Aberdeen offers an explosion of amazing views from an old-world waterfront on the eastern side to the spectacular Grampian Mountains in the west. With so many places to visit, it’s pretty much essential to get a rental car from Aberdeen Airport. Since it’s the 3rd largest city in Scotland, expect Aberdeen to have a wide selection of attractions from the arts to old relics and endless shopping possibilities. The region of Aberdeen and the Grampians is the home of that mad drawer of crowds and alcohol lovers, the Malt Whisky Trail. When you have recovered from imbibing the malts of eight distilleries, then it’s time to follow the Castle Trail amidst the breathtaking views of this amazing region. There is a whole host of activities including golf, fishing, whisky tasting, skiing and much more on offer here in this picturesque region of Scotland.
Expect a gala or celebration to be taking place while in Aberdeen. Tourists and residents often meet to celebrate the region’s history with traditional entertainment and events such as the Lonach Highland Gathering and Games. Otherwise known as the “Friendly Games” the event are held annually on the fourth Saturday of August at Strathdon in Aberdeenshire. Other events worth attending whilst visiting Aberdeen include, the Aberdeen Jazz Festival (March), the Braemar Telemark Festival (March), the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (April-May), the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (June), Tartan Day, The Wickerman and the Stonehaven Fireball Festival. The Stonehaven festival is one of last remnants of an east coast fire festival traditionally held to see in the New Year.There are a great selection of luxury Aberdeen hotels
The new part of Aberdeen known as the “Granite City” offers grand granite buildings and any number of fine restaurants, a superb range of top shops and a very lively social calendar whatever time of the year you arrive. Coincidentally, if Aberdeen has such a wealth of riches, why is its own population considered internationally well travelled? Why would they want to ever leave this marvellous place? They say you never seem to appreciate what is already yours but the truth is that Aberdonians can look more forward to returning home more than most of us. Who can blame them? Everything is here! A pleasant climate, sandy beaches, the Lemon Tree (Aberdeen’s own year round Festival Fringe), pretty streets, warm friendly people, fishing villages worthy of a place on a postcard and Union Street where you find a vast array of shops, together with three shopping precincts!
Aberdeen is famous as the “City of Roses” with good reason. A popular landmark and attraction in this area is that of Duthie Park’s Rose Hill with in excess of 12,000 different captivating colours and types of Rose.
Aberdeen’s old town district has a nostalgic air about it. The area known as Old Aberdeen is a preserved site, and was once an individual burgh. Here you can find the cobbled high street with Provost Ross’s House, the Aberdeen Art Gallery, the harbour and many other attractions within a few hundred yards of one another. Don’t miss an opportunity to explore Aberdeen University’s ancient King’s College with its fifteenth century chapel and fixtures.
While visiting Aberdeen many visitors explore the relationship between the city and North Sea. For many years North Sea oil reserves have fueled the growth and prosperity as well as devastating losses of life in the region. Visitors can see the Piper Alpha Memorial, a rose garden situated in Hazelhead Park dedicated to the loss of 167 North Sea oil workers lost in the 1988 tragedy. For further information about oil exploration in the North Sea, the 5 Star Maritime Museum found on the Shiprow, provides exhibitions on the fascinating subject well as an in depth insight to earlier (but equally as dangerous) forms of fishing and shipping in the region.
Take a map and the region of Aberdeen and the Grampians appears very compact. This is deceiving. In actual fact, there is a vast acreage of ground to cover with plenty of attractions awaiting you at every corner and much to miss if limited to public transport. Cycling out in the Aberdonian countryside is amazing and highly recommended for all able-bodied souls. For the rest of us, swapping two wheels for four and exploring the glorious surrounding from behind the wheel of an Aberdeen Airport hire car has many attractions. For the outdoor types hiking is a great way to explore beautiful landscapes “off the beaten track”.
The Grampian Highlands
Hiking is possibly the leading activity in the Grampians with so much to explore and virgin terrains which can only be found when travelling on foot. Hikers will experience a diverse landscape challenge from the wild coastline to the high altitudes of the Grampian and Cairngorm mountain ranges. If you are looking for an active pursuits holiday the Grampians region of Scotland will be the perfect solution! The offerings are wide and varied from gliding to water sports and horse riding to cycling. Another exciting possibility is off-road driving as well as hiking Scotland’s official Long Distance footpaths.
Head to Balmoral and you will immediately realise why Queen Victoria memorably called this magical estate her “Paradise”. Historically a royal holiday destination, it is today enjoyed by a vast number of (non-royal) visitors for its legendary sporting activities such as salmon and trout fishing in the River Dee and road races across the Royal estate.
Over at the coast there are a number of brilliant facilities for water sports. A popular event is that of the annual yacht race to Stavanger and back. Peterhead’s marina is very popular with visiting yachtsmen while yachting enthusiasts head to Findhorn on the Moray Firth.
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