Natalia's Guidebook to Aberdeen

Natalia
Natalia's Guidebook to Aberdeen

Sightseeing

Duthie Park was donated to the city by Miss Duthie in 1880 and opened to the public in 1883. It has many architectural features including, a bandstand, fountains, ponds and statues. Within the park is the David Welch Winter Gardens, one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and Scotland’s third most visited gardens. It houses many exotic plants, including the largest collection of cacti in Britain and the world's only talking cactus. The park has just undergone extensive restoration and the works have restored many of the original Victorian design features. This is a park for all the family, with play areas and activities, including boating on the ponds and cricket on the lawns. There is also a cafe and on sunny days a takeaway ice-cream window.
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Duthie Park
Polmuir Road
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Duthie Park was donated to the city by Miss Duthie in 1880 and opened to the public in 1883. It has many architectural features including, a bandstand, fountains, ponds and statues. Within the park is the David Welch Winter Gardens, one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and Scotland’s third most visited gardens. It houses many exotic plants, including the largest collection of cacti in Britain and the world's only talking cactus. The park has just undergone extensive restoration and the works have restored many of the original Victorian design features. This is a park for all the family, with play areas and activities, including boating on the ponds and cricket on the lawns. There is also a cafe and on sunny days a takeaway ice-cream window.
A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. The dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in the land. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II have graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction.
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Dunnottar Castle
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A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. The dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in the land. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II have graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction.
Footdee - or Fittie as it is known by locals - is one of the most unique communities in the UK huddled at the end of a rewarding stroll along the beach front. The charming mid 19th century former fishing community was designed by John Smith, the architect responsible for Balmoral Castle, and to visit them today really is like stepping back in time.
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Footdee
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Footdee - or Fittie as it is known by locals - is one of the most unique communities in the UK huddled at the end of a rewarding stroll along the beach front. The charming mid 19th century former fishing community was designed by John Smith, the architect responsible for Balmoral Castle, and to visit them today really is like stepping back in time.
Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful stretch of Aberdeen Beach. Renowned for receiving the Resort Seaside Award in 2013, Aberdeen Beach can be found by visitors a short distance from Aberdeen city centre. Aberdeen Beach has been recognised for its popular recreational and sports area and attracts many visitors throughout the year. You can access the Beach Leisure Centre, Linx Ice Area, a range of cafes, restaurants and a family fun fair. There is also a cinema, retail park and a fitness gym.
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Playa de Aberdeen
Esplanade
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Take a leisurely stroll along the beautiful stretch of Aberdeen Beach. Renowned for receiving the Resort Seaside Award in 2013, Aberdeen Beach can be found by visitors a short distance from Aberdeen city centre. Aberdeen Beach has been recognised for its popular recreational and sports area and attracts many visitors throughout the year. You can access the Beach Leisure Centre, Linx Ice Area, a range of cafes, restaurants and a family fun fair. There is also a cinema, retail park and a fitness gym.
Nearby Torry Battery, formerly fortified and last used defensively in WWII is now an ancient monument. Today it is an excellent viewing spot for dolphins at play and is a popular destination for tourists wishing to view some wildlife whilst staying in a city. Close by are the remains of a rocket-propelled life-saving apparatus station and a Robert Stevenson - designed lighthouse and accompanying disused foghorn. At Torry Battery Car park you get an exquisite view of the resident bottlenosed dolphins feeding in the harbour mouth. During April - August join RSPB Dolphinwatch for guided viewing of these intelligent animals.
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Torry Battery
Greyhope Road
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Nearby Torry Battery, formerly fortified and last used defensively in WWII is now an ancient monument. Today it is an excellent viewing spot for dolphins at play and is a popular destination for tourists wishing to view some wildlife whilst staying in a city. Close by are the remains of a rocket-propelled life-saving apparatus station and a Robert Stevenson - designed lighthouse and accompanying disused foghorn. At Torry Battery Car park you get an exquisite view of the resident bottlenosed dolphins feeding in the harbour mouth. During April - August join RSPB Dolphinwatch for guided viewing of these intelligent animals.
Aberdeen is home to one of Scotland's most romantic settings: the Brig o'Balgownie. Also known as the Bridge of Don, you can access this attractive stone structure via a short walk through Seaton Park. Built on the orders of Robert the Bruce around 1320 and restored in 1607, it served as the River Don's main crossing point. Lord Byron, who went to school in Aberdeen for a short time, referred affectionately to the single span bridge in his satirical poem, Don Juan. Another fine old bridge is Brig o'Dee. Dating from the 1520s, it's decorated with interesting coats-of-arms and inscriptions and is set near lovely Duthie Park.
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Brig 'o' Balgownie
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Aberdeen is home to one of Scotland's most romantic settings: the Brig o'Balgownie. Also known as the Bridge of Don, you can access this attractive stone structure via a short walk through Seaton Park. Built on the orders of Robert the Bruce around 1320 and restored in 1607, it served as the River Don's main crossing point. Lord Byron, who went to school in Aberdeen for a short time, referred affectionately to the single span bridge in his satirical poem, Don Juan. Another fine old bridge is Brig o'Dee. Dating from the 1520s, it's decorated with interesting coats-of-arms and inscriptions and is set near lovely Duthie Park.
In Old Aberdeen, the Cathedral Church of St. Machar — usually referred to simply as St. Machar's Cathedral — is believed to occupy the site of a small Celtic chapel erected by St. Machar in AD 581. The succeeding cathedral was founded in 1136, although the earliest work in the present building dates from the 14th century (it was completed in 1552). Of particular note to visitors are the striking towers on the West front, with their sandstone spires dating from 1518 to 1530, and the 16th-century wooden ceiling painted with coats of arms. Be sure to also pay attention to the stained-glass windows, most dating from the 1870s. If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent classical or choral concerts held here (details are available on the cathedral website). A shop is located on-site.
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St Machar's Cathedral
The Chanonry
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In Old Aberdeen, the Cathedral Church of St. Machar — usually referred to simply as St. Machar's Cathedral — is believed to occupy the site of a small Celtic chapel erected by St. Machar in AD 581. The succeeding cathedral was founded in 1136, although the earliest work in the present building dates from the 14th century (it was completed in 1552). Of particular note to visitors are the striking towers on the West front, with their sandstone spires dating from 1518 to 1530, and the 16th-century wooden ceiling painted with coats of arms. Be sure to also pay attention to the stained-glass windows, most dating from the 1870s. If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the frequent classical or choral concerts held here (details are available on the cathedral website). A shop is located on-site.
In the centre of Aberdeen within the newly built Marischal square, is this beautiful building. Sir George Skene of Rubislaw, provost from 1676 to 1685, was a prosperous merchant whose wealth came from trade with Gdansk in Poland. His former home — built in 1545 and the oldest standing residence in Aberdeen — now houses an excellent museum with displays of locally excavated artifacts, religious paintings, and period costumes. The rooms themselves have been furnished to represent lifestyles through the centuries from the 17th to 19th centuries. Also of interest is the plasterwork in the old 17th-century bedroom and the painted wooden ceilings from the same period in the picture gallery. Admission is free, and a popular café is located on-site.
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Provost Skene's House
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In the centre of Aberdeen within the newly built Marischal square, is this beautiful building. Sir George Skene of Rubislaw, provost from 1676 to 1685, was a prosperous merchant whose wealth came from trade with Gdansk in Poland. His former home — built in 1545 and the oldest standing residence in Aberdeen — now houses an excellent museum with displays of locally excavated artifacts, religious paintings, and period costumes. The rooms themselves have been furnished to represent lifestyles through the centuries from the 17th to 19th centuries. Also of interest is the plasterwork in the old 17th-century bedroom and the painted wooden ceilings from the same period in the picture gallery. Admission is free, and a popular café is located on-site.
Marischal College is said to be the second biggest granite building in the world (the largest being the Escorial in Spain). It is a blend of two styles: A. Marshall Mackenzie’s ‘perpendicular gothic’ (1890s) and Archibald Simpson’s earlier more austere architecture (1837). The overall style is a combination of different aesthetics and the opportunities given by various granite working technologies. Simpson’s older building is built of Rubislaw stone and the modern gothic from Kemnay granite. Although originally constructed for Aberdeen University, it recently under went extensive restoration work and since 2011 has been the headquarters for Aberdeen City Council.
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Marischal College
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Marischal College is said to be the second biggest granite building in the world (the largest being the Escorial in Spain). It is a blend of two styles: A. Marshall Mackenzie’s ‘perpendicular gothic’ (1890s) and Archibald Simpson’s earlier more austere architecture (1837). The overall style is a combination of different aesthetics and the opportunities given by various granite working technologies. Simpson’s older building is built of Rubislaw stone and the modern gothic from Kemnay granite. Although originally constructed for Aberdeen University, it recently under went extensive restoration work and since 2011 has been the headquarters for Aberdeen City Council.
Bennachie is one of the best known and most popular places to visit in north east Scotland. This distinctive hill with several tops can be seen from miles around. Here you can enjoy gentle walks and a hike up to the highest peak in the area, along with some hidden heritage and sculptures. Look out for cuckoos, red squirrels, roe deer and many other types of fascinating wildlife. The Bennachie Centre is a great place to learn about the history and the people of the area, and from here you can take one of the many trails in the area, enjoy a picnic and admire stunning views of the summit of Bennachie, also known as Mither Tap. Best accessed by car.
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Bennachie
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Bennachie is one of the best known and most popular places to visit in north east Scotland. This distinctive hill with several tops can be seen from miles around. Here you can enjoy gentle walks and a hike up to the highest peak in the area, along with some hidden heritage and sculptures. Look out for cuckoos, red squirrels, roe deer and many other types of fascinating wildlife. The Bennachie Centre is a great place to learn about the history and the people of the area, and from here you can take one of the many trails in the area, enjoy a picnic and admire stunning views of the summit of Bennachie, also known as Mither Tap. Best accessed by car.
Just 20 minutes north of Aberdeen, you find yourself at a wonderful sandy beach and home of an extensive sand dune system at the mouth of the Ythan River. Forvie National Nature Reserve is just 1 mile from Newburgh and is well worth a visit being home to eider ducks, diving terns and oyster catchers. A must see is the 400 strong colony of seals at the mouth of Ythan River.
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Newburgh Seal Beach
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Just 20 minutes north of Aberdeen, you find yourself at a wonderful sandy beach and home of an extensive sand dune system at the mouth of the Ythan River. Forvie National Nature Reserve is just 1 mile from Newburgh and is well worth a visit being home to eider ducks, diving terns and oyster catchers. A must see is the 400 strong colony of seals at the mouth of Ythan River.
The area surrounding Aberdeen boasts several beautiful beaches. While it’s definitely worth venturing to Newburgh to see the spectacle of over 400 seals that gather there, Balmedie is Aberdeen’s most-adored shoreline. Block out an entire afternoon to enjoy the feeling of fine golden sand between your toes; you won’t want to leave this unexpected paradise.
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Balmedie Beach
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The area surrounding Aberdeen boasts several beautiful beaches. While it’s definitely worth venturing to Newburgh to see the spectacle of over 400 seals that gather there, Balmedie is Aberdeen’s most-adored shoreline. Block out an entire afternoon to enjoy the feeling of fine golden sand between your toes; you won’t want to leave this unexpected paradise.
Aberdeen is a city of beautifully kept parks and Hazlehead is most definitely a must-visit. With over 180 hectares of glorious green grass, there’s plenty of prime picnic spots. After snacking on cheese sandwiches and procuring an ice-cream from the incredibly popular cafe, why not see how long it takes you to find your way through Scotland’s oldest, hedge-lined maze?
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Hazlehead Park
Hazlehead Avenue
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Aberdeen is a city of beautifully kept parks and Hazlehead is most definitely a must-visit. With over 180 hectares of glorious green grass, there’s plenty of prime picnic spots. After snacking on cheese sandwiches and procuring an ice-cream from the incredibly popular cafe, why not see how long it takes you to find your way through Scotland’s oldest, hedge-lined maze?

Neighbourhoods

Stonehaven is a pretty harbour town south of Aberdeen, famous for its Hogmanay fireballs ceremony. Attractive Stonehaven has a sheltered working harbour busy with sailing yachts. Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum is a notable building on the quayside, and has a fascinating history. Perched on high cliffs jutting out into the waves two miles to the south is the dramatic ruined Dunnottar Castle.
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Stonehaven
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Stonehaven is a pretty harbour town south of Aberdeen, famous for its Hogmanay fireballs ceremony. Attractive Stonehaven has a sheltered working harbour busy with sailing yachts. Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum is a notable building on the quayside, and has a fascinating history. Perched on high cliffs jutting out into the waves two miles to the south is the dramatic ruined Dunnottar Castle.
Old Aberdeen, where cobbled roads still run through the heart of the area, is one of Aberdeen's favourite hidden gems. Step back in time as you visit the historic sites mentioned above and walk through the characteristic Chanory before visiting the Cruickshank Botanic Garden. Discover the University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum and make some time to also appreciate the old perfectly blended with the new as you admire the architecturally distinctive Sir Duncan Rice Library. Finally, go on an adventure through Seaton Park and visit the Brig o’ Balgownie, believed to date back to the late 13th or early 14th century.
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Old Aberdeen
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Old Aberdeen, where cobbled roads still run through the heart of the area, is one of Aberdeen's favourite hidden gems. Step back in time as you visit the historic sites mentioned above and walk through the characteristic Chanory before visiting the Cruickshank Botanic Garden. Discover the University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum and make some time to also appreciate the old perfectly blended with the new as you admire the architecturally distinctive Sir Duncan Rice Library. Finally, go on an adventure through Seaton Park and visit the Brig o’ Balgownie, believed to date back to the late 13th or early 14th century.

Museums/Art

Evidence of Aberdeen's old medieval town can still be seen around Castlegate, which centuries later is still very much the focal point of the city. While there's no longer a castle here, the tower of the 17th-century Tolbooth — formerly the town hall and prison — is Aberdeen's oldest building and home to a museum with fascinating displays on the development of crime and punishment. Exhibits include original prison cells from the 1600s that were infamously used a hundred years later to house Scots prisoners after the Battle of Culloden. You can also see the "Maiden," the blade from the city's guillotine. This fascinating structure is also said to be Scotland's most haunted building.
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The Tolbooth Museum
Castle Street
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Evidence of Aberdeen's old medieval town can still be seen around Castlegate, which centuries later is still very much the focal point of the city. While there's no longer a castle here, the tower of the 17th-century Tolbooth — formerly the town hall and prison — is Aberdeen's oldest building and home to a museum with fascinating displays on the development of crime and punishment. Exhibits include original prison cells from the 1600s that were infamously used a hundred years later to house Scots prisoners after the Battle of Culloden. You can also see the "Maiden," the blade from the city's guillotine. This fascinating structure is also said to be Scotland's most haunted building.
Built in 1884, the Aberdeen Art Gallery houses a comprehensive collection of 17th- to 20th-century paintings. Scottish artists with work displayed here include Charles Rennie Mackintosh, William Dyce, Thomas Faed, John Philip, and other representatives of the Glasgow School. Works by George Jameson, Scotland's first portrait painter (1589-1644), are also on exhibit. Among the most famous works included in this impressive collection are portraits by Raeburn and works by William Turner, David Hockney, and Impressionist painters including Monet, Sisley, Bonnard, Pissarro, and Renoir. Sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Jacob Epstein are displayed in the well-lit entrance hall. The museum also displays interesting collections of British silver, glass, and ceramics. Re-opened in 2020 after a major renovation, the Aberdeen Science Centre is a great place to visit for those traveling with children. Since it opened in 1988, the museum has provided fun learning opportunities for kids of all ages through interactive, hands-on displays and exhibits.
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Aberdeen Art Gallery
Schoolhill
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Built in 1884, the Aberdeen Art Gallery houses a comprehensive collection of 17th- to 20th-century paintings. Scottish artists with work displayed here include Charles Rennie Mackintosh, William Dyce, Thomas Faed, John Philip, and other representatives of the Glasgow School. Works by George Jameson, Scotland's first portrait painter (1589-1644), are also on exhibit. Among the most famous works included in this impressive collection are portraits by Raeburn and works by William Turner, David Hockney, and Impressionist painters including Monet, Sisley, Bonnard, Pissarro, and Renoir. Sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Jacob Epstein are displayed in the well-lit entrance hall. The museum also displays interesting collections of British silver, glass, and ceramics. Re-opened in 2020 after a major renovation, the Aberdeen Science Centre is a great place to visit for those traveling with children. Since it opened in 1988, the museum has provided fun learning opportunities for kids of all ages through interactive, hands-on displays and exhibits.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the Sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow and incorporates Provost Ross's House, which was built in 1593. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history. It is also the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy harbour.
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Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Shiprow
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Aberdeen Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's long relationship with the Sea. This award-winning museum is located on the historic Shiprow and incorporates Provost Ross's House, which was built in 1593. The Maritime Museum houses a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history. It is also the only place in the UK where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry. Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy harbour.
The museum’s displays are worldwide in scope, from protozoa to the great whales, including taxidermy, skeletal material, study skins, fluid-preserved specimens and models. Visitors are warmly welcomed to the museum, and there is no charge for admission, though we ask that children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum
Tillydrone Avenue
The museum’s displays are worldwide in scope, from protozoa to the great whales, including taxidermy, skeletal material, study skins, fluid-preserved specimens and models. Visitors are warmly welcomed to the museum, and there is no charge for admission, though we ask that children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
The former Victorian HM Convict Prison Peterhead is unique in scale, had the first state owned railway in the UK and part of the history saw the only time the SAS were used to end a domestic siege in Britain. The museum highlights the work of the brave personnel that served here between 1888- 2013, you will visually see what "real" prison life was like, whilst listening to the officers speak of their experiences as part of the audio tour that accompanies your tour and your sense of smell will be stimulated as you enter the laundry, shower block and hospital areas'.
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Peterhead Prison Museum
South Road
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The former Victorian HM Convict Prison Peterhead is unique in scale, had the first state owned railway in the UK and part of the history saw the only time the SAS were used to end a domestic siege in Britain. The museum highlights the work of the brave personnel that served here between 1888- 2013, you will visually see what "real" prison life was like, whilst listening to the officers speak of their experiences as part of the audio tour that accompanies your tour and your sense of smell will be stimulated as you enter the laundry, shower block and hospital areas'.

Castles

Run by the National Trust for Scotland, Crathes Castle is a classic example of a Scottish baronial-style castle. The tower house, with its small oriel windows and corner towers, was begun in 1553. Its upper stories are worth a tour, if only for a glimpse of the beautifully painted wooden ceilings dating from 1600. The figures depicted in the Room of the Nine Nobles — typical of the decorative work of the time — are the ancient heroes Hector, Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great; three Old Testament characters; and three famous rulers, including King Arthur and Charlemagne. There's also a notable collection of artworks worth seeing. The castle also has its own ghost in the Green Lady's Room, where the ceiling is also painted decoratively. In addition to its lovely gardens, the castle has a visitors center, café, gift shop, an adventure playground, and treetop trekking. About a 25-minute drive from downtown Aberdeen, Crathes Castle can be reached by bus and a short walk.
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Crathes Castle
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Run by the National Trust for Scotland, Crathes Castle is a classic example of a Scottish baronial-style castle. The tower house, with its small oriel windows and corner towers, was begun in 1553. Its upper stories are worth a tour, if only for a glimpse of the beautifully painted wooden ceilings dating from 1600. The figures depicted in the Room of the Nine Nobles — typical of the decorative work of the time — are the ancient heroes Hector, Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great; three Old Testament characters; and three famous rulers, including King Arthur and Charlemagne. There's also a notable collection of artworks worth seeing. The castle also has its own ghost in the Green Lady's Room, where the ceiling is also painted decoratively. In addition to its lovely gardens, the castle has a visitors center, café, gift shop, an adventure playground, and treetop trekking. About a 25-minute drive from downtown Aberdeen, Crathes Castle can be reached by bus and a short walk.
A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. The dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in the land. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II have graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction.
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Dunnottar Castle
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A romantic, evocative and historically significant ruined Castle, perched on a giant conglomorate on the edge of the North-Sea. Once seen - never forgotten. Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past. The dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in the land. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II have graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction.
This delightful pink castle with its small towers was first mentioned in documents dating from 1457 when it was owned by the Mortimer family. In addition to its color, it's certainly unique and supposedly the inspiration for the castle motif adopted but Walt Disney. Featuring crow-stepped gables, oriel windows, conical roofs, ornamental stone cannons, and decorative zigzag console, this towering seven-story residence stands as a symbol of authority and wealth, as well as practicality. Wood for building was in short supply in the Highlands at the time, so architects exploited every inch of space under one small roof. The plasterwork in the Great Hall, the huge Stuart coat-of-arms above the fireplace, and the carvings on the wall paneling were created in Renaissance style. A secret flight of steps leading up to a small room above a window in the Great Hall forms part of a complicated system of stairs within the tower. Notable collections include weapons and armor, artifacts, and artworks. Guided tours are available.
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Craigievar Castle
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This delightful pink castle with its small towers was first mentioned in documents dating from 1457 when it was owned by the Mortimer family. In addition to its color, it's certainly unique and supposedly the inspiration for the castle motif adopted but Walt Disney. Featuring crow-stepped gables, oriel windows, conical roofs, ornamental stone cannons, and decorative zigzag console, this towering seven-story residence stands as a symbol of authority and wealth, as well as practicality. Wood for building was in short supply in the Highlands at the time, so architects exploited every inch of space under one small roof. The plasterwork in the Great Hall, the huge Stuart coat-of-arms above the fireplace, and the carvings on the wall paneling were created in Renaissance style. A secret flight of steps leading up to a small room above a window in the Great Hall forms part of a complicated system of stairs within the tower. Notable collections include weapons and armor, artifacts, and artworks. Guided tours are available.
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Stand before one of the largest tower houses in the land. Dating from the 15th century, Castle Fraser is a fabulous place to soak up the atmosphere of old Scotland and its colourful stories. Enjoy panoramic views and discover quirky features such as secret staircases, hidden trapdoors, a spy hole and a wooden leg. Built between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser, Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland. It is filled with family portraits (including one by Raeburn), ornaments and mementos – all of which have their own colourful stories to tell about the lairds. One of the castle’s most evocative rooms is the striking Great Hall. The estate contains a flight pond, mixed woodland and open farmland, with two waymarked walks giving magnificent views of the local hills. The historic walled garden features shrubs, flowers, wall-trained fruit and vegetables. There is also a shop selling exclusive gifts.
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Castle Fraser, Garden and Estate
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Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. Stand before one of the largest tower houses in the land. Dating from the 15th century, Castle Fraser is a fabulous place to soak up the atmosphere of old Scotland and its colourful stories. Enjoy panoramic views and discover quirky features such as secret staircases, hidden trapdoors, a spy hole and a wooden leg. Built between 1575 and 1636 by the 6th laird, Michael Fraser, Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland. It is filled with family portraits (including one by Raeburn), ornaments and mementos – all of which have their own colourful stories to tell about the lairds. One of the castle’s most evocative rooms is the striking Great Hall. The estate contains a flight pond, mixed woodland and open farmland, with two waymarked walks giving magnificent views of the local hills. The historic walled garden features shrubs, flowers, wall-trained fruit and vegetables. There is also a shop selling exclusive gifts.
On the coast of Cruden Bay lie the remains of Slains Castle. The original castle has been reconstructed may times since its construction in 1597 by the Earl of Erroll. The ruin you see today is the inevitable result of the castle’s location and various misfortunes becoming the owners over time. The owners, the Earls of Errol, were an influential family in the Cruden Bay area for many years and prospered after William Hay (the 18th Earl of Errol) married the daughter of King William IV. Overtime the Hays fell upon hard times and in 1919 the castle and contents were sold to Sir John Ellerman. He gave up the castle in 1925 and the roof was removed to avoid paying taxes. The castle is famous for many reasons, partly because it was a place where celebrities were entertained on numerous occasions in the 19th Century. Most notable being, Bram Stoker and it is believed the castle is the inspiration for the setting of the tale in Count Dracula (1897). The Crown (2016 -) fans will also recognise Slains Castle. In Season 1 the castle stood in for Castle Mey when the Queen Mother goes to Scotland.
Old Slains Castle
On the coast of Cruden Bay lie the remains of Slains Castle. The original castle has been reconstructed may times since its construction in 1597 by the Earl of Erroll. The ruin you see today is the inevitable result of the castle’s location and various misfortunes becoming the owners over time. The owners, the Earls of Errol, were an influential family in the Cruden Bay area for many years and prospered after William Hay (the 18th Earl of Errol) married the daughter of King William IV. Overtime the Hays fell upon hard times and in 1919 the castle and contents were sold to Sir John Ellerman. He gave up the castle in 1925 and the roof was removed to avoid paying taxes. The castle is famous for many reasons, partly because it was a place where celebrities were entertained on numerous occasions in the 19th Century. Most notable being, Bram Stoker and it is believed the castle is the inspiration for the setting of the tale in Count Dracula (1897). The Crown (2016 -) fans will also recognise Slains Castle. In Season 1 the castle stood in for Castle Mey when the Queen Mother goes to Scotland.

Food/Bar scene

Excellent range of delicious vegan food. Very popular and very close to the flat.
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Foodstory
11-15 Thistle St
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Excellent range of delicious vegan food. Very popular and very close to the flat.
Delicious food of high quality
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Cafe 52
52 The Grn
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Delicious food of high quality
Great food and reasonably priced, also historic by being the UK's oldest Italian restaurant!
La Lombarda
Great food and reasonably priced, also historic by being the UK's oldest Italian restaurant!
Excellent vegan food
20 personas locales recomiendan
Bonobo Cafe
73-75 Skene St
20 personas locales recomiendan
Excellent vegan food
Excellent quality food and delicious. Mostly vegan but also non-vegan options.
BioCafe
39 Rosemount Viaduct
Excellent quality food and delicious. Mostly vegan but also non-vegan options.
Popular local bar and restaurant
27 personas locales recomiendan
Soul Bar Aberdeen
333 Union St
27 personas locales recomiendan
Popular local bar and restaurant
Restaurant in Aberdeen - one of the chefs was 2nd place on Masterchef! Booking recommended.
44 personas locales recomiendan
Moonfish Cafe
9 Correction Wynd
44 personas locales recomiendan
Restaurant in Aberdeen - one of the chefs was 2nd place on Masterchef! Booking recommended.
Long established, Greek owned traditional Greek restaurant. Great tasting and quality food.
Christos Greek Taverna
14-20 John St
Long established, Greek owned traditional Greek restaurant. Great tasting and quality food.
Comfort food from the deep south in the USA
17 personas locales recomiendan
Maggie's Grill
242 Holburn St
17 personas locales recomiendan
Comfort food from the deep south in the USA
Excellent atmosphere and suitable for all depending on day and time
11 personas locales recomiendan
Revolución de Cuba Aberdeen
Belmont Street
11 personas locales recomiendan
Excellent atmosphere and suitable for all depending on day and time
Excellent Japanese food
6 personas locales recomiendan
Yorokobi by CJ
51 Huntly St
6 personas locales recomiendan
Excellent Japanese food

Activities

Come and learn to dance beginner Bachata (a popular latin dance style) in Sinatra's bar under La Lombarda restaurant. Every Saturday at 8pm. Mention you are staying in my place and you will get £1 off the class. Full price - £5 Students - £3 (ID required).
La Lombarda
Come and learn to dance beginner Bachata (a popular latin dance style) in Sinatra's bar under La Lombarda restaurant. Every Saturday at 8pm. Mention you are staying in my place and you will get £1 off the class. Full price - £5 Students - £3 (ID required).