Things to do in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is home to one of the most distinctive cityscapes in Scotland, owing to the silver granite used in its buildings. This resilient stone, mined locally, was used from the 18th century onward to create downtown Aberdeen, in sparkling spires, parapets, blocks and bold pillars. In sunlight, the mica chips embedded in the granite act like millions of tiny mirrors and lend a unique shine to the attractive buildings.

St Machars Cathedral

St Machars Cathedral is a fortified cathedral of Celtic origins featuring twin spires. The church boasts a unique flat, wooden medieval ceiling with heraldic designs. The site on which it is located has housed a church since around 580 AD, when, as legend has it, Machar a cohort of St Columba, established a church here. St Machars is a working church, welcoming visitors, schools and groups every day of the year. Phone: +44 1224 485 988; website: www.stmachar.com/.

Castle Fraser

This castle is one of the most remarkable of the fortress-like castles of Mar. It is located on 25 acres of parkland. Michael Fraser, the 6th laird, started the building of the structure in 1575, and it was completed by his son in 1636. Visitors can explore the spectacular Great Hall and walk around the grounds, which feature an 18th-century walled garden. The castle houses several Fraser family portraits, including one by Raeburn and fine 19th century carpets, curtains and bed hangings.
Phone: +44 1330 833 463.

Craigievar Castle

Structurally unchanged since its completion in 1626, Craigievar Castle is an extraordinary tower-house showcasing the pinnacle of Scottish baronial architecture. Its structure has remained unchanged since its completion and the interior features contemporary plaster ceilings in almost all its rooms. The minimalism of its lower towers stands in perfect contrast to the turrets, the cupolas and corbelling which adorn the roof line. The family of the builder, William Forbes, lived in the castle continuously until 1963, when it came under the care of the National Trust for Scotland. There is a complete collection of family furnishings. This perfect Scottish castle remains as unspoiled as it was when inhabited by the Forbes-Sempill family.
Phone: +44 1339 883 635

Crathes Castle and Gardens

This castle, located two miles east of Banchory, boasts royal historical links from 1323, when King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family. Among the castles features are outstanding late 16th-century painted ceilings and a garden made up of eight separate gardens, offering a display all year round. The large yew hedges date back to 1702. The grounds are perfect for nature studies and feature five trails, including a long-distance outline with ranger service. In the complex there is a licensed restaurant, a visitor centre, a gift shop, a plant sales area, a wayfaring track and picnic areas. Phone: +44 1330 844 525.

Dunnottar Castle

Dramatically located on a rocky outcrop, the well-preserved ruins of Dunnottar are perched 160 feet above the rolling sea. A path along the cliffs offering spectacular views is the best way to get to the Castle from Stonehaven. Having completed the 30-minute walk youll see the ruins, which feature a great square tower and a chapel built in 1392. It was attacked by William Wallace in 1297, but he failed to take it. In 1991, it featured in a film adaptation of Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson. Stonehaven can be reached from Aberdeen by taking Bluebird Northern bus no. 107, and then walking for 5 minutes. Alternatively, trains run about every half-hour from Aberdeen to Stonehaven. The trip takes around 30 minutes. Phone: +44 1569 762 173.

Fyvie Castle

Under the care of the National Trust for Scotland, this castle opened to the public in 1986. Its oldest part dates back to the 13th century and is considered the grandest existing example of Scottish baronial architecture. The five towers have been named after the families who inhabited the castle over five centuries. Fyvie means deer hill in Gaelic, and the castle was originally built within a royal hunting forest. Crafted by the first Lord Leith of Fyvie, the interior reflects the lavishness of the Edwardian era. His collections include arms and armour, 16th-century tapestries and significant artworks by Raeburn, Gainsborough and Romney. The castle is home to many ghosts, curses and myths. Phone: +44 1651 891 266.

Storybook Glen

Storybook Glen, located six miles west of Aberdeen, is a magical world of fantasy and enjoyment for children (and adults) of all ages, set amid 28 acres of impressive scenic beauty on Royal Deeside. Children can see more than 100 of their favourite nursery rhyme and fairytale characters. There are also lovely flowers and plants, majestic trees, secret waterfalls, exotic animals and fairytale houses and the self-service restaurant offers healthy food for young and old alike. Picnics are allowed on the grass area in front of main entrance but not within the Glen itself. Phone: +44 1224 732 941; website: www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk/.

Victoria Park

This five-hectare park was opened to the public in 1871. The beautiful park is full of flowers, shrubs and trees. There is a conservatory used as a seating area for rainy weather and a small glasshouse during the summer months. A fountain in the centre of the park is made of 14 different kinds of granite, offered to the people by the granite polishers and master builders of Aberdeen.

Museums

Aberdeen is home to a diverse range of interesting museums chronicling the citys historical and maritime past. The Anthropological Museum, housed in the worlds second largest granite building, contains a remarkable collection of anthropological artefacts. Many of the objects were contributed by former students who served as missionaries, soldiers, doctors and entrepreneurs around the world.

The captivating Gordon Highlanders Regimental Museum illustrates the history of the famous Gordon Highlanders regiment from 1794. Among the exhibits are uniforms, medals, art, trophies, multi-media displays and interactive childrens exhibits. The award-winning Maritime Museum is housed in a converted 16th century mansion. Exhibits trace the citys long maritime history and include a rebuilt oil rig and lighthouse. A gift shop and caf are also on site.

Provost Skenes House is housed in a famous 16th century building, which has seen a long and rich history. At first used as lodging for Aberdeens well-heeled citizens, the home was later transformed into a boarding house. John Skene, its namesake, was a prosperous 17th century trader, and the home was almost destroyed in the 1930s. The present-day house is decorated with costumes, items of local history and period furnishings. It is also frequently used as a re-enactment venue.