5 ways to spend summer in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Hello summer! The summer days are near endless in this northern part of Scotland as the sun rises at 4am and sets at 10pm. This is place of many experiences; a bustling city that’s Granite sparkles in the bright summer sun. A never-ending coastline lined with fishing villages, great dunes and beaches. And a majestic countryside loved by the Royals and packed with opportunities to venture the great outdoors.

To really get you into that summer state of mind we're giving you five ways to spend your summer break in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this year...

1. Unwinding with the sand and waves 

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You don't have to go to the Mediterranean to find those dreamy golden beaches and tranquil blue seas. Once named “one of the world’s outstanding coastlines” the Aberdeenshire coast stretches 165 miles - even through the city. Spot urban dolphins just off the city beach, visit quaint fishing villages, take on great dunes and visit famous film locations.

2. Escaping and roaming free

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Take that much-needed break and get back to nature when you venture out into the crisp fresh air in Aberdeenshire. Take in views for miles as you bag Munros, scale legends, cycle through forests or stride out along wide sands. Hiking, riding, mountain-biking, gliding, kayaking, surfing, kiteboarding…the list goes on.

3. Experiencing ancient traditions

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Festivals and events are deeply rooted in our people and in our culture. An ancient tradition honoured for centuries, our internationally famous Highland Games continue to be important dates in our summer events calendar. Attending one of the Highland Games will give you a feel for our rich Scottish culture with highland dancing, the caber toss, tug-o-war and many other sports.

4. Finding your perfect Scottish castle

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Deep in an ancient pine forest, beside a fastflowing river, on a mountain pass, among rich rolling farmland, and perched on cliffs above the sea. These are some of the spectacular settings for Aberdeenshire’s castles: there have been more here per acre than anywhere else in the British Isles. With long days and warm evenings, summer is the perfect time to start castle-bagging!

5. Sampling our finest local produce alfresco

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Full-flavoured, hearty and comforting, we’re known for our quality local produce. For the scale of our arable land with Aberdeen Angus Beef and wild game. For our fresh seafood – shellfish, salmon and trout. And of course, for our whisky distilleries and as the home of BrewDog. Pack a picnic or pull up a chair as you sample our finest local produce alfresco - in the city centre, along the coast or in the heart of the countryside... the world is your oyster.

To find out what else you can do in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this summer just go to www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do.

All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.