Adventure Trip

Top 5 Places And Things To Do In Aberdeen, The Flower Of Scotland

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Aberdeen is yet another most beautiful and picturesque place to explore in Scotland. The city has a collection of gardens, parks, thus also referred to as “The Flower of Scotland”. From several historical places to beaches, gardens, outdoor gaming spots such as golf courses, and several other things to do in Aberdeen regardless of when you are planning your visit. 

In this article, we have picked top places with things to do in Aberdeen along with travel options, guidance, and also the ideal duration you may require to visit the particular place.

Top 5 Things To Do in Aberdeen

Also Read: 8 Top Rated Road Trips From Glasglow, Scotland

1. Take A Walk At Brig O Balgownie, Scotland’s Oldest Bridge

Thing to do in Brig O Balgownie

The oldest medieval bridge in Scotland, Brig O Balgownie or Bridge of Balgownie is one of the last reminders of ancient Aberdeen city.  It was built in the year 1286 and it used to serve as a major trade route to the north and also transport armies to the east coast. It is a major tourist attraction in old Aberdeen not only for being the medieval bridge but also for its gothic style structure and appealing location. 

The bridge is surrounded by trees and riverbanks which makes it more attractive. Here you can spot several birds species and a group of deers. Visiting here is quite popular among the history geeks and is also considered as one of the best things to do in Aberdeen.

How To Reach: In order to reach, you can follow any one of the 3 options i.e taxi, bus, or on foot. 

  • Bus: Reach here within 25 minutes from Aberdeen which will cost you between 190 INR to 250 INR 
  • Taxi: Reach here in just 7 minutes from Aberdeen which will cost you between 900 INR to 1,100 INR. 
  • On Foot: Coming here on foot will consume more time and it will you around 53 minutes or even more than an hour.

2. A Drive to Crathes Castle

Things to do in Crathes Castle

A fairytale-like castle in Aberdeen, the Crathes Castle is the perfect symbol of Scottish baronial-style architecture. The caste has some unique features including oriel windows, serpentine staircase, corner tower, and gilded ceiling. The garden area which surrounds the castle features a herbaceous border and trimmed plants i.e yew hedges. 

Apart from its beautiful structure and surroundings, the Crathes Castle has several decorative figures of famous historical figures. Here you will find figures of the great Roman” Julius Caesar”, Alexander the Great, Hector, King Arthur. Visiting this magnificent castle is one of the top things to do in Aberdeen.

Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Ideal Duration: 1 hour 

Entry Fee:

  • Adult£14.50 
  • Family£33.00
  • One Adult Family£27.50 
  • Senior Citizen£11.00
  • Young Scot(11 to 26 years old)£1.00

How To Reach: In order to reach here, you can follow any one of the 3 options i.e taxi, bus, or come here by driving on your own. 

  • Bus: Grab the bus line 206 and reach here in 46 minutes by paying 440 INR to 600 INR. 
  • Taxi: 25.2 km away from Aberdeen, the take will take you here 25 minutes which will cost you between 3,600 INR to 4,400 INR.  
  • Drive: Rent a car and drive on your which take you here within 25 minutes from 25.2 km. Renting a car will cost you between 250 INR to 380 INR.   

3. A Walk To Union Street

Things to do in Union Street

Also referred to as the Granite Mile, Union Street is the major shopping destination of Aberdeen city. It was named after the Acts of Union in 1800 between the Kingdom of Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland. In the shopping hub, you can find several clothing shops, boutiques, gift & material shops, and a famous Indie coffee shop. 

Union Street is not just a shopping hub but it is also a good place for sightseeing. As you reach the Union Terrace, you could witness a beautiful view of gardens situated within the street, Belmont Street. It is good a place to visit in Aberdeen where you spend your entire day even without getting bored. 

Opening Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Friday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday –  8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

How To Reach: There is two bus station near Union Street named Adelphi and Broad Street. The Adelphi Station is around 1 min walk away from Union Street while Broad Street Station is around 2 min walk away. Grab any one of the bus lines to reach here: 727, 6, X7, M9, and M92.

5. Explore the Ancient King’s College

Visit the Ancient Kings College

One of the oldest universities in Scotland and in the United Kingdom, the King’s College is housed at the University of Aberdeen. It was built in 1495 by Bishop Elphinstone as per decree issued by Pope Alexander VI. The College is quite famous for its unique structure as well as for the quality of education they offer. 

The university is accessible for visitors and they can take a tour of 60 to 90 minutes in order to explore the entire campus. Some major highlights of the Kings College Campus include Kings College Chapel, the monument of Bishop Elphinstone, and Cromwell Tower.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM

How To Reach: The University is situated in the heart of Aberdeen City.  It is accessible through air, train and other public transport. 

5. Visit The Tolbooth Museum 

Tolbooth Museum

While visiting the magnificent city of Aberdeen, how can you miss the famous and one of the oldest buildings of Aberdeen” Tolbooth Museum”. While exploring this museum, you will get to know some of the facts about the history of Aberdeen and the punishments given to criminals during ancient times. The building initially served as a prison till the 19th century and was later converted into a museum.  

The Museum also features prisoner cells dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Some major attractions in the museum include life-size wax dummies in the cells, Guillotine blades dating back to the 16 century, and leg fetters. Other things you would see in this museum include the coins of the Jacobite era, a flintlock pistol, and others.  

Opening Hours:10:00 AM 5:00 PM 

Ideal Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

How To Reach: The Tolbooth Museum is accessible from bus lines 60, X60, 61, 727 which will drop you at Adelphi Station.

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