Things to do in Aberdeen

For Lovers of History

With over 8,000 years of history, the city's ancient architecture reflects the city's fascinating and eventful past. If you want to be impressed, then look no further than Craigievar Castle, a pink harled fortress six miles south of Alford which was the seat of the Clan Sempill and the Forbes Family, prior to being given to the Scottish National Trust. With ornately-sculpted turrets, corbelling and the ubiquitous Scottish gargoyles, the castle looks like it belongs in a fairy-tale.

For Those Who Like to Learn

Those who enjoy learning about the cultural fabric of their destination will relish a visit to Aberdeen Maritime Museum, situated on the notable Shiprow in the centre of the city by the harbour. This award-winning free-admission museum tells the story of the North Sea through captivating exhibitions, displays of north boats and a wide range of interactive displays with guides on everything from how to dock your ship to how to fish.

Botanical Gardens

If green trees and lush lawns are more your scene, the city has a range of attractive gardens which are well worth a visit. The Cruickshank Botanic Gardens were commissioned by Anne Cruickshank to memorialise her brother, Dr. Alexander Cruickshank. Not merely a tourist attraction, these gardens are used for both research and teaching purposes and seek to promote appreciation of the importance, diversity and beauty of plants and their significance in the natural world.

Family Fun

Codona's Amusement Park is the city's premier amusement park. With indoor and outdoor activities, the park is an all-year round attraction with ten pin bowling, adventure golf and plenty of thrilling rides. The park has recently opened a nautical-themed play area with fishing villages, sea creatures and hidden treasure for all the family to explore. There are separate areas for toddlers, 3-6 year olds and children over 6 years old, with a selection of tunnels, bridges, climbing frames and bouncy castles.

Rock Climbing

The area's rocky sea cliffs provide the ideal spot for rock climbing, whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro. Rock climbing is one of the ultimate physical and mental challenges and perfect activity for adrenaline-junkies visiting Aberdeen. There are extensive areas of Sea Cliffs which range from easily-reachable quarries and gently sloping cliff faces to intrepid rugged precipices.