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

for traditional fare.

The Square boasts great value high quality dining, including Gluten

free options, an extensive kids’ menu and even regular visitors can

experience variety thanks to the menu that changes every three months.

Italian Deli Delight is a relaxed café by day and buzzing

restaurant by night, serving up mouth-watering Italian cuisine at all

times.

Hotels & Accommodation:

From family run, family friendly establishments to self catering

cottages and apartments to West End four star luxuries, Aberdeen offers

accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

Waterwheel Inn

The Edwardian Hotel

Britannia Hotel Aberdeen

Royal Hotel

Station Hotel

Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen

Bimini Guest House

Macdonald Ardoe House Hotel

Udny Arms Hotel

Express by Holiday Inn Aberdeen

Speedbird Inn Aberdeen Airport

Thistle Aberdeen Airport

Thistle Aberdeen Altens

Thistle Aberdeen Caledonian

Dyce Skean Dhu

The Spires Serviced Suites

Antrim Guest House

Summerhill Hotel and Suites

Entertainment

The Lemon Tree is known as the world’s only year round festival,

presenting a constant programme of theatre, dance and musical

spectaculars, and national touring West End theatre is also on offer at

Her Majesty’s Theatre. Cinema is also well represented, with a UGC and

local Belmont Theatre. For clubbing to international DJs, Ministry is

the best bet, or DeNiros is a local clubbing option, playing Top 40 and

House music. World class shopping is available at St Nicholas Centres

and in the historical district around Union Street. The Aberdeen

Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts international touring music acts

and sporting events.

Aberdeen is truly the jewel of the Highlands, offering world class

dining, nightlife and cultural and historical attractions to satisfy

visitors of all ages and interests. The architecture of Aberdeen is

distinctive and visually stunning, carved as it is from silver granite,

creating a cityscape unrivalled in its beauty. Aberdeen boasts a

cosmopolitan diversity, having been a premier Northern European trading

port for many generations, enjoying centuries of established links with

Scandinavian traders and Asian merchants. Nestled in the craggy

landscape of the North East Highlands, and set against the romantically

bleak North Sea, Aberdeen offers breathtaking views that have more in

common with Scandinavian countries than the British Isles, and culture

and history resplendent in maritime tradition Celtic heritage. The oil

capital of Europe is also home to a thriving nightlife and theatre

scene, just one in many contradictions that make up this intriguing

ancient city.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams

Website: http://www.sleepuk.com

Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK

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