There’s much more to the Granite City than meets the eye. Aberdeen is a city steeped in history and full of natural wonders – here are just a few free activities you can find there.
- David Welch Winter Gardens
Located in Duthie Park, the David Welch Winter Gardens are one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens and the third most visited gardens in Scotland. Although the name may be deceiving, the gardens play host to a diverse range of rare and exotic plants all year round. With a Corridor of Perfumes, Fern House, Victorian Corridor, Tropical House, Japanese Garden, and Arid House you will be amazed at the many wonders of the horticulture world.
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Aberdeen’s award-winning Maritime Museum tells the story of the North Sea through exhibitions and displays of the North Boats, the offshore oil industry, clipper ships and shipbuilding. As well as these exhibits, the museum also has a constantly changing programme of exhibitions including the new Aberdeen Harbour Gallery and their new computer interactives where you can work on fishing techniques and learn how to anchor a ship in the harbour.
- Balmedie Beach
Situated just five miles from Aberdeen and easily accessible by car or bus, Balmedie Beach is the perfect day out even if it’s windy. With its picturesque coastline and rolling sand dunes covered in grass, this is a great location for a picnic, to fly your kite or to do some water sports – if you can brave the North Sea temperatures!
- Johnston Gardens
Easily accessible from the city centre, the Johnston Gardens are great for a chilled out day if there’s a little bit of sun or just to do some people watching. Filled with streams, waterfalls, ponds, rockeries and rustic bridges, the one-hectare garden has a beautifully maintained collection of rhododendrons, heathers, alpines and seasonal flowers as well as ducks and irises in the ponds.
- Visit the Old town of Aberdeen
With its winding streets and striking cathedrals, most of which are open to visitors, the Old Town is a must if you’re looking for a relaxed wander through the city while learning about its history. The whole trail will take around two hours and you will also pass the striking Powis gates which are Turkish style minarets, a medieval bridge and a 15th century college.
- Hazlehead Park
Located on the outskirts of the city and covering a massive 180 hectares, Hazlehead Park has huge scope for activities. You cans stroll through the woods and visit the pets’ corner which has chinchillas, miniature donkeys, tropical fish and peacocks. If you’re feeling sporty, feel free to use their football pitches and golf course.
- The Toolbooth Museum
The Toolbooth Museum is certainly a unique experience. As well as being one of the best-preserved 17th century gaols (jails) in Scotland it contains displays on local history and the development of Scottish crime and punishment through the centuries. With its 17th and 18th century cells and barred windows it certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted.
- Cruikshank Botanic Garden
The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is situated on the King’s College campus of the University of Aberdeen and although it’s part of the university, it’s open to visitors all year round due to its partnership with the Cruickshank Charitable Trust. The 11-acre area has a rock and water garden, a sunken garden, a rose garden and an arboretum (tree garden), and exists to promote an appreciation of beauty, diversity and importance of plants and an understanding of their role in the natural world.
- University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum
Located next to the Cruikshank Botanic Gardens, the University’s Zoology Museum offers visitors the chance to see amazing works of taxidermy and full skeletons including a tiger, python, owl, whale, armadillo and much more. The museum is Scotland’s only large international collection of zoological specimens and with over 200 years of biological study displayed under one roof, it’s definitely worth a trip.
- Slains Castle
Slains Castle is a bit off the beaten path, but I promise you it’s worth it! The atmospheric ruined castle perched on the cliffs of the Aberdeenshire coast boasts spectacular views of the sea and is labyrinth of brick rooms, turrets and towers waiting to be explored. Long deserted, grass has replaced carpets and the legend goes that Slains Castle gave Bram Stoker the inspiration for Count Dracula’s castle when he stayed in nearby Cruden Bay in 1895.
