Aberdeen, also known as the Granite City, is renowned for its rich history of granite production, a heritage that still echoes in the city's architecture today. This unique charm, added by the city's granite heritage, is a must-experience for any visitor to Aberdeen.
The North Sea and Aberdeen's rich Maritime past, evident in its thriving offshore, fishing, and shipping industries, play a pivotal role in the economy of Aberdeen and Scotland. Understanding this history is key to fully appreciating the city's economic landscape.
Aberdeen has many attractions worth visiting, which add to the experience of visiting this wonderful city. Here are our top five things to do in Aberdeen.
Discover Aberdeen's extensive Maritime Heritage at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. The museum showcases Aberdeen's involvement in the North Sea oil industry, shipbuilding, and fishing and the port's history is a top attraction to visit in Aberdeen, offering breathtaking views of the harbour. Housed in the Provost Ross's House, the museum offers a a mix of modern and historic buildings.
The Maritime Museum focuses on Aberdeen's role as the "Oil Capital of Europe" and explains how the discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s impacted the city's economy. Within the museum, visitors can learn about offshore drilling technology and the processes involved, with scale models of oil rigs and industry machinery.
Aberdeen's long history of shipbuilding features ship models, blueprints, and tools that detail the evolution of this craft and the ships that travelled the world.
The museum also looks at the fishing industry's impact on Aberdeen's economy, the equipment used and what the life of a fisherman is like.
The museum has a collection of maritime artefacts, from navigational equipment to personal items belonging to sailors, which help tell the story of Aberdeen's maritime past in a unique and engaging way. The museum offers hands-on exhibits, including simulators that allow visitors to experience operating a vessel in challenging conditions or piloting a virtual oil platform helicopter. The museum also hosts educational programs and workshops which focus on Aberdeen's maritime history, environmental issues in the North Sea, and modern shipping technology.
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a must visit in Aberdeen providing information on the history of the importance of the offshore industry to Aberdeen's economy. With its well-organised layout, accessibility features for those with mobility issues, and welcoming atmosphere eyeryone can enjoy the Maritime Museum.
Exploring the historic streets of Old Aberdeen is a journey through time. This area, situated just north of the city centre, is a beautifully preserved enclave that showcases Aberdeen's rich history, stunning architecture, and academic legacy. Old Aberdeen, often described as a separate village within the modern city, is known for its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and tranquil ambience. As you wander through this area, you'll encounter landmarks that harken back to the city's medieval origins and significant role in higher education.
The University of Aberdeen, King's College Campus was founded in 1495, is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Old Aberdeen boasts remarkable architecture, including the iconic King's College Chapel with its crown tower. The grounds of Aberdeen University are open to the public, offering an excellent opportunity to soak in the historical atmosphere.
The striking red turrets of the Powis Gates, built in 1834, serve as a captivating entrance to Old Aberdeen. They add an allure as you step into this historic part of the city. Nearby, the Brig o' Balgownie, a medieval bridge spanning the River Don, provides a scenic spot for a quiet moment or a picturesque photo opportunity, the Brig o'Balgownie is said to be one of the oldest bridges in Scotland.
St. Machar's Cathedral, an impressive example of early Scottish architecture, is a crucial feature of Old Aberdeen's historic landscape. This cathedral, dating back to the 6th century, with its massive twin spires and distinctive granite stonework. Inside, the cathedral boasts a remarkable hammer-beam wooden ceiling adorned with coats of arms and beautiful stained glass windows, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. The cathedral, surrounded by serene grounds and a graveyard, is a tranquil place for contemplation, offering a glimpse into its long and storied history.
The walk from central Aberdeen to Old Aberdeen is a delightful experience, whether you walk or take a bus. As you meander through the quiet streets of Old Aberdeen, you'll be greeted by ancient buildings, ivy-covered stone walls, and verdant pathways. This area is particularly enchanting during the spring and summer months when the gardens and green spaces are in full bloom. Old Aberdeen and St. Machar's Cathedral are a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates stunning architecture giving a glimpse into Scotland's past.
Duthie Park is a spacious green area and beautiful park in Aberdeen, donated by Lady Elizabeth Duthie in 1880. The park features well-maintained lawns, perfect for picnics and leisure activities. It also offers attractions such as a boating pond, children's play areas and a safe astro turf area. The park features many statues, including one of Queen Victoria aswell as its famous band stand.
Within the park, you will find the David Welch Winter Gardens, housing a diverse collection of tropical and desert plants. The Winter Gardens feature different sections, including a cacti and succulent house, a tropical house, a temperate house, a Japanese garden, an arid house, and an orchid and bromeliad house, as well as a fish pond with terrapins. It's an ever-changing attraction with special displays for occasions throughout the year, and it is a beautiful place to visit. Information is provided throughout the Winter Gardens, explaining different species, their natural habitats, and the importance of conservation.
Both Duthie Park and the Winter Gardens are free to visit and offer amenities such as a café, picnic spots, and toilet access. Located on Polmuir Road near the River Dee, Duthie Park can be accessed by car, public transport, or on foot, providing a unique experience for nature enthusiasts, families, and tourists discovering Duthie Park and the Winter Gardens.
Whether you're looking to explore beautiful plants from around the world, take a relaxing walk in a peaceful setting, or enjoy a day out with the family. Duthie Park and the David Welch Winter Gardens offer something for everyone. The expansive outdoor park and the exotic indoor gardens makes this a truly unique experience in Aberdeen.
Discover Aberdeen Beach and the Village of Footdee. Aberdeen Beach and the neighbouring village of Footdee, also known as Fittie, are two of the city's most enchanting and picturesque areas.
Aberdeen Beach is a lengthy expanse of sandy coastline near the city centre. Aberdeen Beach is a favourite destination for locals and visitors to the city. The beach is broad, flat, and sandy, perfect for walks, picnics, or simply unwinding by the North Sea. Aberdeen Beach is well-maintained and is an excellent spot for families or anyone seeking to savour the fresh sea breeze. The promenade running alongside the beach is ideal for exercise, as well as many walks and cycling. Along the promenade, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stands, making it a delightful place to grab a snack or coffee with vistas of the North Sea. Aberdeen Beach is also popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers, which can be entertaining to watch. To round off a day at Aberdeen Beach, why not visit the Codonas Amusement Park, which has rides, bowling and arcades.
Just a short walk from Aberdeen Beach, you'll come across Footdee (Fittie), a historic and picturesque fishing village. Referred to locally as "Fittie," this locale is one of Aberdeen's hidden treasures, featuring its charming cottages and distinctive layout.
Footdee has been a fishing village since medieval times, although architect John Smith designed the current village in the mid-19th century. Footdee was designed to rehouse the city's fishermen and has a unique layout, comprising squares of cottages surrounding small enclosed gardens, which reflects this purpose. Footdee is designed in a grid of closely packed houses facing inward towards the communal gardens; this design was intended to shield residents from the strong coastal winds. Many of the cottages are beautifully maintained and adorned with vibrant flowers and decorations. Walking through Footdee feels like stepping back in time. To this day, Footdee retains its original character, with narrow lanes, quaint gardens, and its traditional fishing cottages, despite now being more of a residential area than a fishing village.
Footdee is located on the edge of Aberdeen Harbour, offering splendid views of the North Sea and the Harbour itself. Near the village is the Footdee Mission Hall, also known as "Footdee Kirk."
Getting to Aberdeen Beach and Footdee from Aberdeen's city centre is easy. It's approximately a 15-20-minute walk. If you're travelling by car, the beachfront has ample parking, although it can become quite crowded when the weather is pleasant. Should you want to discover more of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Beach and Footdee are well worth visiting and exploring.
