If you’re looking for a Scottish trip with a difference, Aberdeen is the perfect choice. The pretty city itself is home to a number of galleries, museums and shopping malls, while its location on the coast and near the Highlands means you’re well placed to embrace your inner explorer or beach bum.
The sea and science
Add a number of Aberdeen’s cultural landmarks to your vacation itinerary. Number one on the list should be the Maritime Museum. Exhibits at this award-winning attraction explore the city’s deep connection to the sea. Offshore oil, shipping and fishing all have a part to play in its fascinating tale.
The Aberdeen Science Centre is one of the most popular family attractions in the city thanks to its array of educational exhibitions on topics ranging from volcanoes to NASA. Watch the stars come to life in the planetarium and try your hand at a mad scientist experiment.
There are also a number of shopping malls around the city, including the ‘Granite Mile’ section of Union Street, which is filled with designer outlets. For smaller, independent retailers head to Rosemount, where you’ll find an array of traditional Scottish goods including locally-produced cheese and colorful kilts.
Coastal treasures
Perched on the North Sea coast, Aberdeen boasts miles of beach to explore. Make your way to the esplanade and take a stroll along the award-winning stretch of sand. For something a little more hi-octane, rent a surf board and head out into the waters to ride the mighty waves.
Beyond Aberdeen, there are plenty more beaches along the coastline, each as secluded and unspoiled as the next. Cruden Bay is one of the prettiest, just 40 minutes north of Aberdeen. While there, treat yourself to one of the local delicacies, such as a fisherman’s rowie – a sweet type of breakfast roll – or some of the region’s famously fresh seafood.
This area of Scotland is also great for stargazing. Journey inland to see them shining brightly against the inky night sky at the Glenlivet Estate, nestled among the Cairngorms National Park. During winter you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dancing colorfully above you.
Call of the wild
For nature lovers, Aberdeenshire is a majestic place to spot wildlife. Travel to Newburgh Beach to see seals lolling on the shore or watch puffins nesting at the Bullers of Buchan. Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony has made its home at Troup Head and porpoises, minke whales and dolphins have also been spotted in the waters close by.
If you’re keen to see dolphins on your trip, it’s around a 90-minute drive north up the A96 to the Scottish Dolphin Centre at the mouth of the River Spey. This area is an incredible haven for wildlife and you may spot ospreys, seals, otters and bottlenose dolphins.
Entry is free and it’s open seven days a week from the end of March to October. There are daily tours on offer, including land-based dolphin watching and a tour of the UK’s biggest icehouse. Renting a car for your visit to Aberdeen makes it possible to see all these sights and more, and makes possible a truly special Scottish adventure.