a raincoat and wellies if it’s been raining, as the ground can get churned up and muddy.

Highland Games are held around Scotland from May to September. Braemar’s Gathering is held the first weekend in September.

Don’t arrive right at the start, leave it until mid-morning to avoid the worst of the queues and time your visit to leave just after the Royals arrive mid-afternoon.