fbpx

Our city guide to Aberdeen

Scotland’s third largest city, Aberdeen is a lively, maritime port of Georgian architecture perched overlooking the wild North Sea and providing an excellent base for exploring the Royal Deeside region of Scotland.

Located on a ridge of land between the Rivers Dee and Don as they reach their end at the North Sea, Aberdeen grew up in the middle-ages as a thriving fishing community and sea port. Her position on two rivers made her an important hub for trade in the Grampian Highlands whilst her sea harbour meant that the city also became, and remains, a key port for connections to the Northern Isles of Shetland and Orkney. In the 1970s the discovery of vast oil fields in the North Sea resulted in a second boom and as a result the city continues to enjoy a healthy affluence rarely found elsewhere in the Highlands.

Known as the “Granite City”, Aberdeen is dominated by its Georgian architecture constructed mainly from local granite stone. Whilst some see this as giving the city a dour complexion, in the sunshine the rock glitters providing a quite magical effect. Main architectural highlights include the castellated Citadel at the cobbled Castlegate standing in the city centre at the end of Union Street and the turreted façade of the Town House. Not to mention the second largest granite structure in the world at Marischal College. The city centre is also home to an impressive art gallery, including works from Monet and Renoir, and the Aberdeen Maritime Museum which recalls the city’s seafaring history, a theme that can be further explored at the historic port and traditional fish-market both of which are well worth a visit. With its large student population and wealthy oil industry workers the city provides an eclectic mix of nightlife with bars, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.

Surrounding Aberdeen in the Aberdeenshire countryside and Royal Deeside area you will find a wealth of attractions and heritage sites. Just down the coast you come to the charming port of Stonehaven and the stunning cliff-top castle ruin at Dunnottar Castle, reputedly Scotland’s most haunted castle. Inland there are a number of baronial manors and castles to be explored as well as Scotland’s highest concentration of whisky distilleries, ideal for those looking to sample a wee dram of the “water of life”. Many also use Aberdeen as a base from which to explore as far inland as Crathes Castle, Braemar, Ballater and nearby residence of the Queen at Balmoral Castle.

A vibrant city with a rich maritime history, Aberdeen provides an ideal base from which to explore the North East of Scotland.

Related Guides

Relevant Tours

  Classic Favourites  
Scotland Tours Loch Awe

One of our best Scotland Driving Tours – Scotland Explorer offers a comprehensive itinerary taking you on a journey to the corners of this beautiful nation; see Scotland from the bustling cultural and historic cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the expansive wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. From the rugged beauty of the West coast and Isle of Skye to the cultural sites of the East Coast and Aberdeenshire. Along the way see sparkling lochs, towering mountain ranges, ancient castle ruins, and whisky distilleries – a truly Scottish experience.

  Agent Choice for 2023  
Tours of Scotland - Edinburgh Arthurs Seat

A small group tour of Scotland – Secrets of Scotland takes you on an epic journey through Scotland’s dramatic landscapes. We’ll discover the history, heritage and natural beauty of this enchanting nation as we pass from historic Edinburgh in to the remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands; along the way we’ll spot unique wildlife, ancient castle ruins, shimmering lochs and deep glens. With highlights including Royal Deeside, Inverness, Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye and Glencoe you’ll come away having uncovered the many secrets of Scotland.

  Classic Favourites  
Scotland Rail Tours Glenfinnan

Scotland Rail Tour – Experience some of Britain’s most spectacular and scenic rail journeys as you explore Scotland and the Scottish Highlands by train.  Your epic Scottish rail trip will take you from the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to Scotland’s scenic West Coast, through the dramatic Scottish Highlands and over the sea to the remote Isle of Skye. A hand-picked selection of small-group day tours will allow you to discover the remote landscapes and sites of the Highlands and Skye which cannot be reached by rail alone.

Coach Tours of Scotland

A Scottish Castle Driving Tour - Experience Scottish hospitality at its traditional best on this exclusive tour staying in sumptuous and historic castle and manor-house hotels. This itinerary takes you from historic Stirling and Edinburgh to the remote Mull of Kintyre and the dramatic West Coast to the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands. Along the way you’ll experience the very best of both Scotland’s landscapes and heritage. Enjoy included admission to dozens of historic attractions by day and the utmost of comfort and character at your accommodation each night.

  Agent Choice for 2023  
Tours of Scotland - Glenfinnan Viaduct

A small group tour of Britain – Discover what makes Britain Great on this small group journey through the diverse cultures and landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. This comprehensive itinerary takes you from the peaceful coasts and mountains of Wales, through rustic landscapes of rural England and north in to remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll see iconic landmarks and hidden gems, visit Britain’s quaint villages and heritage cities and enjoy a host of local experiences from steam train rides through the English countryside to whisky tasting in the Highlands.  In the company of your local guides, the Great British Journey is the ultimate way to explore Britain.

Tours of Scotland Inverness

A Scottish Rail Tour – Traverse the rails of central Scotland and the Eastern Highlands on this train trip to experience the heart of Scotland.  This rail journey takes you from the bright lights of Edinburgh through the historic highland towns of Stirling, Inverness, Aberdeen and the lesser-known gem of Pitlochry. You’ll enjoy Scenic rail journeys through the Cairngorm Mountains and over the Grampian Highlands whilst selected day-tours from Inverness and Aberdeen will enable you to experience the mysteries of Loch Ness and Royal Deeside.

  Agent Choice for 2023  

A small group tour of Scotland and Wales – Explore the outer reaches of Britain from the glorious landscapes of the Pembrokeshire coast to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. Two of Britain’s lesser explored regions, Wales and Scotland, offer a perfect marriage boasting strikingly unique cultures but sharing a common appeal in their undiscovered natural beauty. Your journey will take you from the nations’ capital cities in Cardiff and Edinburgh to the mountains of Snowdonia and the remote seascapes of the Isle of Skye. Along the way you’ll ride steam trains, wander the flagstones of ancient castles and sample local fare.

Scotlands Tours - Isle of Skye

A Private Tour of Scotland - Immerse yourselves in the raw natural beauty and history of Scotland in the company of a local private driver. Your experienced chauffeur will  share their local knowledge and insight as they guide you from Scotland’s principal city Edinburgh in to the majestic scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Enjoy elegant or boutique accommodations each night and inclusive sightseeing and a selection of unique local experiences by day. An exclusive tour of Scotland worthy of this very special destination.

Contact us