Aberdeen City guide, including Aberdeen Hotels
- By:Maria Williams Williams
Aberdeen, in the heart of Scotland’s Grampian Highlands, is an ideal
destination for art, history and culture that is slightly off the
beaten track. Scotland’s third largest city was inspiration for the
well known Scottish folk song The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen which
portrays a well worn Scottish theme: that of extreme homesickness when
away from my “home native land” and celebrates the spectacular
phenomenon of Aurora Borealis.
Places of interest:
Aberdeen was established in 1179, and her fortunes were transformed by
Robert Bruce’s 1319 Charter, in recognition of his gratitude to the
people of Aberdeen who had sheltered him during his campaign against
the English. Since 1509 when the renowned University of Aberdeen was
established, Aberdeen has been an academic centre of Europe, which
influences a great many of the cultural and historical activities on
offer in the city and its surrounding areas.
- Described by Queen Elizabeth II as “my dear place in the Highlands”
Balmoral Castle offers visitors guided tours of the gardens, historical
exhibitions and luxury safari in the Caledonian Pine Forest, where
visitors can catch glimpses of Scottish wildlife.
- Another ancestral home continuously inhabited for over 400 years is
Haddo House. Visitors can enjoy Gordon family ancestral portraits,
memorabilia, the old stables and traditional Scottish tea room. Opera,
ballets and plays are presented from May to October.
- The NorthEast Falconry Centre offers a uniquely close experience
with Scotland’s birds of prey. Introduction to Falconry, outside
demonstrations and walks with hawks are just some of the exciting and
educational activities on offer.
- Aberdeen Art Galleries and Museums comprises Aberdeen Art Gallery,
Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the Lord Provost’s house and The Tollbooth in
one site, and offers a varied programme of events and exhibitions. The
Art Gallery hosts collections dating back to the 18th century of fine
art, and the Maritime museum exults in the region’s proud seafaring
traditions. The Tollbooth is made up of 17th century cells, and the
Lord Provost’s House portrays the elegance and ritual of upper class
Highland living.
Things to do:
Aberdeen offers a whole host of recreational activities to enjoy. From
parks to museums, tourists will never be bored while in Aberdeen.
- Storybook Glen in Royal Teeside is a magical adventureland set over
28 acres where kids and adults can see their favourite fairy-tales and
nursery rhymes come to life, and wonder at the natural beauty of
waterfalls, brooks and flora.
- The Gordon Highlanders Museum celebrates the history and culture of
over two centuries of one of Scotland’s greatest kilted regiments, the
Gordon Highlanders.
- For family entertainment, it is hard to beat Sunset Boulevard, an
indoor entertainment centre that offers bowling, dodgems, games and an
adventureland – perfect for the Scottish weather!
- Known as the “jewel in the crown” of the city’s fantastic parks,
The David Welch Winter Gardens boasts a Tropical House featuring flora
from South and Central America, an Acrid House which creates desert
conditions for exotic cacti to flourish, and a Corridor of Perfumes
which celebrates the variety of perfumes from different plant species.
- A visit to the Lighthouse and Harbour Master is a don’t-miss to
learn about Scotland’s marine history, and find out what ships will be
arriving in the port and when.
- The world’s sixth oldest golf club, The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club
may be able to lay claim to being the site of the invention of the game
of golf. Today the club retains the old world elegance of a gentlemen’s
club, and boasts a healthy membership of both local and overseas golf
enthusiasts who enjoy the stunning Balgowie Course, which has played
host to many major tournaments.
Food & Drink:
There are a number of fine locations to dine at while in Aberdeen. No
matter what a tourist’s preferences are, Aberdeen offers something to
appeal to everyone’s tastes.
- The Stage Door Restaurant is the destination for a
step-back-in-time dining experience. Situated in the old Aberdeen Union
& Music Hall, the restaurant is furnished in art deco style with
many of the original architectural features surviving, and serves
inimitable and innovative seafood delights.
- For the best fish and chips in the UK, The Ashvale cannot be beaten