Aberdeen

On the Inverness to Aberdeen Line

Aberdeen is one of Scotland’s oldest cities, the earliest known municipal charter having been granted by William the Lion in 1178. The city lies 150 miles north of Edinburgh on the east coast and has the distinction of being Scotland’s third largest city.

The city is situated between the Rivers Dee and Don and the sea has been important throughout its history. The docks remain in the heart of the city and today serve the North Sea oil industry and ferries to the Northern Isles rather than trading.

The city is known as the ‘Granite City’ being principally constructed of the attractive grey stone. The city has been home to a university for five hundred years.

In addition to its status as ‘capital’ of the north east, Aberdeen has been a major oil centre since the early 1970’s. Many oil companies have their UK offices here and the port area is always busy with North Sea oil activity.

In the centre of Aberdeen are several buildings of interest including Aberdeen Art Gallery; the Music Hall (1822); James Dun's House (18th century); Provost Skene’s House, built in the 16th century and the city’s oldest surviving building; Tolbooth Museum, built between 1616 and 1629 as a prison; the Gordon Highlanders Museum; and Provost Ross’s House (1593). The main shopping area is Union Street, just outside the Station.

Local buses are operated by First Bus and Stagecoach. Plusbus tickets are available for Aberdeen as an addition to rail tickets. Separately, the Grasshopper Ticket scheme is in operation for buses in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.

The city centre can easily be explored on foot as a pedestrian. The bus station is situated next to the railway station for buses to outlying areas, while the port and ferry terminal are a short walk away.

On arrival visitors need only step outside the Guild Street main station to see the ‘Granite City’ at its best. Right outside the station is the Union Square shopping centre, while a short walk up to Union Street leaves the visitor in the heart of the city.

Union Street is the main street in Aberdeen and could be considered one of the finest streets in Europe. It is three quarters of a mile in length and seventy foot wide, and is constructed almost entirely from granite.

Shoppers will be pleased to note that its entire length is lined in shops and department stores of every description. Towards the north end is the Town Hall, with its impressive 210 foot tall tower.

Photo credit: “Aberdeen City” by Sergei Gussev, CC BY 2.0

Where to visit

BUILDINGS

MARISCHAL COLLEGE

A little to the north of the Municipal offices is Marischal College, part of the University of Aberdeen. The College was founded in 1593 by George Keith, Fourth Earl Marischal of Scotland.

It is claimed to be the second largest granite building in the world, exceeded only by Spain’s El Escorial, once the home of the Spanish monarchy. The frontage is over 400 feet long, with an average height of 80 feet.

The University has moved out to King’s College with the building now leased to the local council. This building is included for its architectural merit and may be viewed externally only.

Photo credit: “Aberdeen City” by Sergei Gussev, CC BY 2.0

KING'S COLLEGE

In the heart of Old Aberdeen is King’s College. Founded in 1494 the focal point of the campus is the Chapel, completed in 1509.

This is the only remaining part of the original College and contains beautiful wood carving. Today this is a campus of the University of Aberdeen, while the oldest buildings have been restored and are used as a conference venue.

The chapel is open to visitors Monday – Friday. It is 15 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see First Bus service 20 and alight at stop 'Kings College'.

Photo credit: “King's College, Aberdeen, 1495 (2)” by Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0

Photo credit: “King's College chapel, Aberdeen, 1495 (1)” by Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

MARITIME MUSEUM

The City’s award-winning Maritime Museum brings the history of the North Sea to life. View displays and exhibitions on the offshore oil industry, shipbuilding, fishing and clipper ships then visit the museum shop and licensed Leading Lights café.

Built in 1593, the building was Provost Ross’s House and is now the third oldest dwelling in Aberdeen. The Museum is located on Shiprow at the Harbour, close to the city centre and station.

ABERDEEN ART GALLERY

Also in the city centre is Aberdeen Art Gallery. As one of the City's most popular tourist attractions the splendid 1885 Art Gallery houses an important fine art collection with particularly good examples of 19th, 20th and 21st century works.

There is also a rich diverse applied art collection, an exciting programme of special exhibitions and a café, all housed in an impressive marble lined building.

PROVOST SKENE'S HOUSE

Closed until 26 March 2026

Built in the 16th century, this is the city’s oldest surviving building. Now it houses displays of prominent people from Aberdeen and the North-East including scientists, writers and sports stars.

THE TOLBOOTH MUSEUM

Closed for maintenance

The Tolbooth Museum was built between 1616 and 1629 as a prison. Today it has displays of local history and crime and punishment, and visitors can see inside the jail cells.

THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS MUSEUM

This museum tells the two hundred year history of this famous regiment. As well as artefacts, memorabilia and regimental silverware, there is also an armoury and replica First World War trench.

The museum is located in the former home of the artist Sir George Reid. A range of his portraits and still life are also exhibited.

While you are there you can also visit the attractive gardens as well as the cafe.

The museum is 10 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see Stagecoach services 5 and 6 and alight at stop 'Rubislaw, at Viewfield Road'.

ZOOLOGY MUSEUM

The museum is part of the University of Aberdeen. Among its displays are great whales and primates. It is open Monday - Friday and tours are given on Wednesday lunchtimes.

It is 15 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see First Bus service 19 and alight at stop 'Tillydrone, at Wingate Road'.

CATHEDRALS

Aberdeen has three cathedrals. St Andrew Cathedral Church is part of the Scottish Episcopal Church and is open for services and by appointment.

St Mary's Cathedral is part of the Catholic Church and open daily. Both are within walking distance of the city centre.

The Cathedral Church of St Machar is part of the Church of Scotland and dates from the 15th century. It is open daily and welcomes tourists. Of particular interest is the heraldic ceiling dating from 1520.

St Machar's is 20 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see First Bus service 20 and alight at stop 'The Old Town House'.

Photo credit: “St Machar's, Aberdeen” by Tom Parnell, CC BY-SA 2.0

OUTDOORS

Aberdeen Beach is a popular sandy beach 1 mile long. It is near facilities such as cafes, a cinema and an amusement park. See Aberdeen tide times.

Aberdeen has many parks and gardens of interest. The historic Hazelhead Park has formal gardens and woodland walks and was gifted to the city in 1319 by King Robert the Bruce.

The park is 15 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see Stagecoach services 5 and 6, and First Bus service 11. Alight at stop 'Hazlehead, at Hazledene Road', followed by 15 minutes' walk.

Seaton Park is on the banks of the River Don and contains the formal gardens of the Cathedral Walk - The Cathedral Church of St Machar is next to the park. The park is 20 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see First Bus service 20 and alight at stop 'The Old Town House'.

Duthie Park on the banks of the River Dee contains a Victorian band stand, fountains, and boating ponds. It is also home to the David Welch Winter Gardens which are one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe.

The park is 5 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see Stagecoach services 8, X7 and X8, and First Bus service 8, and alight at stop 'Ferryhill, at Duthie Park'.

Union Terrace Gardens are in the heart of the city and have recently been refurbished. They contain historic arches and Victorian toilets, three pavilions and plenty of places to sit while admiring the city's architecture.

Cruickshank Botanic Garden is part of the University of Aberdeen campus. It is 11 acres of gardens including a rose garden and an arboretum. It is 20 minutes' bus journey from the city centre - see First Bus service 20 and alight at stop 'The Old Town House'.

Photo credit: “North Sea from Aberdeen Beach, Scotland (2)” by Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0

WALKS

Aberdeen City Council has produced a range of trail guides covering history and the outdoors across the city. Discover trails covering music, maritime heritage, sculptures, the coast, and much more.

SPORT

Try ice skating at the Linx Ice Arena which has regular public skating sessions and skate hire.

Continuing the cold theme, Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Centre has a dry ski slope and offers skiing and snowboarding lessons and public sessions. It is 10 minutes' bust journey from the city centre - see First Bus services 1 and 2 to Garthdee.

Alternatively go for a swim at one of the six swimming pools in the city.

PLACES OF INTEREST FURTHER AFIELD - BUS TO BRAEMAR

Route: Aberdeen - Crathes - Ballater - Braemar

Journey length: 2 hours 15 minutes

Service: Stagecoach service 201

Crathes (not to be confused with Crathie near Balmoral Castle)

The National Trust owned Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate is one of Scotland’s finest castles. The riverside setting in spectacular Deeside scenery makes the trip worthwhile in itself.

While visiting look out for the original 16th century painted ceilings in the Castle, and the yew hedges in the gardens. There are also six woodland walks around the Estate to choose from.

Before entering the Castle, there is another visitor attraction at this location (use the same bus stop as for the Castle), in the form of the Royal Deeside Railway.

The railway once ran all the way from Aberdeen. However, a short section has now been restored. There is a visitor centre, gift shop, and steam and diesel train trips are offered.

The railway is also home to a unique battery operated railcar that originally ran on the line.

Ballater

The village of Ballater is attractive village on the River Dee, with plentiful gift shops and independent shops. In the centre of the village is the impressive Glenmuick Church.

The Old Royal Station was once the terminus of a branch line from Aberdeen. Inside there is the royal waiting room and replica Victorian railway carriage, as well as a cafe and public library.

Shortly after the village the bus stops at the Balmoral Castle (alight at stop 'Crathie, at Balmoral Road End'). The Castle was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848 and the Estate has been the Scottish home of the British Royal Family ever since.

The grounds, gardens, an exhibition room, restaurant and gift shop are open to the public. We enjoyed visiting here and walking in the grounds.

Braemar

Braemar is another attractive village on the River Dee, and surrounded by mountains. There are interesting shops.

On the outskirts of the village, 15 minutes' walk from the centre, is Braemar Castle. This striking community run castle was reopened in 2024 after a community project to conserve and redevelop it.

Dating from 1628, it has had roles as a hunting lodge, redcoat military garrison after the Jacobite risings, then high society retreat. Inside there are ten rooms to explore.

In the grounds there is also plenty to explore, including a 1930s kitchen garden and a thatched 19th century folly.

Queen Elizabeth II postbox topper, Ballater

Guard of the Household Division postbox topper, Ballater

Accommodation in Aberdeen

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Walking distances given from the train station.