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Whether you’re looking to explore local heritage, enjoy hands-on exhibits or spend time with the family, there’s something for every interest and age.
With so many places to visit, it’s easy to plan memorable days out all year round.
Museums and galleries
Discover attractions that bring history, culture, and creativity to life, from hands-on experiences to world-class collections.
In Aberdeen City, explore interactive exhibits at Aberdeen Science Centre, admire outstanding collections at Aberdeen Art Gallery, and uncover the region's seafaring past at Aberdeen Maritime Museum. History enthusiasts can also visit The Gordon Highlanders Museum to learn about one of Scotland's most famous regiments.
For a glimpse into historic crime and local heritage, the Tolbooth Museum in Stonehaven offers a fascinating experience in a charming coastal setting.
Discover community art across the region at Milton Art Gallery and The McEwan Gallery in Fraserburgh each showcasing exhibitions, workshops, and events celebrating local creativity.
Image: Aberdeen Art Gallery
Castles
With 263 castles to explore, Aberdeenshire has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Scotland. From dramatic cliff-top ruins to grand estates, each has its own story to tell.
Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven is perhaps one of the most iconic, a ruined fortress perched on a sheer headland above the North Sea with unforgettable coastal views. To the north, the ruins of New Slains Castle on the Buchan coast are said to have inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula.
For royal connections, Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside has served as the royal family's Scottish residence since Queen Victoria fell in love with the landscape in the 1840s, with grounds and gardens open to visitors each summer. Nearby, the turreted pink tower of Craigievar Castle is a beautiful example of Scottish baronial architecture.
Inland, Fyvie Castle rewards visitors with magnificent state rooms and a world-class portrait collection, while Crathes Castle is celebrated for its remarkable painted ceilings and stunning grounds. For medieval history, the ruins of Kildrummy Castle offer a powerful and largely uncrowded experience.
Image: Craigievar Castle
Games and activities
Looking for fun and adventure? Test your problem-solving skills at Breakout Games Aberdeen, enjoy family-friendly play at Den and the Glen, or head out for bowling and social fun at Lane7 Aberdeen.
For adrenaline-fuelled thrills, visit Codona's Amusement Park for rides and arcades, or Transition Extreme for skateboarding, climbing, and extreme sports. For outdoor pursuits, Drumtochty Castle Estate and Lochter Activity Centre offer country sports and activities in scenic surroundings.
Image: Codonas Amusement Park
Farm experiences
Get closer to nature with hands-on farm experiences perfect for families and animal lovers. Meet friendly animals, explore the countryside, and enjoy a slower pace of life at local farms across the region.
Popular spots include Farm Stop, Wynford Farm Park, and Grain's Farm. For something a little different, Tamala Farm Experience offers unique opportunities to interact with animals in a relaxed rural setting.
Image: Aberdeenshire Highland Beef
Historical landmarks and sculptures
Discover the rich history of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through its landmarks, monuments, and ancient sites.
See iconic statues in the city including William Wallace at Union Terrace Gardens, Robert the Bruce at Marischal College, Denis Law in Marischal Square, and the JJR MacLeod Memorial in Duthie Park. Pay respects at the Piper Alpha Memorial in Hazlehead Park, hike up to the Stonehaven War Memorial or visit the War Memorial Lion at Cowdray Hall.
For coastal history, visit Torry Battery with its dramatic harbour views, or step even further back in time at prehistoric sites like Cullerlie Stone Circle, Aikey Brae Stone Circle, and the ancient Maiden Stone.
Image: War Memorial Lion, Cowdray Hall
Outdoor adventure
From mountains to sea, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer endless ways to get outside and explore. Hike forest trails, climb into the Cairngorms, or take on Munros such as Ben Macdui and Lochnagar, cycle coastal routes and forest trails from Tarland to Ballater, or enjoy winter skiing and snowboarding at Glenshee and the Cairngorms. Along the coast, surf at Aberdeen Beach, paddleboard from Stonehaven to Collieston, or try wild swimming in rivers and lochs including the River Don and Loch Muick, with every season bringing new ways to experience the landscape.
Beaches and nature reserves
Discover the dramatic coastline and rich natural landscapes of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, where sweeping beaches, rugged cliffs, and wildlife-rich nature reserves are all within easy reach. Walk sandy shores from Aberdeen Beach to Balmedie and Collieston, explore award-winning spots like St Cyrus Beach, and visit protected reserves such as Forvie National Nature Reserve and Donmouth. The region is also one of Scotland’s best places for wildlife watching, from dolphins at Torry Battery to seals at Newburgh Beach and seabirds at Bullers of Buchan and Fowlsheugh. With coastal walks linking beaches, cliffs and historic sites like Dunnottar Castle, it’s easy to experience the North-east’s natural beauty at every turn.
Image: Balmedie Beach
Parks and gardens
From city parks to expansive country estates, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire's green spaces offer a perfect balance of relaxation, nature, and seasonal colour.
In Aberdeen City, explore Duthie Park with its renowned Winter Gardens, Hazlehead Park for woodland walks and open space, and Seaton Park with its riverside setting and access to St Machar's Cathedral and the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen.
Across Aberdeenshire, discover landscaped gardens and estates at Haddo House, Crathes Castle, and Pitmedden Garden, each offering beautifully maintained grounds throughout the year. For a more natural experience, Aden Country Park and Bennachie offer walking trails, wildlife, and panoramic views.
Image: Seaton Park
Theatre and performances
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a rich programme of theatre, live music, and cultural performance year-round, from major touring productions to intimate local events.
In Aberdeen City, His Majesty's Theatre is the flagship venue, hosting ballet, opera, musicals, and drama in a stunning Edwardian building. The Music Hall presents classical performances, comedy, and live music, while The Lemon Tree and Aberdeen Arts Centre offer a more contemporary and experimental mix in intimate settings.
Across Aberdeenshire, The Barn Arts Centre in Banchory is a much-loved regional venue for theatre, music, and visual arts, and Haddo House hosts a celebrated annual arts festival within one of the region's finest country houses between the months of April and October.
Historic buildings
In Aberdeen City, Provost Skene's House is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city and offers an absorbing journey through Aberdeen's domestic past. The granite facade of Marischal College, one of the largest granite buildings in the world, is a landmark not to be missed, and St Machar's Cathedral in Old Aberdeen has been a place of worship since the 12th century.
Across Aberdeenshire, the Shell House in Dunnottar Woods near Stonehaven is one of the region's most intriguing hidden wonders, a unique 18th-century grotto whose interior walls are encrusted with shells, stones, and minerals, tucked away within a beautiful woodland setting. Leith Hall in the Garioch has been home to the same family for over three centuries and tells a deeply personal story of Scottish rural life.
Image: Provost Skene's House
Shopping
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a shopping experience that goes well beyond the high street, combining major city-centre destinations with a flourishing independent scene across market towns and coastal villages.
In Aberdeen City, Union Square brings together more than 50 stores including Apple, Zara, and The North Face, while Bon Accord Centre and Trinity Centre add further high street and independent options. The cobbled streets of the Belmont Quarter are home to the likes of Juniper, luxury jeweller Jamieson and Carry, and the local record store, Assai Records.
Across Aberdeenshire, The Black Faced Sheep in Aboyne, the Spotty Bag Shop in Banff, and the collection of independents at Milton of Crathes are all worth a dedicated visit.
Golf
With world-class links courses along the North Sea coastline and beautiful parkland courses inland, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland's finest golfing destinations.
Flagship venues include Trump International Golf Links at Balmedie, set among vast coastal dunes, and Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the world dating back to 1780. Cruden Bay Golf Club is widely regarded as one of Scotland's great links courses, with a stunning clifftop setting, while Murcar Links offers a similarly rewarding experience on Aberdeen's doorstep.
Inland, courses such as Banchory Golf Club and Aboyne Golf Club provide a more relaxed, scenic alternative amidst the Deeside countryside, making the region accessible to golfers of every level.
Image: Cruden Bay Golf Club
Distilleries and breweries
The North-east of Scotland has long been at the heart of the country's whisky and craft drinks industry, and the region is home to an outstanding and growing range of distilleries and breweries to visit.
GlenDronach Distillery near Huntly is one of Scotland's most celebrated single malt producers, known for rich, sherry-cask matured whiskies and a warm traditional distillery experience. Fettercairn Distillery in the Mearns offers another excellent visitor experience.
Fierce Beer in Aberdeen has built a strong reputation for bold, inventive brewing, adding to a craft drinks scene that continues to grow across the region.
Image: Glen Garioch Distillery
We Think You'll Love
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Aberdeen Art Gallery
See great art for free! Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the country. The collection spans 700 years and includes a staggering range of works by local, national and international artists, designers and makers.
Glen Tanar Equestrian Centre
Spectacular horseback riding on riverside, woodland and mountain trails in the heart of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park.
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Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum
The museum has a number of artefacts associated with Stonehaven's heritage, many with an association with the days when the building served as a prison.
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The Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Adventure Trail
Embark on a whimsical journey through The Gonks of Gardenshillock, an enchanting storybook trail inspired by the beloved children's book by Samantha Annal.
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TwinPeakes Flyfishing Ltd
Born on the banks of the renowned River Dee in Scotland, with skills honed on rivers throughout the world, TwinPeakes Flyfishing is dedicated to providing bespoke 5-star fly fishing experiences.
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Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aboyne Bike Park - Bellwood
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Frequently asked questions
- What free attractions can I visit?
There’s plenty to enjoy for free, including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and many parks, beaches, and nature reserves. You can also explore historic sites like Marischal College, Torry Battery, and the region’s stone circles and prehistoric landmarks.
- Are there good rainy-day attractions?
There are plenty of indoor options for all ages. Highlights include Codona’s, Grampian Transport Museum, Gordon Highlander’s Museum and the Aberdeen Science Centre. You can also enjoy indoor activities like bowling and escape rooms, explore the inside of castles or catch performances at local theatres.
- What attractions are suitable for families with young children?
Aberdeen Science Centre is great curious minds and hands-on learning, while Den and the Glen and Farm Stop are popular with younger children. Codona's Amusement Park offers classic seaside fun, and castles such as Craigievar Castle and Crathes Castle often capture young imaginations. Parks and beaches across the region are also free and ideal for a full day out.
- When is a good time of year to visit?
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are a great value, year-round destination. Summer is ideal for coastlines, castles, and outdoor activities, while spring and autumn offer quieter visits, wildlife, and gardens. In winter, cosy dining, festive events, the David Welch Winter Gardens, and dramatic coastal scenery make it just as rewarding to visit.
- Are attractions in Aberdeenshire accessible for visitors with reduced mobility?
Accessibility varies, but many city attractions, such as Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and Union Square, offer good access and facilities. Some historic sites and castles are more limited, so it’s worth checking ahead.
Our accessibility guide provides detailed information to help you plan.
- How do I get around to visit attractions across Aberdeenshire?
How do I get around to visit attractions across Aberdeenshire?
Aberdeen city attractions are easy to reach on foot or by public transport. For exploring further, such as Royal Deeside, Banffshire Coast, and Garioch, a car offers the most flexibility, though buses and trains connect major towns and cycling is a good option on quieter roads. See our Getting Around guide for full transport information.
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