We all love the summer holidays – but trying to keep the family entertained during the school break can see costs mount up. We’ve compiled a list of great places to go to in Aberdeen that won’t cost the earth.
Visit Aberdeen Beach
Instead of flocking to the arcades this summer, take the family along the boulevard for an afternoon stroll.
There’s surprisingly plenty to do at Aberdeen beach that doesn’t involve splashing a bit of cash.
If the weather holds up why not head on to the sand – and if the temperature is right and you’re feeling brave – dip your toes into the North Sea!
Footdee
Wander around the old fishing village of Footdee, or ‘Fittie’ as it’s been fondly named by the locals. The area itself is one of Aberdeen’s most adored gems with traditional cottages lined up and cobblestone alleyways to explore.
It’s a quaint little village just minutes away from the beach, so the itinerary can easily combine a trip to the boulevard and Fittie in a single day.
Stop by Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art Gallery is an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting the city centre. It is home to some of the country’s finest pieces of artwork spanning across 700 years.
Local, national and international artists, designers and makers are all showcased at the venue, which is a treasure trove for contemporary art. The Art Gallery also has a cafe – a perfect way to unwind after touring the facility.
Dolphin spotting at Greyhope Bay and Torry Battery
There are plenty of great places around the north-east to spot dolphins. Among them is the Greyhope Bay Centre in Aberdeen, where it is said that those going along to the centre have an 80% chance of spotting Bottlenose dolphins.
The Torry Battery area offers opportunities to see the marine mammals all year round. Other sightings of wildlife might include seabirds, seals, otters and whales.
Old Aberdeen
Take in the city’s rich history by visiting Old Aberdeen. Walk over the cobbled streets or stop by the Zoology Museum to see the largest international exhibition of zoological specimens in the north of Scotland.
No visit would be complete without stopping to admire Aberdeen’s oldest building in active use – St Machar’s Cathedral.
Go to the park
Aberdeen has no shortage of parks – Duthie, Seaton Hazlehead and Westburn are among the city’s great green spaces.
Whether you want to take the dog for a walk, go for a picnic or let the kids play at one of the city’s fantastic playgrounds there’s plenty to do. There’s also the new £ 1 million playground at Hazlehead to enjoy too. Grab a spot to relax, and enjoy ice cream!
Maritime Museum
Aberdeen Maritime Museum explores the region’s relationship with the sea. Inside,
there is a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fishing and port history.
Visitors can interact with various exhibits through touchscreen consoles and computer visual databases as they are informed all about the North Sea industries.
The David Welch Winter Gardens
Duthie Park’s popular Winter Gardens have been a must-visit attraction in the city for decades. The stunning floral paradise is home to a selection of rare and exotic plants from across the globe, and it even houses one of the biggest Cacti and Succulent collection in Britain.
No visit is complete without stopping by to say hello to talking cactus Spike.
Donmouth Local Nature Reserve
If the beach is a little too crowded this summer, head towards the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve.
Here, you might spot seals, swans and other sorts of wildlife roaming nearby.