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 (2^nd Sun. in June); Continental Markets 2-3 times per year; Music Festival (2^nd 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