Home
Places
Old Aberdeen

Old Aberdeen

Old town charm

Jump to another place...

Select a place...

Jump to another place...

Select a place...

Tucked away from the city centre, Old Aberdeen offers a journey into the historic heart of the city, where cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings create a distinctly timeless atmosphere.

Discover St Machar’s Cathedral, a magnificent 15th-century landmark renowned for its twin towers and heraldic ceiling, alongside the historic heart of the University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495 by Bishop William Elphinstone. Within the university precinct stands King’s College Chapel, instantly recognisable by its distinctive imperial crown tower and celebrated as one of Scotland’s finest examples of late medieval collegiate architecture.

Wandering through the historic Chanonry, visitors encounter a peaceful enclave of academic buildings, traditional houses, and leafy pathways that emphasise Old Aberdeen’s collegiate character. Cultural highlights are plentiful, including the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, a tranquil Victorian-era garden showcasing a diverse range of plant species, and the University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum, which houses fascinating collections of specimens spanning centuries of scientific study. The area is also home to the striking Sir Duncan Rice Library, a bold, modern landmark whose glass façade contrasts dramatically with the surrounding historic stonework.

Beyond the university precinct, green spaces and medieval engineering add further depth to the landscape. Seaton Park offers expansive riverside walks along the River Don, with manicured gardens and open lawns ideal for quiet reflection. From here, paths lead to the Brig o’ Balgownie, a narrow stone bridge dating from the 13th or 14th century, traditionally associated with Robert the Bruce. Together, these sites make Old Aberdeen a richly layered destination where religious heritage, academic tradition, and natural beauty converge.