Things to do & places to visit in Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Aberdeenshire #55 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.62 based on 19.6k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 3:36.

Aberdeenshire Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

52°F - 44°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

23%

Chance of rain

64.0 millimeters

Amount

15.8 mph

Wind speed

80%

Humidity

16.5

Daylight length

4:50 AM

Sunrise

9:19 PM

Sunset

42%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Dunnottar Castle (3.282 reviews)
- spectacular scenic cliff path walk with superb castle views
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

Perched atop a 160 foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over. See more..
5.0 Royal Lochnagar Distillery (1.315 reviews)
- Royal Lochnagar = Eric
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Neighbouring Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar is the perfect place to discover how Scotch Whisky is made. Watch as our team of operators tend to our traditional mashtun, gleaming copper stills and fill casks at our traditional distillery, which retains much of its original charm. The tour ends with a dram of the award-winning Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old Single Highland Malt. Please note we are closed 25th, 26th, 31st December and 1st-2nd January inclusive. See more..
5.0 Peterhead Prison Museum (1.072 reviews) from $12.48
- Excellent museum - very interesting!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Open 10:00 close at 16:00 last entry 14:30. Step back in time and visit "Scotland's Toughest Jail". Opening in 1888 it closed in December 2013 and little changed within that period. Known as "Scotland's Alcatraz" you will walk through the halls, cells, former kitchen, shower block, booking in area, courtroom, segregation block, infamous silent cell and hospital complex and much more. This 6 acre site was Scotland's only true "Convict Prison" [to be sent here meant you had been sentenced to "penal servitude"] it was the home of the first state owned passenger carrying railway in Britain and in 1987 was the scene of the only time the Special Air Service [SAS] was used to end a domestic siege after an officer was held hostage on the roof for 4 days, ending in the early hours of the 5th morning with a daring raid. Hear former officers tell their stories at key points on the route in our award winning audio sets and enjoy the experience within our 5* multi award winning complex. See more..
5.0 Loch Muick (573 reviews)
- Worth the 9 mile round trip
Bodies of Water

Getting here is long but so worth the walk, the car park is expensive but the money goes back into maintaining the environment your walking round. Before you start your walk there are public toilets at the start, well maintained and clean. The walk is split into 2 parts but we did the left walk and I wasn’t left disappointed. For the 9 mile walk round every where I looked it was stunning. The paths are well maintained but if your disabled or in a wheelchair you can only go so far, but do it. You get to see the house Prince Charles uses to paint his oil paintings from but it’s 6 miles round the way we went to get close to it. Lovely place to stop and have a picnic. Only thing I was disappointed about was there were no benches which could be placed round the loch for you to rest on. The weather was perfect for our walk See more..
5.0 Aberdeen Science Centre (127 reviews)
- Fab place with great staff
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums

Discover a world of exploration, excitement and wonder at Aberdeen Science Centre. Reopened after a remarkable £6million transformation, enjoy more than 60 amazing interactive exhibits, set across six innovative and awe-inspiring zones. Meet ‘RoboThespian’, our friendly and knowledgeable robot, immerse yourself in The OPITO Theatre of Energy and play your part in our sensational live experiments and demonstrations. Unleash the Power of Curiosity with a visit to Aberdeen Science Centre. See more..
5.0 Peterhead Prison Museum (1.072 reviews) from $12.48
- Excellent museum - very interesting!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Open 10:00 close at 16:00 last entry 14:30. Step back in time and visit "Scotland's Toughest Jail". Opening in 1888 it closed in December 2013 and little changed within that period. Known as "Scotland's Alcatraz" you will walk through the halls, cells, former kitchen, shower block, booking in area, courtroom, segregation block, infamous silent cell and hospital complex and much more. This 6 acre site was Scotland's only true "Convict Prison" [to be sent here meant you had been sentenced to "penal servitude"] it was the home of the first state owned passenger carrying railway in Britain and in 1987 was the scene of the only time the Special Air Service [SAS] was used to end a domestic siege after an officer was held hostage on the roof for 4 days, ending in the early hours of the 5th morning with a daring raid. Hear former officers tell their stories at key points on the route in our award winning audio sets and enjoy the experience within our 5* multi award winning complex. See more..
5.0 Loch Muick (573 reviews)
- Worth the 9 mile round trip
Bodies of Water

Getting here is long but so worth the walk, the car park is expensive but the money goes back into maintaining the environment your walking round. Before you start your walk there are public toilets at the start, well maintained and clean. The walk is split into 2 parts but we did the left walk and I wasn’t left disappointed. For the 9 mile walk round every where I looked it was stunning. The paths are well maintained but if your disabled or in a wheelchair you can only go so far, but do it. You get to see the house Prince Charles uses to paint his oil paintings from but it’s 6 miles round the way we went to get close to it. Lovely place to stop and have a picnic. Only thing I was disappointed about was there were no benches which could be placed round the loch for you to rest on. The weather was perfect for our walk See more..
4.5 Footdee (Fittie) (1.081 reviews)
- Fabulous Wee Footdee
Neighborhoods

As it’s just a ten minute walk along from the Beach Boulevard - it’s one of my favourite places to go for a dander. This unique and historical old fishing village , built in 1809 by architect John Smith, is just bursting with character and maritime charm. The residents take great pride artistically ( and sometimes humorously) decorating their “tarry sheds” , house fronts and gardens, so it’s very interesting to just wander around. You also have the options of visiting the beach, or watching the busy harbour traffic from Pocra Quay. If you’re just visiting Aberdeen briefly then I’d recommend to add it to your checklist. See more..
4.5 Duthie Park Winter Gardens (1.051 reviews)
- Gorgeous Arboretum/ Winter Garden
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks • Gardens

Loved these beautiful Winter Garden in Duthie Park. The winter gardens have several areas with gorgeous tropical and desert plants, retty epiphytes, lots of varieties of aloe, palms etc . It’s a 30 min walk from the city center that we would highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Crathes Castle (783 reviews)
- Fantastic castle and gardens.
Monday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Castles

This beautiful castle dates back to 1563 and is rumored to be haunted. See more..
4.5 The Gordon Highlanders Museum (745 reviews) from $11.24
- Regimental colours on full display.
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

10 reasons to visit The Gordon Highlanders Museum Family friendly tours We’ve introduced easy to understand tours for all the family, which include a mini-figure hunt and free comics. The tour is suitable for children 5 . A touch of Hollywood Scottish actor Dougray Scott narrates a special film called “The Gordons Golden Thread.” Check it out when you visit, you won’t be disappointed. New film theatre New facilities including a 75-inch screen and bespoke seating in our film theatre for comfort and style. Audio tours are available in nine languages, including Doric. Classic tour 90 mins / Highlights Tour 45mins Our tours give an introduction to the Museum and share some fascinating stories from our Nationally Significant Collection. Try our exciting Cognito at the Museum Café. Relax in our Beautiful Victorian Walled Garden Visit our full-size replica World War One trench and see what life was like in the 14 -18 War. The only 5-star Visit Scotland attraction in Aberdeen See more..
4.5 Balmedie Beach (619 reviews)
- Lovely beach, kids loved it
Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas

A stretch of sandy beach north of the city. See more..
4.5 BrewDog DogTap & DogWalk Brewery Tour (604 reviews)
- Beer and food Lot to enjoy
Monday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Breweries • Beer Tastings & Tours

A Lovely visit for lunch. My first visit to dog tap in about 7 years and boy what a change. The last time I visited the food choices were some pretty awesome pies now there is a massive menu of pizza burgers and chicken. We had a mix of the vegan burger for my wife I had one of the pizzas and our kids had a couple of hoppy meals pizza and toastie. All the food was awesome the kids were stuffed and we took theirs away too. The added extras of the beer museum allowed me to explain brewing to my eldest. Also a decent selection of alcohol free beers for the drivers and crowlers to take home to let you enjoy a beer or cider when you get home. See more..
4.5 Duthie Park (559 reviews)
- Beautiful city park
Parks

Lovely city park. It turns out that it was created in Victorian times specifically as a city park. Loved the park cafe and the beautiful Winter Garden with gorgeous tropical and desert plants. It’s a 30 min walk from the city center that we would highly recommend. See more..
4.5 Aberdeen Art Gallery (495 reviews)
- Lovely Building, Interesting Displays
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the country. From Brueghel to Borland, Landseer to Lambie and from Guthrie to Gibb, Aberdeen Art Gallery’s collection spans over 700 years and includes a staggering range of works by artists, designers and makers. For over 130 years we have been acquiring the best and most interesting contemporary artworks. Today this Recognised Collection of National Significance is regarded as one of the UK’s finest. We are proud to care for these treasures on behalf of the people of Aberdeen and to share their stories with all our visitors. The Building Designed in the neo-classical style by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, Aberdeen Art Gallery opened in 1885. It was extended in the 1920s with the addition of the Cowdray Hall concert venue, the interior Remembrance Hall and the exterior Cenotaph, all by the original architect. Discover more about the Art Gallery’s history, and what we collect and why here. See more..
4.5 His Majesty's Theatre (489 reviews)
- Beautiful Theatre
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Theaters

His Majesty’s Theatre is a category A listed proscenium arch theatre designed by celebrated architect Frank Matcham and opened in December 1906. It is a fully equipped producing and receiving theatre with a capacity of 1400 which since its opening has welcomed international touring companies, nationally renowned artists and Scottish and homegrown talent. See more..
4.5 Museum of Scottish Lighthouses (442 reviews)
- What a great place to visit
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Lighthouses

The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses tells the story of the Northern Lighthouse Board from its creation in 1786 to its operation in the present day. A visit includes entry to the main Museum building which patrons can browse at their, but included in the ticket price is a tour of Kinnaird Head Lighthouse - the Northern Lighthouse Boards first light. The Museum has an on-site cafe and free parking facilities. TOURS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE ARE CUTTENTLY UNAVAILABLE AND MUSEUM ONLY TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED INSTEAD. See more..
4.5 Craigievar Castle (440 reviews)
- Charming baronial castle well worth a visit - even when closed
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Castles

17th-century castle owned by the same family for over 350 years. Open April to September; access is by guided tours only. There are steep spiral stairs to the upper floors. A stunning castle in a wonderful setting, said to be the inspiration for Disney's castles. Please note that due to renovations the castle, shop, kiosk, toilets and the area immediately adjacent to the castle are closed until 2024. See more..
4.5 Drum Castle, Garden & Estate (429 reviews)
- Tranquil and full of charm
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Castles • Gardens

It really does feel like a place that was lived in. My favourite was the fabulous library, complete with rather erotic painting of the Archangel Gabriel, in part a self-portrait by a former Laird of Drum. How I'd love to encsconce myself there, with the 4,000 books. The tour isn't overwelmingly big, and the art, furniture and objects are redolent of the personal, the human. A pity there isn't something featuring the local ballad 'The Laird o' Drum is a hunting gaen' - which tells the story of how a 17thC Laird aged 63 got himself a 16 year old bride, and also makes clear she wouldn't accept being treated as socially inferior. NTS does tend to be much stronger on presenting objects than on presenting non-material culture, and this would be a good chance to redress the balance. See more..
4.5 Fyvie Castle (382 reviews)
- Amazing Castle & Tour
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Castles

The charm of Fyvie ranges from its 13th-century origins to its stunning Edwardian interiors. The castle is home to a superb collection of arms, armour and paintings, including works by Raeburn and Gainsborough. Stroll around the picturesque loch, or visit the restored 1903 racquet court and bowling alley. Ghosts, legends and folklore are all woven into the tapestry of Fyvie Castle's 800-year history. Tradition claims that the castle's five successive families - Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon and Forbes-Leith - each added a tower to this magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress. You can see their influences today among the medieval stones and the lavish Edwardian interiors, and imagine what castle life must have been like for the families and their royal guests - among them Robert the Bruce, Edward I and Charles I. See more..
4.5 Castle Fraser Garden & Estate (374 reviews)
- Majestic castle setting
Monday: 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

From the striking simplicity of the medieval Great Hall to the well-stocked library and Victorian bedrooms, a tour of the castle gives a sense of walking through history. Each laird stamped his personality on the family seat, from the various ways of spying on those in the Great Hall to trophies gathered on global adventures. The panoramic views from the top of the round tower are spectacular, revealing the courtyard, gardens and estate beyond, ready to be explored. The distinctive peaks of Bennachie can be seen in the distance. The traditional walled garden includes specimen trees, herbaceous borders, a medicinal border and organically grown fruit and vegetables. There are two waymarked walks on the estate that offer magnificent views of the local area. See more..
4.5 St Machar's Cathedral (373 reviews)
- Simply beautiful and breathtaking.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

Having lived in Aberdeen/shire all my life I’m surprised i have never visited St Machar Cathedral. It’s simply beautiful and breathtaking, very friendly staff as you enter the building and all COVID measures in place. You are allowed to take photos inside which I think is brilliant. Suggested donations of £5 are recommend which you can do via contactless card. I think it’s more than worth the money. Would definitely recommend a visit here. See more..
4.5 Slains Castle (350 reviews)
- Amazing place, but sad to see
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Castles

Erected in 1597, this is one of the most famous castle ruins in Scotland, and was used by Bram Stoker as the inspiration for the castle of the evil vampire in his most famous supernatural tale "Dracula." See more..
4.5 Grampian Transport Museum (340 reviews)
- Lovely way to spend an afternoon with family.
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Located in the vibrant village of Alford, just 45 minutes from Aberdeen, the museum boasts an impressive range of transport exhibits, from travelling chariots of the 1800s, to some of the fastest cars ever made. Every season the museum refreshes around one-third of its exhibits – this year's exhibition includes "Kings' Cars", which includes the first car owned by the royal family! Another highlight is 'It's Electric', which gives an in-depth look at the past, present and future of electric vehicles. A few old favourites remain, including our MACK Snowplough, Billy Connolly's Boom Lowrider motortrike and one of our Curator's favourites, the ex-Grampian Police Rover SD1 Vitesse. Our Tea Room serves an array of hot drinks, light lunches and snacks. See more..
4.5 Macduff Marine Aquarium (334 reviews)
- Experience not to miss
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

This fascinating attraction leads you to discover the Moray Firth’s underwater habitats, with realistic displays taking you from the shoreline to the murky seafloor – you’ll meet hundreds of local fishy characters of all shapes and sizes. Look out for the shark hatchery and get hands on with seashore critters at the touch pools. Don’t miss seeing the feeding frenzy when divers jump in with the fish in the unique kelp reef tank! There is an audio tour, quizzes for the kids and a gift shop with souvenirs for all pockets. Enthusiastic staff will help make your visit memorable. Face coverings are required inside. See more..
4.5 Johnston Gardens (317 reviews)
- Stunning!!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks • Gardens

Can’t believe I’ve never visited these gardens before!! My favourite season is Autumn and boy does this park have an explosion of Autumn colours to feast on..I highly recommend taking a gentle stroll around to enjoy the beauty of it..don’t forget your camera See more..
4.5 Linn O' Dee (312 reviews)
- Lovely river feature
Spent More than 3 hours Geologic Formations

The Linn O' Dee gives unrivalled access to some fine examples of classic features of a Highland landscape: remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest, heather moorland and parts of the high Cairngorm plateau. Fifteen of the Cairngorms Munros can be found on Mar Lodge estate. The less adventurous can enjoy our way marked trails, starting from the car park. The car park also hosts a seasonal information hut and toilet facilities. Parking in the car park is £3 per day for non members or free for National Trust for Scotland or National Trust members. See more..
4.5 Hazlehead Park (300 reviews)
- A Fine Walk
Parks

We walked around the park on a Sunday afternoon for the first time in a long time. Fairly clean and tidy, apart from some dog owners who hadn't cleaned up their dog's mess. There was a large dog owners get together in one of the open spaces, which worked well. The mass amount of dogs got on well. Cafe, sports pitches and a golf club all near by. Parking was free. See more..
4.5 Haddo House (298 reviews)
- Enthralling visit for our grandchildren thanks to Charlie the guide!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

An elegant mansion house with stunning late Victorian interiors. Noted for its fine furniture and paintings, Haddo also has a terraced garden leading to the Country Park with lakes, walks and monuments. The experience at Haddo House is enriched by the National Trust for Scotland Tearoom and Gift Shop in the Stables courtyard. See more..
4.5 Huntly Castle (283 reviews)
- Dog-friendly historic site
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Castles

Visit the seat of one of medieval and Renaissance Scotland’s most powerful families. Heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes were fitting for the home of the earls of Huntly, now a noble ruin. See more..