Aberdeen is a fiercely proud Scottish city, the third largest in the country after Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Traditions are a treasured part of daily life, whether it’s a hearty serving of neeps and tatties, or an evening of celidh dancing.
The Granite City
The detailed history of this area stretches back at least 8,000 years, but perhaps the most famous period of Aberdeen’s past revolves around the lucrative grey granite quarry nearby.
Many of the city’s buildings were built using this local stone – as well as other landmarks further afield, including the Houses of Parliament in London.
The Aberdeen City Council offices are a granite masterpiece, with intricate stonework around the façade, fountains spurting up from the ground and victorious statues of Robert the Bruce, famous warrior and King of Scots, on his stallion flanking the entranceway.
In the heart of the city, His Majesty’s Theatre stands on Rosemount Viaduct, a towering building featuring grand granite and copper-topped domes. Around the corner is Union Bridge, built in 1805 with black leopard statues perched along the edges, fondly known as Kelly’s Cats in honour of the bridge’s designer.
Exploring the coast
Scotland may not be famed for its sun, but in summer the local seaside can be incredibly inviting. It’s perfect for long walks down the beach with an ice cream, or a wholesome serving of crispy battered fish and chips.
At the bottom end of the bay and across the mouth of the River Dee, meanwhile, is one of the most picturesque settings on the Aberdeenshire Coast. South Breakwater lighthouse stands out in the ocean, white foaming waves crashing over the long, stone pier connecting it to the shore.
Whether the sky is dusky pink, brilliant blue or enshrouded in eerie fog, this isolated landmark is utterly entrancing.
You can also head through the arches of Codonas Amusement Park for a quintessential day at the fairground against the backdrop of the North Sea. A firm family favourite since the 1970s, you can zoom around on the dodgem cars, take a cheeky holiday snap in the face-in-the-hole boards, and see the city from above on the giant Ferris wheel.
Aberdeen is also home to a stretch of coastal golf courses where you can take a swing, including Murcar Links and Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
Formidable fortresses
Aberdeen is surrounded by countless castles and historic ruins that are well worth a visit.
Perhaps most famous is Balmoral Castle, the ivy-covered granite palace frequented by the Royal Family. During the summer, you can pay to go inside – though, regardless of the season, you can explore the cool blue lakes, weathered moors and gushing waterfalls of the surrounding Cairngorms National Park.
Worlds away from the pristine setting of Balmoral, though no less beautiful, the dramatic clifftop sight of Dunnottar Castle lies half an hours’ drive south from Aberdeen on the A90. The crumbling ruins of this medieval fortress make for extraordinary views against the Scottish coast, while its eventful past saw it play host to kings and queens, and defy Oliver Cromwell.
Explore the Granite City, the scenic coast of Scotland and beyond when you hire a car in Aberdeen.
