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4 Days in Aberdeen
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Aberdeen, a compact city with bags of personality. In this packed itinerary we show you a range of places to visit over four fantastic days - an exciting mix of history, culture and beauty spots.
Find the Aberdeen accommodation that suits your taste and budget, arrange travel to Scotland's gorgeous north east coast, and pack your suitcase! From city sightseeing to discovering the wider region of Aberdeenshire, a holiday in Aberdeen will give you a snapshot of Scotland to remember.
- Start / Finish
- Aberdeen / Aberdeen
- Days4
- Distance80Miles128km
- TransportCar
- Main themeCities
- Highlights
- Aberdeen Art Gallery
- Marischal College
- Craigievar Castle
- King's College Chapel
- Areas covered
- East
- North
Day 1Exploring Aberdeen
We find ourselves in the centre of Aberdeen for your first day exploring. There are a lot of things to see in this bustling and beautiful city, from medieval buildings to expansive beachfront views. Look out for great shopping at Union Square and Trinity Shopping Centre too, as well as a host of pubs and restaurants to stop for a bite to eat.
- 1
Aberdeen Maritime Museum Aberdeen
Looking at Aberdeen Harbour, it's no surprise to learn that Aberdeen is one of Scotland's most important ports. The best place to discover more about this city's industry and its long relationship with the North Sea is at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Through objects, paintings, exhibitions and interactive displays, you can find out about the likes of ship building and fishing in Aberdeen and the fascinating story of the North Sea oil industry.
Experience the Aberdeen Maritime MuseumMaritime Museum,Shiprow,Aberdeen,AB11 5BY - 2
Aberdeen Art Gallery Aberdeen City Centre
A newly refurbished member of Aberdeen's arts and culture scene, Aberdeen Art Gallery is bursting at the seams with some of the finest collections in the UK. Pay a visit and browse the incredible array of works of art, design, paintings and more, showcasing a range of artists including Joan Eardley, Samuel Peploe, and Rachel McLean, as well as nationally and internationally-acclaimed artists including Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon, and Claude Monet.
Find out more about Aberdeen Art GallerySchoolhill,Aberdeen City Centre,AB10 1FQKey facilities- On Public Transport Route
- Hearing Loop
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 3
Provost Skene's House Aberdeen City Centre
One you may not have heard of, Provost Skene's House celebrates the pioneering people of Aberdeen who have not only shaped the city, but have also helped transform the world. Delve into the stories and achievements of over 100 people that were born and raised in this north-east corner of Scotland. From innovators, scientists, writers and sporting champions, to those who made it to the big screen and beyond, there are some pretty remarkable people to learn about here.
Provost Skene's House is also the oldest surviving town house in Aberdeen.
Find out more about Provost Skene's HouseGuestrow,Flourmill Lane,Aberdeen City Centre,AB10 1AS
Day 2More Great Sightseeing
Having the spent the previous day strolling around Aberdeen city centre, you'll have noticed that there are plenty more places to see. On your second day in the city, you'll see some of Aberdeen's famous granite architecture and finish the day at Aberdeen Beach where you could even try watersports!
- 4
Aberdeen beach Aberdeen
Only a short distance from the city centre lies a classic beachfront, complete with an esplanade featuring shops, cafés and an art-deco style ballroom. Stop for an ice-cream and look out towards the swirling North Sea, or embrace the salty sea air on a brisk walk or jog along the promenade, all the way from Footdee to the River Don.
Find out more about Aberdeen beachQueens Links,Beach Boulevard,Beach Esplanade,Aberdeen,AB24 5NS - 5
Marischal College Aberdeen
Founded in 1593, Marischal College became the second university in Aberdeen. It's glittering granite edifice and magnificent Gothic style makes it one of the city's architectural highlights. In fact, it's the second largest granite building in the world.
Find out more about Marischal CollegeBroad Street,Aberdeen,AB10 1AB
Day 3A Day Out in Aberdeenshire
As well as being close to the sea, Aberdeen is surrounded by beautiful Scottish countryside. Often called 'Castle Country' the landscape of Aberdeenshire is studded with ancient buildings that dominate the skyline. On your third day in the area, you'll travel out to see a few of these castles as well as a distillery.
- 6
Craigievar Castle Alford
Craigievar is one of Scotland's most iconic and best-loved castles. The riot of turrets, gargoyles and high corbelling work create the fairytale appearance which is said to have inspired Walt Disney. Visitors can also enjoy the fine grounds and waymarked trails surrounding it.
Find out more about Craigievar CastleCraigievar Castle,Alford,AB33 8JFKey facilities- Parking
- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- 7
Drum Castle Banchory
Drum Castle combines a unique mix of a late 13th century tower, fine Jacobean mansion house and later Victorian additions. Superb furniture and paintings are on display while the estate's woodland trails and exceptional walled rose garden are well worth exploring.
Find out more about Drum CastleDrum Castle,Drumoak,Banchory,AB31 5EYKey facilities- Parking
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- 8
Banchory Banchory
There is plenty to see and do in nearby Banchory, a pretty Aberdeenshire town next to the River Dee. Surrounded by lush countryside and hills, Banchory is a setting you won't forget. While there, why not visit one of Scotland's newest whisky distilleries Deeside Distillery or if you prefer rum, you could stop in at Dark Matter Distillery. These are just a couple of the secret distilleries you can find here, there are another eight in the region!
Banchory
Day 4Back to Aberdeen
On the final day in Aberdeen and there are still so many things to see! Spend the morning relaxing in one of the city's famous gardens before treating yourself to a bit more culture. After all, that's what great city breaks are all about - a mix of different experiences.
- 9
King's College Chapel Aberdeen
Another Old Aberdeen favourite, King's College Chapel has been delighting visitors for centuries. An icon of Aberdeen University (one of the country's oldest) this is a place of beauty, peace and tranquillity. With more medieval woodwork than any other church in Scotland, a quick peek inside is a must.
Find out more about King's College Chapel25 High Street,Aberdeen,AB24 3EE - 10
City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin School Aberdeen City Centre
Situated right in the heart of the city, the City of Aberdeen Distillery offers visitors the chance to concoct their own gin. Be involved in everything, from distillation through to adjusting the alcohol volume, then picking and adding your own unique flavour. From orange blossom to nettles, create you signature gin taste. You even get to design the label!
Find out more about City of Aberdeen Distillery & Gin SchoolArch 10,Palmerston Road,Aberdeen City Centre,AB11 5REKey facilities- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- 11
Gordon Highlanders Museum Aberdeen
This incredible 5-star attraction tells you the enticing 200 year old story of the historic Gordon Highlanders, from the Napoleonic Wars, through to the present day. Immerse yourself in the educational displays, films, and an amazing replica WW1 trench, which explores the 'Finest Regiment in the World' and gives you the chance to ask the knowledgeable guides any questions you have to find out more.
Find out more about Gordon Highlanders MuseumSt Lukes,Viewfield Road,Aberdeen,AB15 7XHKey facilities- Parking
- On Public Transport Route
- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Accessible toilets
- WiFi
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 12
David Welch Winter Gardens Aberdeen
The David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park are one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and Scotland’s third most visited gardens. It boasts a beautiful floral paradise all year round, with many rare and exotic plants on show from all around the world. Don't miss the Arid House, which has one of the largest collections of Cacti and Succulents in Britain and the world's only talking cactus!
Find out more about David Welch Winter GardensDuthie Park,Polmuir Road,Aberdeen,AB11 7TH
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