6 reasons why you should visit Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this winter
13 December 2024
As the crisp autumn days give way to the dark winter nights, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire become the perfect destination to embrace the beauty of winter. With so much to see and do, here are six reasons why you should visit the region this winter!
1. The castle country
Home to a staggering 263 castles, many you can admire, some you can visit, and a few you can even stay, Aberdeenshire is a treasure trove for history and heritage enthusiasts. From dramatic clifftop ruins and ancient royal residences to snowy, fairytale-like wonders, winter is the perfect time to experience the beauty of our castles and their natural surroundings. Learn more about Castles in Aberdeenshire.
Image: Ollie Taylor
2. A foodie’s heaven
Making Conde Nast Travellers ‘Best Places to Go in the UK in 2025’ for its eclectic foodie scene, Aberdeen knows how to dish up a feast of delectable dishes. Emerging as a culinary hotspot post-COVID, the Granite City boasts a variety of both local and global dining spots. From the freshest local seafood, fiery Sri Lankan inspired dishes to famous Italian style arancini, prepare to indulge in comforting delights this season. Visit our Food and Drink to explore the culinary gems you can savour this winter.
3. Historical wonder
Known as the “City of the Sea”, Aberdeen has a rich and dramatic maritime history, with years of trading, fishing and shipbuilding to now being a leading destination in global energy transitions. Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a must-visit this winter, where you can explore the city’s connection to the sea. If art and culture is more your style, Aberdeen Art Gallery is another highlight this winter. With a collection spanning from over 700 years, visitors can stay warm inside while admiring some of the finest collections in the country.
4. Vibrant event scene
Across the region, locals and visitors can celebrate both ancient traditions and modern creativity. The city, boasts fantastic venues, from the historic His Majesty's Theatre to the state-of-the-art P&J Live. During winter, the region transforms into a magical hub for annual festivals and events, with highlights like SPECTRA and Granite Noir returning to create unforgettable memories. Visit our What's On section to explore the exciting events happening this winter!
Image: SPECTRA
5. Open spaces and snowy outdoor landscapes
Winter is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and experience the unique beauty of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. From quirky coastal trails, a bustling city centre or a serene woodland adventure, the region is bursting with charm. Check out our Outdoor adventures for the festive season blog for inspiration on must-visit locations for a great day out with the family this winter.
6. Breath-taking dark skies
During winter, Aberdeenshire’s skies offer some of the darkest, clearest views in the UK, making it a prime location for spotting the Northern Lights and the Milky Way. From staying in a cosy coastal bothy or glamping in the countryside, the chances of spotting the Northern Lights is relatively high! Many local businesses offer incredible dark sky experiences, from stargazing with a qualified ranger, to astrophotography sessions with specialised photographers. Explore our Northern Nights section to discover how to make the most of these beautiful winter skies.
Image: John Stoddard
Whether you want to end your year with a bang or start 2025 on the right foot, there’s so much to look forward to this season. What are you waiting for? Plan your winter trip today! Plan your winter trip today!
On your visit, make sure to tag us in your adventures @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN for your chance to be featured on our social channels.