Things to do in Aberdeenshire in February

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Overview

February is a good time to visit Aberdeenshire.

Aberdeenshire has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your February trip to Aberdeenshire. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to February. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

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Best events and things to do in Aberdeenshire in February

Top experiences in February
We couldn't find any experiences in February
Holidays in Aberdeenshire in February
February
  • Valentine's Day (February 14)
  • Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day (February 17)
Other notable holidays
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Twelfth Night (January 5)
  • Mother's Day (March 15)
  • Good Friday (April 3)
  • Easter Sunday (April 5)
  • Early May Bank Holiday (May 4)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (May 25)
  • King's Birthday (June 20)
  • Father's Day (June 21)
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Best attractions for Aberdeenshire in February

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Aberdeenshire has to offer for travelers in February, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Aberdeenshire that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Aberdeenshire for February.
Dunnottar Castle
1. Dunnottar Castle
4.8
(12657)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Fortified cluster of ruined stone buildings with a long history, in a dramatic clifftop setting.
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What an amazing castle! Definitely worth the visit. The views are stunning and a great day out. You can walk on opposite hills and get great views of the castle and surrounding monuments. There are a lot of steps to get to the castle, but there are rails and enough passing places when busy. There are no dustbins in the castle, so you need to take your goodies back with you. I would recommend taking some food with, as the gardens are so peaceful, its a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the peace. One of my top 10 castles in Scotland!
This is a must see Castle if your in the area. Well maintained by the staff that is friendly and informative. Be mindful that if your mobility is limited that there are several areas of stairs and steps that are irregular and steep. There are also some cobble stone walk ways that might be difficult for some. Loved our visit here and the views are spectacular.
This place is beautiful. I did not go inside as had other prior commitments. If you go give yourself several hours to explore as wonderful trails on cliffs and several stairs to get to castle. A must see if in Scotland!!
Dunnottar Castle is honestly one of the most breathtaking places in Scotland. Perched high on the cliffs above the North Sea, it feels like stepping straight into history. The ruins are full of atmosphere, and the views from every angle are just stunning. The walk down and back up can be a bit steep, but totally worth it for the experience. It’s usually peaceful early in the morning, and watching the waves crash below the castle walls is something you’ll never forget. A must-visit near Stonehaven!
An impressive place. Unfortunately, in winter the castle is only open from 10:00 to 15:00. But even from the outside the surrounding landscapes and the castle itself look fantastic. There is a waterfall and caves nearby. On the coast, if you are lucky you can see seals. Although we were not lucky. I recommend taking the coastal path to the nearest town Stonehaven. You will get an unforgettable experience.
Wonderful castle ruins overlooking the sea! The walk down to the castle is easy however there are quite a few stairs leading up to the entrance. Ticketing was easy and clear directions on the route you should take to see everything. We also hiked along the beach and took a small trail which wrapped back around to the castle. Lovely shots along the way.
Very well kept castle and quite a lot to see and on a large site. A lot bigger than expected with lots to read and some great history and story’s to catch up on. Could be a bit exposed on a wet day. Toilets on site and well worth the £13 entrance fee. Well worth a visit.
Magical place with amazing views. If you like ruins and nature this is the right place to visit. Loved everything. It felt like a Game of Thrones setting.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
2. Aberdeen Maritime Museum
4.6
(2802)
Maritime museum
Museums
Interactive and multi-media displays on city's maritime heritage and North sea oil and gas industry.
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Visited the Aberdeen Maritime Museum on a quiet Monday afternoon and had a truly enjoyable experience. The receptionist was incredibly warm and welcoming, setting a positive tone for the visit. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, blending the city’s rich maritime heritage with fascinating displays that appeal to all ages. It’s a gem tucked in the heart of Aberdeen and a perfect way to spend a few reflective hours. Entry is free which is amazing for what you get, but I do encourage visitors to donate 💰 if they can to support the continued care and presentation of this beautiful museum. You may have to wait a tiny little queue if it’s a busy day, staff are always ready to help on each floor with a smile. They have pamphlets for non-English speakers, so no excuse for you not to go. It is accessible for all abilities as long as there is an assigned carer to assist throughout your visit. This is one of the places you want to bring children and young adults to see what history and beauty this place holds and preserves. Highly recommend! ✨✨ Titi ❤️
I really enjoyed my visit to the museum. It was a great way to learn about not only maritime facts such as oil rigs and ships but also Aberdeen history. All the displays were done with great care and the exhibitions were very informative. The view to the port was also splendid and the gift shop selection was nice.
An excellent experience. An easy walk from the Railway Station. This museum is free, but you can donate by card or cash. Very friendly staff and an amazing space over five floors and three buildings. The museum features the maritime history of the area as well as the oil and gas industry. It also features exhibits on occasion. A reasonably priced gift shop featuring local souvenirs. I would visit here if you have an interest in maritime history, but is interesting for those who aren't.
Lovely museum, lovely architecture. The cherry on the cake was the free guided tour tough, offered by knowledgeable and utmost kind Robert who made it special by picking a particular parts and making his lecture around these. Learned a lot and in a very friendly atmosphere, many thanks!!
A visit worth taking while in Aberdeen (or if residing here). Deployed in 4 floors, illustrates the history of Aberdeen shipbuilding and UK offshore drilling off Scotland coast. The abundance of wood all around creates a really cozy environment. Allow >1 hour to tour as it’s really interesting.
Can’t believe this amazing place is free! 😍 I love museums...they always take us back in time and make us feel part of history. The displays, ship models, and harbour views here were just beautiful. 🌊⚓️ The Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located on Shiprow overlooking the harbour, is one of the city’s most fascinating free attractions. It’s housed in a blend of historic and modern buildings, including Provost Ross’s House, which dates back to 1593. The museum beautifully showcases Aberdeen’s deep connection with the sea — from shipbuilding and fishing to the modern North Sea oil and gas industry. One of its main highlights is the impressive 9-metre model of the Murchison oil platform, along with intricate ship models, artefacts, and interactive displays spread across four floors. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the harbour from the upper galleries, making it a perfect mix of history, culture, and coastal charm. 🌊⚓️
Lovely area, a good way to undertake the deep history of Aberdeen trading and oil exploration, week preserved pieces of history, kept in good viewing condition, a good place for visitors on sightseeing and exploratory training.
Free to enter and explore. A well maintained museum. Plenty of stuff to see and learn about. Don’t forget to take a copy of ‘things to do on your visit’. It’s a fun activity to do with kids/family.
Balmoral Castle
3. Balmoral Castle
4.3
(6807)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Scottish Baronial-style mansion & summer home of the royal family, with a ballroom art collection.
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Bought an interior tour ticket way in advance which means you get priority parking at the castle too which was really handy- was able to leave things in the car (jacket, umbrella etc) and picked them up in the afternoon when needed. Arrived in advance and was let in for an early start. Overall such a calm, incredibly beautiful estate with flowers, lawns, a river, outdoor buildings and enjoyed the interior tour too. Albert‘s pyramid / cairn is a separate walk outside the grounds which I hadn‘t realised. Great cafe next to the castle.
Such a wonderful experience to walk around the grounds and view the Castle. It was so beautiful. The Restaurant was amazing with excellent quality food. The Shop was beautifully stocked and the displays where awesome. Just a fantastic experience ✨️ Thank You
Had a guided tour, loved it but would have liked to see more. Everyone very friendly and knowledgeable. Well worth the snowy drive.
I enjoyed my visit and it was very interesting to see all the new planting taking place, especially the trees and maze. You do need to go when the weather is fine because there would be few places to shelter in the rain. I would recommend asking for an audible guide. This wasn't offered when I purchased my ticket and I believe it would have made my experience more interesting.
Lovely to see where Royal Family live during various times of year,even though not able to go in Castle!Cafe beautiful,but sadly sat outside in cold with our dog in snow blizzard!No dogs allowed. Shop beautiful and Shop Manager very helpful.
Although only one room is open to the public, the star of the show is definitely the gardens. The shop is very expensive but the Cafe offered a good range of snacks and meals. Well worth a visit. Recommended.
Very quiet and tranquil place to visit. The grounds are extremely well presented and amazing views. Only 1 room which was a hall you visit which had an interesting display for the history of the castle. There are nice walks around the castle and on site cafe. It's a long drive to get there but great day out.
Fabulous fairytale like Castle, absolutely stunning grounds and woodland, plenty of walks and fun activities for the children. Very interesting historical and current caveats displayed in the ballroom. Great place to enjoy a picnic, but especially by the river Dee.
David Welch Winter Gardens
4. David Welch Winter Gardens
4.8
(671)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Roomy greenhouse complex with diverse displays of plants & flowers, plus a wedding venue & cafe.
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Came here yesterday with my wife, daughter and some of her friends. Was really peaceful and the kids loved looking at all the flowers, the big frog and spike the cactus who had a wee blether with them and they were singing songs. Such a lovely place to come for a variety of different reasons ☺️
Beautiful indoor gardens – perfect all year round. A stunning collection of tropical, arid, and exotic plants in a peaceful glasshouse setting. Well-maintained, with themed areas like the cactus house and Japanese garden. Great place to relax, take photos, or explore with family. Free entry and located within Duthie Park – a true gem in Aberdeen.
This stunning winter garden is located inside Duthie Park. An assortment of glasshouses display superb botanical examples from a diverse range of environments, from arid to tropical, and most continents. Plants are of the most pristine quality and housed in immaculate conditions. Excellent place and well worth a visit. Highly recommended. 👍👍👍
Cool place especially for those who are more interested in plants and stuff. The kind of 'did you know' plates were fun! The only thing i can have a little but is that not all of the plants are taken care of the way they should be
A must visit place if you like conservatories and flora fauna varieties. Very well kept and maintained place with great number of plant species. I was amazed to see the quality of the plants in a cold climate like Scotland has. Beautiful flowers and some really oddball plants and trees. Someone has seriously put aome good thought into it and the staff seems to maintain it well too. No entry fee, but it’s run on donations. Takes about an hour to get through it. Will surely visit again!
I love the botanical gardens in Aberdeen - one of my favourite places to visit! I would really recommend to anyone who is here - even for a few days. To top it off, it's also completely free and family-friendly. Seriously, one of my favourite botanical garden in Scotland. The cacti area is a must see - it always amazes guests. The adjacent cafe is also quite cute and has good sweets/dessert. I think it would make a great place for a first date!
Absolutely fabulous place to visit. Well worth a donation to keep it open to the public. Immaculately kept plants that were interesting to see and well labelled. The cafe was great to visit too with a great vegan cake selection for people with intollerances.
David Welch Winter Gardens is one of the largest indoor winter gardens in Europe and is located in Duthie Park, Aberdeen. It is a perfect place to explore an impressive variety of tropical and subtropical plants, including cacti, palm trees, and carnivorous plants. The gardens are arranged in several themed sections, such as the Japanese garden and greenhouses with exotic plants. It is an ideal space to relax, especially on cold or rainy days, offering a refuge filled with greenery and color all year round.
Footdee
5. Footdee
Neighborhoods
The Gordon Highlanders Museum
6. The Gordon Highlanders Museum
4.8
(732)
Museum
Army museum
Interactive maps, uniforms and weaponry displays tracing the 200-year history of the army regiment.
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The Gordon Highlanders Museum is an absolutely extraordinary experience that left me deeply impressed from start to finish. Every exhibit is thoughtfully curated, vividly bringing to life the rich history and valiant spirit of the Gordon Highlanders regiment. I was particularly amazed by the outdoor trench replicas — they provide a powerful, immersive glimpse into the harsh realities faced by soldiers, making history feel incredibly tangible and real. Beyond the indoor displays, the beautifully maintained surrounding gardens create a peaceful and reflective atmosphere that perfectly complements the museum’s powerful storytelling. The blend of engaging exhibits and serene outdoor spaces makes this museum a must-visit for anyone interested in military history or Scottish heritage. Truly, it’s a place where history breathes and honors those who served with extraordinary dedication.
Great museum for visitors interested in military history and Scottish cultural history. There are many friendly and knowledgeable staff members to answer questions. Beautiful sitting garden and nice cafe.
an absolutely amazing Museum on top 5-Star Attraction in Aberdeen, the Museum tells the extraordinary 200 year story of “the Finest Regiment in the World!” ...moving through the history of the Gordans Highlanders all major conflicts and peacekeeping ...definitely recommend visiting this when in the area ...staff were amazing and great little cafe as well
Cannot recommend it highly enough. What an incredibly warm welcome, which continued, (I also quickly visited the cafe, where i had a tasty but generous slice of cake) I met some museum managers as I explored, we chatted about the events and history, was even offered a Christmas chocolate by staff as I left. Lots of history, but the visit made by the people. The museum used the last few years wisely, the presentation of the galleries is great, easy to read interpretation, with clear font, graphics and nicely laid out cabinets. It feels updated and modern, yet has lots on display to appeal to history lovers. Also great if you like swords and silverware.
Superb museum of military history. Stunning displays and a vast amount of knowledge from the guides. I thoroughly recommend a visit here. The collections they have are amazing.
My mother was a Gordon, so it was important for me to check out this museum. I had an incredible personal guide named Jim who not only told me all the stories but we joked around. It was great fun.
Alot of history in this museum to learn and look at. The look at the different era since regiment was formed to the present day is staggering, the amount of warfare these soldiers have had to endure worldwide time and time again. There are volunteers scattered through the museum to explain the artifacts on display and if you wish they will take you outside to see a replica of a ww1/ww2 trench like he did for me, letting me hold a rifle and put on helmet in officer room to get a feel of weight of some of the kit in the war. The regiment silver is in a dedicated room on its own, along with separate room explaining the different fire arms, swords and knifes used to fight over the evolved centuries of war. Well worth a visit.
A wonderful museum with an impressive collection. The building itself is pretty and has all the modern amenities which allow comfortable experience for guests of every age/ability. There's a lot to see inside, but it's not overdone. All exhibition rooms are well-designed and very aesthetic. There are also some interactive elements. I have to say you don't need to be a military freak to enjoy this. A lot of stuff like the silverware collection or little bits and pieces of soldiers' equipment can be interesting to everyone. I however am a freak so I especially enjoyed the weapons collection, medals from many different campaigns and of course the famous WW1 trench which is located on the outside. Sadly it was raining when I visited so I didn't take pictures, but on the other hand it only added to the experience. Hats off to the folks who designed and built it, it's a work of art. There was a young guide with us, who was super-passionate about WW1 and had a great storytelling talent. For more sensitive audience and kids this may be a slightly heavy topic, so keep that in mind. All in all, one of Aberdeen's top attractions. A definite must-see.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery
7. Royal Lochnagar Distillery
4.7
(315)
Distillery
Food & Drink
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On my way to visit the Balmoral Castle, I was recommended to see this place for tasting. As you recognise, this place has got “royal” title which is quite rare among the distilleries. Once I stepped in, the staff was amazing and very helpful. I ve also got nice tricks for tasting a scotch and my point of view to whiskey is totally positively changed. I know what I am not supposed to do while drinking scotch anymore ☺️ Thanks everyone there
Visiting Royal Lochnagar Distillery was an absolute highlight of our trip. The distillery is charming, beautifully located, and rich in history. The tour was very well organized, with clear explanations of the whisky-making process and a welcoming atmosphere throughout. We especially appreciated how everything was presented with such detail and passion, which made the experience both educational and enjoyable. Stuart, our guide, was excellent and added to the overall quality of the visit. A must-see for anyone interested in Scotch whisky and Scottish heritage!
Hung out with Stuart (guide) here for an afternoon. Wonderfully self-deprecating humor, he had. Lovely walk from the castle nearby and you get 15% off if you show your castle ticket. Incredibly mild, but still complex whiskies. Great old distillery with lots of history, exposed stone and wood. I think I’ll have another.
Phenomenal experience learning about whiskey and sampled excellent batches! If you love whiskey I highly recommend. Our guide Marie was fantastic!
Very nice small batch distillery that offers a nice tour and tastings experience. Bar and restaurant on site. Staff is informative and very friendly.
This was our first distillery tour after only doing whiskey tastings, and it exceeded our expectations. Annie was outstanding—knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate, which made the visit memorable. The distillery is one of the oldest still using traditional methods, and it was a privilege to see the process up close. We enjoyed the entire tour, and Annie’s clear explanations and warm personality made it even better. Highly recommended.
It was great experience, small distillery, really cozy and visit is highly personalized. We made the tour with Dave, wonderful guy
Our distillery tour guide, Annie, was fantastic and extremely knowledgeable. Nice but small gift shop, free parking, clean bathrooms, and we enjoyed trying their products in their tasting room.
Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate (National Trust for Scotland)
8. Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate (National Trust for Scotland)
4.6
(3101)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Castle with turrets, gargoyles, 16th-century painted ceilings and ancient, great yew hedges.
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Wowzer. What an amazing garden! This is a must see walled garden. It’s exceptional. The castle is interesting too since it features many of the older sections unlike some of the other castles. It would be nice if they’d add a recorded tour at some point, but the signage was good. All in all it was a great stop. I only wished we’d left more time to walk some of the wooded trails.
The sun was splitting the sky today so we decided to visit Crathes Castle & Estate. The location was very busy as there were extra activities on in the grounds, bouncy things of several shapes and sizes, face painting, arts and crafts etc. It Is a self guided tour through the castle going up one set of very tight circular stairs and returning back down to ground level on a second set of stairs. You do need good mobility to manage these stairs. All the rooms were temperature and humidity controlled to try and preserve the fabrics and furnishings within each room. All the items were most interesting to see but not as old as those in Glamis castle. One advantage of this castle Is that you may take photographs except for one small area. After we completed the tour the heat from the sun guided us to the nearby ice cream vendor followed by a walk around the gardens. The gardens are large and are the home to many exotic plants, trees and shrubs. It Is a full time job for five volunteer gardeners to keep the gardens and grounds in such a wondrous condition. We finished off the day with a quick snack in the cafe. Soft drinks, cakes and cappuccino were enjoyed at a leisurely pace. A great day out, highly recommended.
What a great castle, so well kept and the staff are so full of knowledge The gardens are fabulous and I would suggest a while day, half day at least in the castle if you want to read all the details and do it justice, then a good couple of hours minimum in the gardens. Also great walks around the area also and. A lovely cafe.
This was an absolutely lovely location to come for a day out. The place was really busy due to a family fun day event being on, but there was still so much open space that you never felt hemmed in or on top of other visitors. The lady in the gift shop, and indeed all of the staff we encountered, were very friendly and happy to help us out. The only sad thing was that, whilst the garden was amazing, me and my wife couldn't go in together because we brought our dog. I feel that it should be the case that as long as your dog is kept on a short lead, is well behaved, and they are picked up after (which should be the case on the whole estate anyway) then they should be allowed in the gardens too. Overall a lovely site to visit.
i absolutely loved this castle ...the painted ceilings are just amazing ...Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle provides a memorable experience with its towers, turrets and stories of its resident ghosts. King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323: the ancient Horn of Leys, which can be seen today in the Great Hall, marks his gift. Inside you’ll find a labyrinth of cultural history, from family portraits to fine antique furniture. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable a sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702. Crathes Castle Estate was once part of the Royal Forest of Drum. Today there are a range of waymarked and clearly signposted trails. Look out for wildlife along the way – you may see red squirrels, woodpeckers and herons.
We are having a family holiday in Crathes. My wife and I have spent the last two days driving to here, so were pleased of a quiet day. After breakfast, we walked along the Deeside Way, a relatively flat walk from Aberdeen to Ballater, which was as far as the Deeside Railway went. Queen Victoria didn't want the railway to spoil the countryside around Balmoral. We soon came across Crathes signal box now a private residence and the remains if the platforms. Walking on, we came to a fork, with the Deeside Way going left over a pack horse bridge or right, under the road. Little did we realise what a difference taking the right fork would make. Continuing on our walk we came across the Milton of Crathes, a selection of independent shops. From here, we passed some railway carriages and still no signs directing us to the castle. Eventually, we came out beside the main road at Banchory, nearly four Mike's away. It was a very day and would get hotter as the day went on. We asked a local lad which way to the castle and he directed us up a road. It was not the main entrance but one used countries ago. It was a long uphill climb through the welcoming shade of huge trees of all descriptions. Eventually, we arrived at the castle and it looked very different to other castles we have visited. The castle is steeped in history, the one notable thing being it was lived in by the same family for centuries. We had a walk around inside, partly to cool off and partly to find out more about its history. We had a fascinating journey throughout most of the castle. The most fascinating were the painted ceilings, especially the Room of the Nine Nobles, based on great heroes from the past and the Muses' Room, with paintings of nine Muses and seven Virtues. From here, we walked to the cafe to get refreshments, but could believe the scores of wasps making most families lives a misery. In all my years, I have never so many wasps in one place. We drank up and departed for the welcoming shade of a hirse chestnut tree where we ate our lunch. From here, we walked down to the garden where a token allows families access to the gardens. The tokens can be collected from the main desk. The garden is a place of wonder, as with every turn, you see something different and interesting. You can see the castle from different angles which is a treat. Considering the hot sommer we are experiencing, the gardeners have produced a magnificent show for everyone. It seemed every colour was on view, depending on the flowers and which garden beds we were at. We even passed a couple getting married in a centre piece of the garden. We were intrigued by two large bushes close together at the side nearest the castle. It was while we were sat in the gsrden entrance building that we found the answer. The trees were planted in the 1700, and clipped in what we would describe as small urns. (They obviously had some meaning!!) Today, one is an egg sitting on a eggcup and the other is waiting for an egg. We much prefer the latter version. From here, we walked down the main path, the white trail, to the main entrance , stopping to look at the Highland cattle. We came across a bridge which I guess would have been part of the old road. Underneath, water from the large pond flowed down to the river. We followed a path and lo and behold came out at the road bridge we saw earlier on. We were no walking home knowing we didn't have as long a walk as this morning. By now, the heat was building, so a shorter walk was very welcome. Crathes Castle is an interesting place to visit, with lots of space to run around. There is a children's play area and well behaved dogs are welcomed. Crathes Castle has a cafe catering for all tastes and a great gift shop, selling a range of gifts and food.
We didn't go to the castle but WHAT a garden! We went twice and even in the space of 10 days there were different things to see. Absolute must for garden enthusiasts, whether you enjoy the formal topiary or the amazing themed borders. We chatted for a long time with the volunteers, who were very informative. Will happily come back again and again.
Crathes is my favourite castle in the Shire. There are so many woodland trails as well as the incredible walled garden and an atmospheric cafe. The gardens-only tickets cost £7.50 per person, plus £5 for all day parking. The gardens aren't dog friendly, but the rest of the estate is.
Balmedie Country Park
9. Balmedie Country Park
4.7
(857)
Country park
Outdoor Activities
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Fantastic beach, dunes. You can walk for miles. On the weekend the Sand Bothy is open for a wee coffee and snack after a play in the park.
Loved it. Beautiful day. Did not like the parking bollards to get through to the car park far too close. Toilets could be modernised and smell better. The beach makes up for it though.
Lovely, nice open and scenic country park with plenty of sand dunes, flowers, and other wildlife. We were really impressed with the biodiversity that this park is home to. There’s a small tuck shop, but it’s only open on weekends, which is fair enough because it’s staffed by volunteers. The only thing that lets this place down in my mind, is the toilets. They’re really really grim. The cubicles didn’t lock properly; there was running water, but no soap; while there was technically toilet paper, it hadn’t been fed through the dispenser, so it was inaccessible; there was blood on the floor (no sanitary bins provided) ; the toilet button needed to be held down for 30 seconds to flush properly. It’s a real shame because the park itself was lovely!
Nice place for family picnic. There are benches and a barbecue area, a playground and a coffee kiosk nearby run by volunteers. Can grab all your family and a bog for having a great time
Fantasticly Huge, vast sand dunes all leading to a wonderfully beautiful long sandy beach, add in sunshine and you have a venue well worth a visit
Fine golden sand. Beautiful dunes. Elegant wind turbines gently turning in the wind. Avert your eyes from the adjacent golf course.
All was great, except for the dirty beach - birds remainings and moreover dogs feces were not something you expect to see at a family-friendly place. The gents toilet was dirty too, so my husband regretted taking our toddler there (we had our travel potty with us). The ladies toilet was locked at all. To be honest, I wouldn't mind paying a fee for the toilets at the Balmedie Country Park if it makes it cleaner (=safer for children).
Loved our visit here. We went off season so it was super quiet, just some dog walkers passing by. The dunes are amazing to see, but would definitely recommend sticking to the paths as there are some steep drops. Plenty of parking, but a tight squeeze to actually get into it.
Duthie Park
10. Duthie Park
4.7
(4490)
Park
Nature & Parks
Park featuring an expansive lawn area, playgrounds for kids & both indoor & outdoor gardens.
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Duthie Park in Aberdeen is one of the city's most popular and beautiful green spaces. Opened in 1883, the park is known for its expansive open spaces, scenic walking paths, and beautifully maintained gardens. It offers a variety of attractions, including the David Welch Winter Gardens, one of the largest indoor gardens in Europe, where visitors can explore exotic plants from around the world. The park also features a boating pond, children's play areas, and ornamental ponds, making it a great destination for families. Its Victorian design, complete with statues and floral displays, adds a touch of historical charm. Duthie Park is perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities, providing a peaceful escape close to the city center.
Duthie Park Winter Gardens is such a unique and beautiful spot for a wedding! Lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and the most gorgeous natural light—it’s like stepping into a little tropical paradise in the heart of Aberdeen. The atmosphere is so relaxed and romantic, making it the perfect backdrop for capturing love stories. Easily one of my favourite spots to photograph, and it never disappoints!
Peaceful and Beautiful Family Spot Duthie Park is a charming green oasis in Aberdeen—immaculately kept, with lovely flower beds, wide lawns, and serene pathways. The highlight is the breathtaking David Welch Winter Gardens, perfect for a nature escape. Great for family strolls, picnics, or quiet relaxation. Free to visit and easily accessible—highly recommended!
I have never been to Duthie Park despite going to school in Bridge of Don and visiting family in the city over the years. I forgot there is a winter garden and I was impressed by how lovely it was. Enjoyed the cafe too - great coffee and lovely cakes
I absolutely loved the Winter Garden on a cold and grey November Saturday morning. Sadly the talking Cactus had a weekend off but this didn't dull the fun for my 2 young grand daughters. Just a lovely peaceful place to sit in.
Good place to walk, jogging, relax, play arrears, cycling etc etc… Also specially the “Temperature House” bring a huge value the place.
Was great, I was up there when doing the kilt walk an was really nice despite the heavy rain had lovely day an beautiful sites an things to do an close to shops also, ado recommend going if get the chance people were really warm an friendly
Amazingly calm and has it's own charm specially the covered winter garden in it. Feel like lost in the warmth of the nature. Be there with kids, dogs, friends or alone... doesn't matter. It's a lovely place to be. Recommended. Special note - if you aren't aware of it's history then do find out while you are there. 😊🙏🏻👍🏻 ❤️
Peterhead Prison Museum
11. Peterhead Prison Museum
4.8
(1977)
History museum
Museums
Visitors can see cells, court room & hospital on a self-guided audio tour of a 19th-century prison.
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Visited on a Saturday and took the 12:30 guided tour of the Prison. There were about 12 or so people on the tour, and the guide was an ex-prison officer. You can just go through the museum yourself wearing headphones to hear a commentary, but I would highly recommend you take the guided tour because you will hear so much more about the prison and it’s inmates from someone who actually worked there along with some great anecdotes. Plus you can ask questions too that you wouldn’t be able to if you go self-guided… Our guide was very good. Guided tour lasted 1 & 1/2 hrs and there’s a cafe at the end, serving a great selection of meals,cakes,snacks and hot and cold drinks. Very reasonably priced too. There is also a lifeboat museum within the prison to visit too. Definitely worth visiting the museum and taking the guided tour option. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Brilliant experience. Well recommend to visit. Staff were so helpful and amazing. There was no problem at all to leave my stuff save with them. Lots to see and learn. I’ve just went myself with audio headset and enjoyed everything. There is so much to see, but I’ll not be spoiling it with photos. Thank you !
A really great museum with helpful and friendly staff. The audio tour was interesting and kept my kids, aged 7, entertained for about an hour and a half. They have short attention spans and get fed up easily, so this was a good achievement!
This was a surprisingly fantastic venue to visit for all ages of the party from 7 years old to 67 years! You can go at your own pace, the route is clearly marked out and the extra kids puzzle kit kept them engaged with their surroundings. Definitely recommended as an easy way to kill a few hours with the family.
Very interesting visit. Audio guided tour gave insight as to how prisoners were treated and the way they were treated. The cells were spartan to sat the least, allied to a very tough regime I felt claustrophobic after the 90 minutes tour!
What a unique museum to visit with fantastic staff. David,our guide, was a prison guard a few years after the infamous riot. His dry humour and Doric twang was great. Seeing the prison was such an interesting experience, I am really glad I went along. You can choose to have a tour with a guide which is slightly more expensive or an audio tour. I would recommend paying for the guide as they will be able to answer your questions about daily life within the small group they take around. After they have given you the tour you are allowed to explore the prison yourself after being left at the Cafe at the end. I would leave yourself some time after the tour to go around and take it all in. There are a lot of newspaper cuttings and various things the prisoners and guards have put together after doing further research of the prison's history. If you are in Aberdeenshire go and see it, not many other places like it.
Loved it... Have been before but its really great to go and look around so did the tour with some italian friends had a really nice day really pleasant and friendly staff too 😊 great 👍
Great guided tour! The tour guide was very knowledgeable (great being toured by someone who worked there when it was in use as a prison). Really educational and fascinating! Entrance toilets were lovely and clean and the staff were all really friendly and helpful! Highly recommend visiting here as a tourist or as a local!
Loch Muick
12. Loch Muick
4.9
(259)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Natural lake at the mountainous foot of Lochnagar, with walking routes & wildlife such as grouse.
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A must do walk (if you are able). Stunning scenery. We walked the 8 mile circular route around the Loch. Note at the South East corner the wide path narrows significantly and becomes a single file rocky path. It took us 2 hrs 45 mins at a steady pace. There are a few other routes available. (See map attached) A North Easterly wind on the day made a pleasant 10 degrees feel chilly and jackets were required. Of course 5 mins later the sun was out and jackets off. 😆 There is parking for around 200 cars in three separate cars parks. It costs £5 for a day ticket. Highly Recommend. 😎
Brilliant walk, amazing views across various trails, lots of them to choose from. Some shorter than others but most are lengthy so if that's your thing then go for it! The one around the loch offers great views and the difficulty is rather easy so good for beginner walkers. We walked up to the top of black hill and then back down and around the loch which was quite lengthy but worth it, especially the walk around the loch. The view from up black hill was great but you'd probably get better ones from atop different peaks around the area. Overall a brilliant experience, stunning nature views and a great glance at the estate.
Beautiful, we did the 8 mile circuit around the Loch, with bikes. Not one of my best ideas but worth it,
Best and moderate trekking place with amazing views if you're near to Aberdeen and shire. 2 major routes one is circuit and the other is getting to top and both are very reachable and can be done with in 4-5 hours combined. If you're lucky you will see stags - largest I've seen in scotland from that close
We came on a little family holiday to Ballater, my son being obsessed with nature was desperate to see some Red deer stags. We were told by so many people that the stags would be hiding away in the hills but today we got lucky. The walk, the views, the wildlife was just breathtaking. The weather was mostly sunny with showers of rain, windy but warm. Would 100% recommend a visit.
It is worth visiting, leaving the car in the car park. Walk 15-20 minutes to the lake. Spectacular views, only it rained the whole way.
We had a memorable time together hiking around Loch Muick. We walked from Ballater to the loch which took us around 4 hours. We enjoyed our hike, deers running around and the natural beauty around loch.
Beautiful loch around an hour and a half west of Aberdeen. Well worth a visit and a walk up the southern side gives stunning views of the Loch below.
His Majesty's Theatre
13. His Majesty's Theatre
4.6
(2406)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Large, refurbished Edwardian theatre hosting classic drama, musicals, opera and dance productions.
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We went to watch the six musical. My daughter loved it! The theater is massive! Pick your seat wisely..we had the seats at the top at the back I didn't expect it to be so high..I got a bit anxious about it but it was fine. The seats are a bit dated and needing a bit of a refresh but all in all was a good theater and show.
The theatre was easy to get into to, button operated door. The only issue I encountered was the disabled toilet in the foyer corridor was very hard to get into. It was a narrow corridor and the door opened out into the corridor. I had to wheel past the door turn face on open pull the door and wheel backwards to pull door back against the wall. As there wasn't enough room to open door and stay facing the opening then wheel in while pulling the door from fully against the wall to closed. Then do the same to get out, while trying not to hit other patrons. Another wheelchair user had to drive about a meter forward so I could open the door fully to get out, they then had to reverse into the toilet as had to room to turn around. The toilet right beside the seats was fantastic, very spacious and room to maneuver the door. The staff were brilliant at helping me find my space and offering assistance with doors and where things were. My seat had an amazing view, was on a slightly raised platform so I could see above everyone's heads. If you're going to see the lion the witch and the wardrobe, you will love it. Would recommend this theatre for wheelchair users, very accesible. Jut use the toilet near the seats for easier use.
Great evening out seeing Six. Sat in the upper circle where we had a good view of the stage. Leg room was okay, seat cushions very comfortable. Felt fine for an 80 minute single act show. Everyone friendly and helpful.
We had seats up in the balcony it’s a bit of a climb although there is a lift that takes you half way but if your mobility is not great I’d recommend seats lower down. Despite the climb the view was good and certainly didn’t spoil the show. Absolutely fantastic and will definitely be back for more shows in the future.
Went to see "book of mormon" fantastic and we had a very enjoyable time. Staff friendly and helpful.
A beautiful building, lovely helpful staff, comfortable seating amd a huge variety of shows to pick and choose from. Excellent venue.
Grand theatre built in 1906. Staff were helpful and friendly. The show we saw was spectacular (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). Very beautiful and well maintained. A jewel in Aberdeen!
A beautiful building inside and out (full of history). The architecture is exquisite and very beautiful (inside and outside). They hold wonderful plays and musicals here as they are filled with powerful performances from everyone. The previous musical I just saw was "Bat Out of Hell." It was amazing with a beautiful script (story) with wonderful Meatloaf songs ( brings back happy memories to me with my Nan). The cast had powerful voices as they really pulled it off. I would 100% see this musical again as it was my first time seeing this musical. The staff at His Majesty's were very friendly and helpful when I asked them where the terrace is so I could collect my pre - ordered drinks in intermission (all you have to do is go to the bar before your show starts and pre-order your drinks there, it will automatically go to the terrace. It saves having to join a queue). They even pointed out where the terrace was, which was a big help.
Braemar Castle
14. Braemar Castle
4.4
(996)
Temporarily Closed
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Elegant 17th-century castle, owned by the chief of Clan Farquharson and containing many antiques.
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We were actually on our way to visit the Linn of Dee when by chance, we saw this castle nestling in the trees. It was a gem and definitely worth visiting. We paid for parking before the short walk to the castle, passing the Fog House, a small timber building the owners used to show their visitors the countryside. Back to the castle, we paid for our visit and with a guide sheet, we had to follow the custom. Before every person or family start their tour, they have to ding the Braemar Castle "ships bell" just outside the main door. (The bell is from the SS Braemar Castle which was sold for scrap in 1924). With the bell rung, we began our tour. What was interesting was "how homely" the rooms felt, like visiting an elderly relatives home. Although the castle was small, good use of the round towers was made, as washing places. There were some interesting facts to note as we walked around. This Castle is community funded and volunteer run. They have a little shop offering a small selection of gifts. There is a small children play area with a chess set. This is a place that's worth visiting.
Very nice well kept castle. Well worth the entrance fee to help with the upkeep. Very friendly and helpful team who welcome you in from the outside. You can walk around yourself or pay for a guide. We chose to just take our selves around. Lots of interesting rooms and history ! Well worth a visit !
It was a nice surprise. We did not plan to visit it but you cannot miss it from the road. The tour is about 30mn , but you can easily spent 1h. You will find a lot of history details about Scotland, and the clan living here. I loved the room about the clan with all the weapons and rocks.
I've been to many historical sites on my Scotland visits but the staff and volunteers here are amazing. The presentation given by the staff for people unable to make the tour were phenomenal! A special thanks to ol' Morris for keeping the castle safe and an even bigger thanks to the community that makes this site accessible for anyone. The rich history of the site is amazing and the knowledge of the staff and volunteers is an absolute treat for any visitors.
We had a wonderful tour with Doreen through the castle. She told us so much that we probably would not have known or noticed on our own. We love that the castle is run by the local community.
Beautifully restored castle and fantastic visitor experience. Excellent self-guided tour with the aid of the Bloomberg Connects mobile app, which has floor plans, audio and video guides to each of the Castle's sympathetically restored rooms. It's worth downloading the app and multimedia content before you visit. I recommend bringing your own personal headphones to listen to the audio on your mobile device as I wasn't sure if they provided equipment. I thought the admission price was quite reasonable considering the entry and parking fees go towards the vital upkeep of the castle, which is under community care. The staff guides are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Stepping into Braemar Castle is like turning the pages of a captivating history book. We were taken on a journey that showed us how this impressive structure transformed from a no-nonsense redcoat garrison into a glamorous high-society escape. The stories of its Royal visitors and the many colorful characters who lived within its walls are brought to life by the knowledgeable guides. If you want to get a true feel for the history of the area and the people who shaped it, a visit to Braemar Castle is an absolute must. It's a truly memorable experience. There is a paid parking area outside the castle entrance.
Beautiful castle, easy walk from the carpark, plenty information along the walk. Unfortunately didn't get inside the castle, but was. Great to see the set up, and the garden.
Codona's
15. Codona's
4.0
(3146)
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Classic rides like a Ferris wheel, waltzers & bumper cars, plus a go-karting track & indoor arcade.
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Great place for family entertainment. Slot machines , pool tables , electric go carts and more. Restaurants inside serve great burgers and drinks. There are a lot of different entertainment options, like bowling or electronic darts. For all age groups. We spent two days out there and it was fun. Definitely recommend!
Mini golf- spacious outdoor area. Needs a bit of a refreshment. The surface has a lot of holes and bumpy bits. Some have no marks of where to start. Karting- they’re extremely slow. We had fun though. Indoor games- nice variety of games and tickets that can be exchanged for prices. Bumper cars were the highlight for my nephew. We went back several times. Francis was very friendly and ensured we had a pleasant experience.
It's good but when you buy your pass you can only pick 1 off the good things like the race cars or laser quest. I ended up spending an extra £40 for my boys to go to laser quest and bowling. It's good but prepare to spend extra money there the pass is good but you still need money to go on some things. Food was ok but bought the boys coke zero it was £2 each for a small glass like 3 moth fulls.
Cute a nice amusement park, got bowling,mini golf, pool tables ,lazer-tag, go-carts. Many food options and a bar. Its good to check for the bundles , cause you can get good prices if you are planning to spend a long day there trying everything.
We really enjoyed ourselves today. My Son's first time and he loved every minute of it. The park was clean and tidy with very welcoming staff, especially the gentleman operating the Ferris wheel and the lady operating the waltzers. We had a good laugh with them both and they made us feel most welcome. Will definitely be back, five stars!!
We had a great time at Codona’s Amusement Park recently. Siddharth at the park was very helpful and made sure our kids enjoyed all the rides. Thank you, Siddharth, for your help! We had a wonderful experience overall.
Not what it use to be. Gone are the exciting rides, killer arcades and Rambo land. In with the gambling machines, painfully safe rides and soft play areas. Definitely for a modern "smart phone" society with a small attention span.
Perfect place for kids! 🎠 My son had an amazing time with the rides, arcade games, and mini golf. It’s very safe, clean, and the staff were kind and helpful. A great spot in Aberdeen for a fun family day out!
Drum Castle, Garden & Estate (National Trust for Scotland)
16. Drum Castle, Garden & Estate (National Trust for Scotland)
4.6
(1504)
Castle
Nature & Parks
Jacobean mansion with lavishly furnished rooms and 13th-century tower, plus woodland trails.
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Good parking. Easy to find. Beautiful castle. Interesting history and great tour guide. Beautiful gardens. Photos are allowed. A few stairs but not tiny spiral staircases if that’s an issue for you. Nice facilities and cafe.
We enjoyed our visit to Drum Castle. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly and we found the information interesting. Unfortunately, it was pouring cats and dogs when we finished, so although we did make our way to the gardens it was hard to enjoy them with the weather. That said, you could tell that the walled rose garden was a special place and the water garden we passed was quite peaceful. The only reason I’m rating this a 4 vs a 5 is because there are a few other walled gardens that are larger with more variety for the avid gardener. My only recommendation would be for the tour guide to end the tour with more info about what we could find outside. The walled garden is a short walk from the castle and could easily be missed. We just happened to ask about it.
This castle is definitely worth a visit. The gardens are beautiful, blooming with flowers on our visit in August, and humming with bees and lovely butterflies. The access to the interior is by guided tour only, but it is well worth doing the 45 minute tour. Our guide was informative, and entertaining. Entry and parking is free for NT members.
Very cool. Like all national trust for Scotland castles in the North East it’s a beauty in some of the best looking land in the world. This was has a few extras that make it a bit more special mostly the private chapel and the wood play ground. But has the usual stunning architecture, interesting owners, fascinating history, great furniture, walled garden, gift shop and great staff. A beautiful drive to get there as well.
We had a wonderful tour led by Cameron. Humorous and educational. Engaging and just long enough without dragging on. We would’ve liked the ability to go self-guided; however, this was a great experience overall.
Cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. there 700 years of history in one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses. Drum Castle has something for everyone, from the medieval High Hall to modern art exhibitions. The original 13th-century tower of Drum Castle has been suggested as the work of medieval architect Richard Cementarius, who built the Brig o' Balgownie, the first Bridge of Don, in Old Aberdeen....this was one amazing castle to visit...definitely worth a visit
An amazing place to visit. Highly recommended. The grounds are idyllic. You are guided around the Castle by an informative guide who made the whole experience entertaining. The grounds are amazing and such a joy to explore.
The playground is uniquely designed using only natural materials. It was great, and the children really enjoyed it. The castle gardens were filled with the beautiful scent of roses, and the whole place was lovely.
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