Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen is both modern and ancient, working class and discreetly wealthy, and blessed with the nearby countryside tourist attractions of the Whisky trail and Castle Country of the Royal Deeside.

Today it is a cosmopolitan city, its prosperity is based on the North sea oil industry, yet visitors will be delighted to find plenty of remnants of the historical old town among the striking granite skyline that has made this Deeside city famous.

Attractions include King's College, the centre of Aberdeen University, an imposing four-square building erected around the famous Quadrangle. The King's College Chapel contains a collection dating from the 15th century. Aberdeen is also blessed by three magnificent cathedrals, the outstanding feature of St Machar's Cathedral is the heraldic ceiling (c.1520), while St Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in King Street and St Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral are also impressive. Of a contrasting style are the granite buildings of Marishal College and His Majesty's Theatre which give the city its distinctive look.

Some things don't change. You cannot escape the sea here, not since it was founded as a Royal burgh back in 1124. The influence of the harbour is everywhere and the harvest of the North Sea continues.

The Glenfiddich and Glenlivet distilleries are just two famous names found on the popular whisky trail. Why not hop on one of the many tours and leave the driving to others? The nearby Grampian mountains are among the world's oldest and present a lovely day's drive among the many castles for which the area is so famous. The Grampian transport museum, Gordon Highlanders museum and McDugg Aquarium in the city are also worth visiting.

Back

Add to your Save For Later