Population c. 9,500 Family links: Gordon, Cheyne, Comyn (Cumming)
Ellon is bypassed by A90, 17 miles/27 km north of Aberdeen. The town has a long history, going back to Pictish times around 400 BC when it was the main settlement of the area.
Ellon today is a thriving small town which has expanded rapidly over the last 20 years or so. The River Ythan (say “eye-than”) and nearby woodlands give the town a lovely setting. As a popular place to live and work, Ellon offers a good choice of places to eat and shops, and a range of accommodation for individuals and families, although there are also 3 small hotels in the town centre with around 12 twins/doubles and singles in each.
Practical info: no problem with coach access from any junction with the A90. Drop off/pick up point in Market Street, close to the riverside car park and public toilets (charge; 20p coin required). Free coach parking at the Meadows Sports Centre or Park and Ride (signposted from A90). Only 1 shop now known to close for lunch or have Wednesday half day. Allow 2-3 mins from A90 and around 1 – 1½ hrs for shopping/coffee etc; longer if lunch stop included.
Position: On the River Ythan, close to (and bypassed by) the A90 trunk route approx 17 miles north of Aberdeen, and on an attractive alternative route between Aberdeen and Inverness.
What’s unique?
- Haddo House, Georgian stately home (nearby)
- Haddo House Hall, a very different venue for concerts and theatre
- Pitmedden Garden, 1600s-style formal garden (nearby)
- Picturesque riverside setting in lush countryside
What’s fun?
- Events at Haddo House Hall, and visiting the House itself and surrounding Country Park (nearby)
- Finding out what life was like for workers on the Land at Pitmedden farming museum
- Wildlife watching – the lucky may see otters by the Ythan
- Meadows Sports Centre with Gym and all-weather pitch
- Events: Ellon Gala (2nd Sun. in June); Continental Markets 2-3 times per year; Music Festival (2nd week June); the incomparable Ythan Challenge “multi-terrain adventure race” (last Sun June)
What else to do?
- Exploring the formal parterres gardens of Pitmedden recreated using designs from the 1600s (nearby)
- Marvelling at ruined Tolquhon Castle and the unique “Prop of Ythsie” (nearby)
- Choice of signposted Riverside walks, Ellon Heritage Trail or circular Town Walk by the river and woodlands (longest, approx 4 miles/7km but shortcuts possible!)
- Fishing in the river (permits available locally)
- Golf on McDonald Golf Club course on the edge of town
- Shopping in a range of specialist shops
Where to eat
A wide selection of quality take aways, pubs, small hotels and international and traditional restaurants cater for individuals and groups of all sizes, including:
Town Centre
- The Buchan Hotel: (01358) 720208 max seating: 55 + 85
- New Inn: (01358) 720425 max seating 55 + 250 Coach parking
- Station Hotel: (01358) 720209: max seating 40 + 150 Coach parking
- Casa Salvatore (Italian): (01358) 722737 max seating 50
- Langley’s Restaurant: (01358) 722266 max seating
Nearby
- Eat on the Green award-winning restaurant (Udny Green) (01651) 842337: max seating 45 + 25
- Poachers Rest (Auchmacoy) (01: max seating 33
- Udny Arms (Newburgh) (01358) 789444: max seating 27 + 100
Where to stay
There is a wide range of small hotels (largest has 37 beds), guest houses, B&Bs and self catering for individuals, families and small groups
Practicalities – loos & parking
Coach drop off/pick up
Town Centre: Market Street, close to public toilets
At Haddo, Pitmedden and Tolquhon
Coach parking
Haddo (free for visitors only) Pitmedden (free for visitors only)
In town centre: Meadows Sports Centre, Park and Ride car park (edge of town, well signposted)
Car parking
Haddo (pay and display)
Pitmedden (free)
Town centre: free on-street parking (short stay); various car parks (2 are pay and display)
Toilets
Main Car Park by the river (20p coin required, no change available)
Open daily: summer 08.00-20.00 (Sun 10.00-18.00); winter 08.00-18.00 (Sun 10.00-16.00)
For more information please visit the website
www.visitellon.co.uk
