Aberdeenshire

The striking gothic Marischal College, the world’s second largest granite structure, is one of many fine examples of Aberdeen's most famous export. Visitors to Aberdeen should make sure they visit the three main free attractions in the city Provost Skene's House, Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Shop on the famous Granite mile where there are over 800 shops showing off everything from traditional Scottish Crafts to upmarket designer stores. Get out and explore some of the many gardens and parklands including Hazlehead Park and Winter Gardens in Duthie Park – Europe’s largest gardens under glass.  Just next door is the amazing sight of 100,000 rose bushes on the Parks rose mound. You also won’t be short of places to eat out with food from all corners of the globe - Mexican, Italian, Greek, Indian, Thai, French, Hungarian and of course native Scotland! 

Sport enthusiasts can take part in their favourites sport. Relax in the great outdoors where you'll find an irresistible mixture of golfing, fishing, wind-surfing, tennis, horse-riding and walking. But if you rather just sitting back and being entertained Aberdeen has a wide range of entertainment and events including galas, ceilidhs, world renowned festivals and Highland Games. 

Nowhere will you find natural terrain more suited to golfing than in Aberdeen City and Shire. There is a choice of over 50 wonderful course set in beautiful parkland and lush greens.  Try out some of the best, Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, Hazlehead or Royal Deeside. Whatever your notion of perfect golf, you will have a truly special time golfing in this region.

If you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of this lively city then there are some great little towns and villages to explore nearby as well as the large expanses of rugged coastlines, a selection of tranquil lochs, and inspiring glens.

Some of Europe’s finest and most unspoilt coastline awaits you on the North East Coastal Trail which starts at St Cyrus in the south and finishes at Forres to the north. Craggy cliff tops with secret cove, glistening beaches, tiny picturesque towns and secluded bays all await you along the Coastal Trail. The path covers over 80 miles of magnificent coastline with many attractions along the way such as Dunnottar Castle, Tolbooth Museum, Balmedie Country Park and Ugie Salmon Fisherings. The path also crosses many nature reserves such as Donmouth, St Cyrus and Findhorn. Being right by the sea front you can be guaranteed premium quality fresh seafood served at a top range of restaurants as well as small harbour pubs full of character. 

Sitting between the dramatic east coastline and the towering peak ridges of the Cairngorms National Park are the hills and glens of Aberdeenshire. This area has a range of habitats that is matched only by the variety of wildlife that lives in them. Whether you’re a keen nature enthusiast or just want to spot wildlife when on one of the many superb walks and cycle routes through Aberdeenshire this is a region that is alive with nature! Sit at the picnic area in the Huntly Peregrine Wild Watch Centre and look out for the area’s residents including voles, great spotted woodpeckers, butterflies and roe deer.